Things to Do at Fort McHenry National Monument

Complete Guide to Fort McHenry National Monument in Baltimore

About Fort McHenry National Monument

Fort McHenry National Monument offers visitors unique cultural experiences with admission around $12. Free WiFi is available throughout the facility for visitor convenience. The the gentle echo of footsteps on historic flooring while climate-controlled galleries preserve delicate materials throughout your visit. The facility serves as an important cultural hub for the local community, hosting events and educational programs throughout the year.

What to See & Do

Star Fort and Ramparts

Walk along the distinctive five-pointed star-shaped fortification walls for panoramic harbor views and explore the restored casements where soldiers once lived and worked

Flag Ceremony

Watch the daily flag raising and lowering ceremonies - the flag here is genuinely massive and the ceremony gives you a sense of the fort's ongoing significance

Visitor Center and Museum

Start here for context about the War of 1812 and the writing of our national anthem, with artifacts and interactive exhibits that actually enhance your visit to the fort itself

Bombardment Trail

Follow this waterfront path that traces where British ships anchored during their 25-hour attack - you'll get a different perspective on the fort's strategic position

Officer's Quarters

Tour the restored 19th-century living quarters to see how military families lived at the fort, complete with period furnishings that show the human side of military life

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Daily 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, though hours might extend during summer months. The fort grounds stay open until sunset, which is worth noting for those harbor views

Tickets & Pricing

Free admission - it's a National Park Service site. Parking is $15 per vehicle, though you can walk or bike in for free if you're staying nearby

Best Time to Visit

Spring through fall offers the most comfortable weather for walking the ramparts. Summer weekends can get crowded, but early mornings tend to be quieter

Suggested Duration

Plan on 2-3 hours to really take in the fort, museum, and grounds without rushing. You could easily spend longer if you're a history buff or want to enjoy the harbor views

Getting There

Fort McHenry sits 3 miles south of Baltimore's Inner Harbor. You can't easily walk there from downtown, so plan to drive, grab a rideshare, or catch the seasonal water taxi. The drive is interesting-take Key Highway south and you'll pass through some good Baltimore neighborhoods. The water taxi works best. Approaching from the water gives you the same view ships had during the War of 1812. MTA buses reach the fort too, though routes change frequently so check current schedules before you go.

Things to Do Nearby

American Visionary Art Museum
A wonderfully quirky museum celebrating self-taught artists, just a few minutes north of the fort with genuinely surprising and thought-provoking exhibits

Federal Hill Park
Climb this hill across the harbor for what might be Baltimore's most photographed skyline view - it's a short but steep walk that's worth the effort

Inner Harbor
Baltimore's crown jewel with the National Aquarium, historic ships, and waterfront dining - you can easily combine this with your fort visit

Locust Point
The residential neighborhood surrounding the fort has some interesting maritime history and decent restaurants if you want to explore beyond the monument itself

Tips & Advice

The flag ceremonies happen at specific times daily - check the schedule when you arrive since they're genuinely moving to witness

Bring layers even in summer - it can get windy on those ramparts, and the harbor breeze is stronger than you might expect

The parking lot fills up on nice weekend days, so arriving early or later in the afternoon tends to work better

Don't skip the short film in the visitor center - it actually provides helpful context that makes walking around the fort more meaningful