Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
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About Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
by the dawn's early light, a large red, white and blue banner? Whose broad stripes and bright stars... were so gallantly streaming...
over Fort McHenry! The valiant defense of the fort during the Battle of Baltimore on September 13-14, 1814 inspired Francis Scott Key to write the words that became the U.S.
national anthem. The fort's history holds many other stories too, from the Civil War to WWII.
Available Activities
Weather
Temperatures and weather in the spring and fall months tend to be mild. Ice, snow, and freezing temperatures can occur during winter. Extreme heat can occur during the summer months.
Inclement weather may impact park hours of operation year round. Refer to the park alerts or call ahead to confirm operating hours.
Getting There
The park is three miles southeast of the Baltimore Inner Harbor and just off I-95. Follow the brown Fort McHenry directional signs along all major routes to the park. From I-95 northbound, take Exit 55 Key Highway and follow Fort McHenry signs.
Plan Your Visit
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Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
Park Grounds and Parking Lot Fall Hours (Labor Day to September 30): 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Park registers for purchasing Star Fort Historic Zone entry or America the Beautiful Passes are open from 9:00 a.m. until 4 p.m. The Star Fort, Visitor Center, gift shop, and restrooms close 15 minutes before the park closes. Closing times indicate when the gates will be closed; all visitors must exit by this time.
Entrance Fees
Entrance - Per Person
Access to the historic zone (where the star fort is located) requires an entrance fee.
Entrance - Non-commercial Groups
There is no group rate for the entrance fee. All groups must pay $15 per adult. Children in the groups are free, however, they must be accompanied by an adult in the historic zone. Interagency passes are allowed to be used to assist with group entry fees.
Commercial Entrance - Per Person
All commercial groups wishing to visitor Fort McHenry NM&HS must first obtain a Commercial Use Authorization (CUA). Groups with an active CUA are subject to the same $15 per person fee to enter the historic zone, however their employees conducting business (tour guides, bus drivers, etc.) are not subject to the entrance fee. Interagency passes may be used to assist with fee payment.
