Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
by the dawn's early light, a large red, white and blue banner?
Photo: NPS/ Tim Ervin / NPS
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.
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Driving times from Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, one way, via road — a realistic day is 8–10 hours behind the wheel.
Entrance fees
Entrance - Per Person
$15.00Access to the historic zone (where the star fort is located) requires an entrance fee.
Entrance - Non-commercial Groups
$15.00There 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
$15.00All 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.
Hours
Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
- Mon
- 9:00AM - 5:00PM
- Tue
- 9:00AM - 5:00PM
- Wed
- 9:00AM - 5:00PM
- Thu
- 9:00AM - 5:00PM
- Fri
- 9:00AM - 5:00PM
- Sat
- 9:00AM - 6:00PM
- Sun
- 9:00AM - 6:00PM
Activities
Getting there
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.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to enter Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine?
- Entrance to Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine starts at $15. See the fees section above for each pass and vehicle type.
- What is there to do at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine?
- Popular activities include Arts and Crafts, Arts and Culture, Biking, Birdwatching, Bookstore and Park Store, Citizen Science.
- Which national parks are within a day's drive of Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine?
- Within about a day's drive you can reach Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail (11 min), Hampton National Historic Site (29 min), Baltimore-Washington Parkway (37 min), Greenbelt Park (40 min), Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail (44 min), Chesapeake Bay (44 min).