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Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine

Designation: National Monument and Historic Shrine

Location: Maryland

Visit Official Park Website

📘 Park Overview

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.

🌤 Weather Information

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.

🚗 Directions

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.

Images

Fort McHenry

Blue Angels fly over Fort McHenry

Credit: Tim Ervin

Activities

Topics

Operating Hours

Sunday
9:00AM - 5:00PM
Monday
9:00AM - 5:00PM
Tuesday
9:00AM - 5:00PM
Wednesday
9:00AM - 5:00PM
Thursday
9:00AM - 5:00PM
Friday
9:00AM - 5:00PM
Saturday
9:00AM - 5:00PM

Entrance Fees

Entrance - Per Person
Access to the historic zone (where the star fort is located) requires an entrance fee.
$15.00
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.
$15.00
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.
$15.00

Entrance Passes

Annual Entrance - Park
The Fort McHenry Annual Pass covers the pass holder plus three adults to enter the Fort McHenry NM & HS Historic Zone for 12 months. The pass is both available at the park visitor center, or a digital version is available on recreation.gov. In order for the pass to work, it must be physically on the passholder with a valid photo ID. To purchase the pass, visit the visitor center desk which is open 9 AM - 4 PM, or 9 AM - 4 PM in the summers.
$45.00

3-Day Weather Forecast

Tuesday, Mar 3

Moderate rain

Moderate rain

High: 39.4°F | Low: 30.6°F

Humidity: 95%

Wind: 8.3 mph

Rain Chance: 87%

UV Index: 0.1

Sunrise: 06:36 AM

Sunset: 06:01 PM

Moon: Full Moon (100%)

Visibility: 1 mi

Dew Point: 33.5°F

Cloud Cover: 87%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Wednesday, Mar 4

Patchy rain nearby

Patchy rain nearby

High: 48.4°F | Low: 38.1°F

Humidity: 97%

Wind: 6.9 mph

Rain Chance: 88%

UV Index: 0.8

Sunrise: 06:34 AM

Sunset: 06:02 PM

Moon: Waning Gibbous (100%)

Visibility: 1 mi

Dew Point: 42°F

Cloud Cover: 88%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Thursday, Mar 5

Fog

Fog

High: 52.5°F | Low: 42.1°F

Humidity: 99%

Wind: 8.1 mph

Rain Chance: 0%

UV Index: 0

Sunrise: 06:33 AM

Sunset: 06:03 PM

Moon: Waning Gibbous (97%)

Visibility: 3 mi

Dew Point: 46.5°F

Cloud Cover: 0%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Weather Alerts (3)

⚠️ Dense Fog Advisory (Moderate)
▼

Dense Fog Advisory issued March 3 at 4:04PM EST until March 3 at 10:00PM EST by NWS Mount Holly NJ

Effective: Mar 3, 2026 4:04pm
Expires: Mar 3, 2026 10:00pm

* WHAT...Visibility one quarter mile or less in dense fog.

* WHERE...Portions of central, northern, and southern Delaware,
northeast Maryland, central, northern, northwest, and southern New
Jersey, and east central, northeast, and southeast Pennsylvania.

* WHEN...Until 10 PM EST this evening.

* IMPACTS...Low visibility could make driving conditions hazardous.

⚠️ Dense Fog Advisory (Moderate)
▼

Dense Fog Advisory issued March 3 at 4:01PM EST until March 3 at 8:00PM EST by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC

Effective: Mar 3, 2026 4:01pm
Expires: Mar 3, 2026 8:00pm

* WHAT...Visibility one-quarter mile or less in dense fog.

* WHERE...Cecil County.

* WHEN...Until 8 PM EST this evening.

* IMPACTS...Low visibility could make driving conditions hazardous
through the evening commute.

⚠️ Test Message (Unknown)
▼

Effective: Mar 3, 2026 7:27pm
Expires: Mar 3, 2026 7:37pm

Monitoring message only. Please disregard.

Park Alerts

Park Closed February 22, 2026 Due to Winter Weather Park Closure
Due to severe winter weather, Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine will close at 2:30pm on Sunday, February 22, 2026 Road conditions and safety considerations will determine the need for additional closures or delays. Please monitor park social media and website for updates.
Video/Interactives Are Working
The Visitor Center video "The Battle of Fort McHenry" and the interactive exhibits are repaired and working.
PARK CLOSURE: Utility Work Park Closure
Out of an abundance of caution, the park is temporarily closed as local fire officials investigate a breached pipe located on site. The area has been secured, and all staff and visitors are safe inside the visitor center. The fire department is coordinating with the gas company to assess the situation. The park will provide updates as more information becomes available.
Sea Wall Trail Closed Saturday, February 7 Caution
Please be advised, the National Weather Service has issued multiple hazardous weather advisories for the Baltimore area including extreme cold, high wind, and heavy freezing spray warnings. As a result, the Sea Wall Trail surrounding Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine will be closed on Saturday, February 7, 2026. Please avoid the area and use caution when spending time outdoors. View the NWS alerts for more information and guidance.

More Info

Temporary Park Closure December 11, 2025 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Park Closure
Due to increased security measures, Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine will be closed temporarily from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 11, 2025. This temporary closure is pursuant to the authority outlined in 36 C.F.R. § 1.5(a)(1), which provides that the Superintendent may “impose public use limits, or close all or a portion of a park area to all public use or to a specific use or activity,” as necessary for the maintenance of public health and safety.
One Hour Opening Delay January 21, 2016
Due to severe winter conditions and impaired roadways due to ice, Fort McHenry National Monument will be opening at 10:00AM on Thursday, January 21, 2016.
Fort McHenry NM & HS Proposes Entrance Fee Increase
Fort McHenry NM & HS will hold a public comment session on January 20 at 6:30 p.m. to discuss possible fee increases in 2015.Fees to enter Fort McHenry NM & HS will be changing from $7 to $10 per adult. Yearly passes will increase from $30 to $40.
9/12 Saturday evening program CANCELLED!
Due to inclement weather and thunderstorms the SATURDAY EVENING Defenders’ Day program and fireworks show has been canceled and the park will close at 5:00pm. 9/12-13, Saturday and Sunday Living History and Ranger Programs still on!
Preservation Work Along Trails Information
Starting March 18, preservationists restoring the bronze state plaques along the entrance road, and the War of 1812 commemorative markers in the Orpheus Grove. Some of these areas may be temporarily closed while work is in progress.
DELAYED PARK OPENING - Monday, February 23 Park Closure
Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine will open at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, February 23, 2026, due to winter storm warnings and hazardous conditions. Road conditions and safety considerations will determine the need for additional closures or delays. Please monitor park social media and website for updates.
L'Hermione into Baltimore!
Special Announcement: Next Friday, June 19th, Fort McHenry will be opening to all visitors at 6:30 a.m. to welcome L'Hermione into Baltimore! The ship is expected to pass Fort McHenry sometime around 7! ‪#‎FindYourPark‬ ‪#‎LHermione_Ship

More Info

Motorized Recreational Scooters Not Permitted in Park Information
For the safety and protection of visitors and park resources, motorized scooters are not permitted within the park. Any vehicles (scooters, bicycles, etc.) that are part of a ride-share program may not be left behind for pick up inside the park
Theatre Film Down!
The special feature film in the visitor center is currently down due to technical issues. We are currently working on resolving the problems. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Baltimore Area Traffic Advisory Information
Traffic in the Baltimore area has increased considerably in recent months due to the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge which connected the Baltimore beltway. Please check the latest traffic conditions to plan your travel accordingly.
Motorized Recreational Scooters Not Permitted in Park Information
For the safety and protection of visitors and park resources, motorized scooters are not permitted within the park. Any vehicles (scooters, bicycles, etc.) that are part of a ride-share program may not be left behind for pick up inside the park
We cannot mail out at this time Information
We cannot mail out at this time. This includes but is not limited to JR badges, books, brochures, and park stamps. Our apologies for any inconvenience. Click the link to download Junior Ranger books.

More Info

Road Closures and Mass Transit options during the Star-Spangled Spectacular: September 6-16, 2014
There will be road closures during the Star-Spangled Spectacular: September 6-16, 2014. Mass transit will be required & all visitors will pass through a security checkpoint prior to entering Fort McHenry. Please visit this link for more information:

More Info

Park Closed - New Year's Day Park Closure
The park will be closed on New Year's Day (Thursday, January 1, 2026) and will reopen on Friday, January 2, 2026.
Special Operating Hours during the Star-Spangled Spectacular: September 6-16, 2014
The park will have special operating hours during the Star-Spangled Spectacular: September 6-16, 2014. Please visit this link for more information:

More Info

Closed on January 1st, 2016
Ranger Staff and Volunteers at Fort McHenry wish everyone a Happy New Year! Remember the Star Fort and grounds are closed January 1, 2016 for the New Years Day!
Park Open! 8am-5pm
Monday, March 25th, 2013 Fort McHenry is OPEN 8am -5pm. Seawall trail is open. Areas in and around Star Fort may be closed off due to slippery conditions.
Weather Conditions at Fort McHenry
A winter storm warning has just been issued for the Baltimore/Washington Area starting 10pm tonite (Monday) through 6am Wednesday. Call 410-962-4290 ext. 250 for closures.
We cannot mail out at this time Information
We do not mail Junior Ranger books; please download from site. Completed books may be submitted digitally. Junior Ranger badges may be mailed once per person per calendar year after completion. We do not mail completed books back.

More Info

Temporary Park Closure December 13, 2025 Park Closure
Due to increased security measures, Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine will be closed on Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Visit our alerts and conditions page for more information.

More Info

Commemorate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in a National Park: Free Admission
On Monday, January 18, national parks throughout the country will commemorate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. All national parks will provide free admission for all visitors and many parks will host special events or volunteer service projects.

More Info

Baltimore Area Traffic Advisory Information
Traffic in the Baltimore area has increased considerably in recent months due to the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge which connected the Baltimore beltway. Please check the latest traffic conditions to plan your travel accordingly.
Preservation Work Along Trails Information
Starting March 18, preservationists restoring the bronze state plaques along the entrance road, and the War of 1812 commemorative markers in the Orpheus Grove. Some of these areas may be temporarily closed while work is in progress.

Park Events

Morning Flag Change
Fort McHenry is the first site to receive a presidential proclimation requiring that the site fly a flag 24/7, 365 days a year. Join park staff in the mornings or evenings as we change out our flags for the day and learn about the flag's significance to the park's history. Flag change programs occure daily. In the mornings the park raises a larger replica of a historic flag and in the evenings an overnight all-weather flag is raised over the fort. 
*Flag changes are weather dependent.

Location: Program takes place on the parade ground inside the Star Fort

Date: Jun 1, 2025 12:00am to Jun 1, 2027 12:00am

Paid Event

Evening Flag Change

Fort McHenry is the first site to receive a presidential proclimation requiring that the site fly a flag 24/7, 365 days a year. Join park staff in the mornings or evenings as we change out our flags for the day and learn about the flag's significance to the park's history. Flag change programs occure daily. In the mornings the park raises a larger replica of a historic flag and in the evenings an overnight all-weather flag is raised over the fort. 


*Flag changes are weather dependent.

 

Location: Program takes place on the parade ground inside the Star Fort

Date: Jun 1, 2025 12:00am to Jun 1, 2027 12:00am

Paid Event

Fort McHenry Guard New Student Orientation
Curious about joining the Fife and Drum Program?

Come experience the sights, sounds, and community that makes us unique!

 

What to Expect:
  • Watch a live rehearsal and see how fife and drum music comes together
  • Meet the instructors and learn about their teaching approach
  • Get to know the program, including performance opportunities and expectations
  • Ask questions in a relaxed, welcoming environment

 

Who should attend?
  • New and prospective students
  • Students curious about fife or drum
  • Famlilies who want to know more about the program

 

Contact us for questions:

Ranger Tim Ertel; 443-691-1174; timothy_ertel@nps.gov

Randi Haron; 410-972-7316; RandiHaron@gmail.com

 

Location: Located inside the Fort McHenry Star Fort

Date: Jan 3, 2026 12:00am to Jan 3, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Visitor Center & Contacts

📍 Physical Address:
2400 East Fort Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21230

🏤 Mailing Address:
2400 East Fort Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21230

📞 Voice Phone: 4109624290

📞 Fax Phone: 4109622500

✉️ Email: FOMC_Interpretation@nps.gov

Park Location

👏 Fun Fact
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