National Monument and Historic Shrine
Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine is a National Monument and Historic Shrine in Maryland. The NPS currently lists 4 active alerts, 0 campgrounds and 1 visitor center; entrance fees start at $15.
Maryland National Monument and Historic Shrine America the Beautiful pass accepted
Updated · NPS Data API
“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.”
Active alerts
4
Closures
0
Campgrounds
0
Visitor centers
1
4 active NPS alerts as of Oct 28, 2026: 0 closures, 0 danger, 0 caution and 4 information.
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.
Posted or updated Dec 16, 2025 ·Details on nps.gov
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.
Posted or updated Mar 18, 2025 ·Park conditions on nps.gov
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.
Posted or updated Oct 29, 2024 ·Park conditions on nps.gov
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
Posted or updated Jun 8, 2020 ·Park conditions on nps.gov
The majority of the 43-acre park is free. However, the historic zone (location of the star fort and outer battery, designated by a wooden fence) requires an entrance fee of $15 per adult (16 and older).
| Fee | Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Entrance - Per Person | $15 | Access to the historic zone (where the star fort is located) requires an entrance fee. Buy online |
| Entrance - Non-commercial Groups | $15 | There is no group rate for the entrance fee. All groups must pay $15 per adult. Buy online |
| Commercial Entrance - Per Person | $15 | All commercial groups wishing to visitor Fort McHenry NM&HS must first obtain a Commercial Use Authorization (CUA). Buy online |
| Pass | Cost | Buy |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Entrance - Park | $45 | Recreation.gov |
The interagency America the Beautiful pass is accepted here. This park is cashless — bring a card or buy your pass online. Fee details on nps.gov
Join rangers to explore the role of Fort McHenry in securing Maryland for the Union during the Civil War, and to examine how its role as a prison and center of martial rule in Baltimore help us to consider the delicate balance between ensuring national…
30-45 Minutes Summer, Fall Fee applies
This 45–60-minute, ranger-led walk guides visitors from the Chesapeake Map to the Historic Star Fort. Along the way, visitors will hear about how the fort withstood a 25-hour storm of rockets and exploding shells, blocking the British fleet from entering…
45-60 Minutes Spring, Summer, Fall Fee applies
Information on how to become a Fort McHenry Junior Ranger!
1 Hour Year-round Pets allowed
See all 23 things to do in Fort McHenry →
Activities the NPS lists for Fort McHenry.
Arts and CultureCraft DemonstrationsCultural DemonstrationsLive MusicTheaterBikingRoad BikingCompass and GPSGeocachingFoodPicnickingGuided ToursSelf-Guided Tours - WalkingHands-OnCitizen ScienceArts and CraftsHikingLiving HistoryReenactmentsHistoric Weapons DemonstrationFirst Person InterpretationPaddlingKayakingJunior Ranger ProgramSkiingCross-Country SkiingDownhill SkiingWildlife WatchingBirdwatchingPark FilmMuseum ExhibitsShoppingBookstore and Park StoreGift Shop and Souvenirs
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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.
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| Sunday | 9:00AM - 5:00PM |
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.
| Visitor center | Standard hours | Phone | Passport stamp |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paul S. Sarbanes Visitor and Education Center | Mon 9:00AM - 4:45PM · Tue 9:00AM - 4:45PM · Wed 9:00AM - 4:45PM · Thu 9:00AM - 4:45PM · Fri 9:00AM - 4:45PM · Sat 9:00AM - 5:45PM · Sun 9:00AM - 5:45PM | (410) 962-4290 ext. 250 | Yes |
No NPS campgrounds are listed for this site. Nearby national forests or state parks may offer camping.
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