National Monument and Historic Shrine · MD

Things to do in Fort McHenry

The National Park Service lists 23 things to do at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine. 16 have no extra fee, 23 need no reservation, and 14 allow pets. Each listing links to the full NPS page. Data is from the NPS snapshot of Oct 28, 2026.

Updated · NPS Data API

All (23) Guided Tours (8)Junior Ranger Program (2)Hiking (2)Birdwatching (1)Self-Guided Tours - Auto (1)Live Music (1)Self-Guided Tours - Walking (1)Park Film (1)Bookstore and Park Store (1)Living History (1)Picnicking (1)Biking (1)
Living history volunteers standing sentry in Civil War uniform at sally port
Photo: NPS/Tim Ervin

American Bastille

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

Guided Tours

Ranger pointing toward river with cannons in background
Photo: NPS/Tim Ervin

Battle of Baltimore

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

Guided Tours

An osprey flying with a blue sky behind it.
Photo: NPS/Tim Ervin

Bird Watching at Fort McHenry

Fort McHenry's water front makes for an ideal birding location. Learn how birders can come enjoy their hobby within the park!

Year-round Pets allowed

Birdwatching

Living history members performing fifes and drums inside star fort.
Photo: NPS/ Tim Ervin

Fife and Drum Music Demonstration

Music played an important role in the daily lives of soldiers garrisoned at Fort McHenry. A soldier's entire day would revolve around the sounds of fifes and drums.

10-15 Minutes Summer Fee applies

Live Music

A group of visitors help raise a large garrison flag over Fort McHenry
Photo: NPS/Tim Ervin

Flag Change Programs

Join the park for its morning or evening flag change programs!

10-15 Minutes Spring, Summer, Fall Fee applies

Guided Tours

A group of visitors holding on to a large Star-Spangled Banner Flag.
Photo: NPS/Tim Ervin

Flag Talk

Join rangers in a program about the American flag.

20-30 Minutes Spring, Summer, Fall Pets allowed

Guided Tours

A ranger gives directions at the visitor center desk.
Photo: NPS/Tim Ervin

Fort McHenry Movie

Fort McHenry's introductory film is one of the most popular activities at the park.

12-12 Minutes Year-round

Park Film

Statue of Armistead looking toward star fort
Photo: NPS

Fort McHenry's Defenders

On this program we'll explore the generations of defenders of Fort McHenry, from those who protected Baltimore and inspired the writing of "The Star-Spangled Banner" during the War of 1812, to the U.S.

45-60 Minutes Summer Fee applies

Guided Tours

War in the Chesapeake

This free 45-minute ranger program focuses on the Chesapeake Campaign of the War of 1812. Follow a dramatic story of devastating British raids and the American response, culminating in Baltimore at North Point, Hampstead Hill and Fort McHenry.

30-45 Minutes Spring, Summer, Fall Pets allowed

Guided Tours

A group of living historians firing muskets on a sunny day in War of 1812 kit.
Photo: NPS/Tim Ervin

Weapons Demonstration

Learn about the weapons of the War of 1812 from the park's living historians! *Please note that these programs may include firing demonstrations, but firings are not guaranteed. **Programs are weather dependent.

10-15 Minutes Summer Pets allowed

Historic Weapons Demonstration

Before you go

Check current alerts and closures, entrance fees and operating hours for Fort McHenry. Programs and tours can change with the season or be cancelled on short notice — confirm on the NPS page before you plan around one.

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