Theodore Roosevelt Presidential LibraryPublic Lands Directory

Alerts and conditions

Information We cannot mail out at this time

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.

Read the full alert

Information Preservation Work Along Trails

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.

Information Baltimore Area Traffic Advisory

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.

Information Motorized Recreational Scooters Not Permitted in Park

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

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.

From the National Park Service

History

The designation history for this site (every law, proclamation and order, and the administration behind each) is being researched and checked by the Library’s historians.

What to see and do

Activities

  • Arts and Culture
  • Craft Demonstrations
  • Cultural Demonstrations
  • Live Music
  • Theater
  • Biking
  • Road Biking
  • Compass and GPS
  • Geocaching
  • Food
  • Picnicking
  • Guided Tours
  • Self-Guided Tours - Walking
  • Hands-On
  • Citizen Science
  • Arts and Crafts
  • Hiking
  • Living History
  • Reenactments
  • Historic Weapons Demonstration
  • First Person Interpretation
  • Paddling
  • Kayaking
  • Junior Ranger Program
  • Skiing
  • Cross-Country Skiing
  • Downhill Skiing
  • Wildlife Watching
  • Birdwatching
  • Park Film
  • Museum Exhibits
  • Shopping
  • Bookstore and Park Store
  • Gift Shop and Souvenirs

Browse hiking, biking and paddling routes on AllTrails

Plan your visit

Hours

Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine: 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. Last entry into the park is at 4:45 p.m. 

Fees and passes

  • Entrance - Per Person — $15.00
  • Entrance - Non-commercial Groups — $15.00
  • Commercial Entrance - Per Person — $15.00
  • Annual Entrance - Park — $45.00

The America the Beautiful pass covers entrance fees at federal recreation lands across all four agencies.

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.

Visitor centers

  • Paul S. Sarbanes Visitor and Education Center

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.

Phone: 4109624290

Whose lands these are

These lands are the ancestral and present-day homelands of Native nations. A section on whose lands these are is being prepared with tribal review. In the meantime, Native Land Digital offers a starting point.

Photos

Men in War of 1812 era uniforms pull a cannon over grass outside of a brick fort.
Cannon Demonstration · NPS/ Tim Ervin
Visitors hold the edges of a large American flag as it is raised on to a large flagpole
Flag Change Program · NPS/ Tim Ervin
Two young visitors with their right hands in the air as they are sworn in as Junior Rangers
Junior Rangers at FOMC · NPS/ Tim Ervin
Man in brought yellow shirt with a blue bicycle standing in front of a Fort McHenry identifier sign.
Bike Around Fort McHenry · NPS/ M. de Manincor

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