Theodore Roosevelt Presidential LibraryPublic Lands Directory

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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.

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Overview

The Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail is a collection of sites impacted by the War of 1812. These local, historic sites tell the story of the Chesapeake Campaign, culminating in the writing of our National Anthem. In addition to their historic significance, many of the sites along the trail are fantastic places to go for a walk, explore the outdoors, and access local waterways.

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
  • Cultural Demonstrations
  • Live Music
  • Biking
  • Mountain Biking
  • Road Biking
  • Boating
  • Sailing
  • Camping
  • Canoe or Kayak Camping
  • Car or Front Country Camping
  • RV Camping
  • Compass and GPS
  • Geocaching
  • Fishing
  • Freshwater Fishing
  • Fly Fishing
  • Saltwater Fishing
  • Food
  • Dining
  • Picnicking
  • Guided Tours
  • Self-Guided Tours - Walking
  • Self-Guided Tours - Auto
  • Hiking
  • Front-Country Hiking
  • Living History
  • Reenactments
  • Historic Weapons Demonstration
  • Paddling
  • Canoeing
  • Canoe or Kayak Camping
  • Kayaking
  • Stand Up Paddleboarding
  • Junior Ranger Program
  • Wildlife Watching
  • Birdwatching
  • Park Film
  • Museum Exhibits
  • Shopping
  • Bookstore and Park Store

Plan your visit

Hours

Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail: The Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail is not a clearly marked hiking trail. Instead it is a route that passes through communities, urban areas, and public lands. The route travels across a variety of land ownerships and management, including private land. Each location varies as to the hours of operations and access. Please contact individual trail sites before your visit for more information.

Getting there

The Trail's headquarters is at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine. 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. To visit other trail locations, download a trail map.

Visitor centers

Weather

The Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail is made up of parks, museums, outdoor trails, and waterways throughout the Chesapeake Bay region. Weather can effect the hours of operation and access points to many sites along the trail. Exercise caution when exploring the trail outdoors. Dress appropriately for seasonal conditions such as heat, snow, and ice. Parks, museums, and visitor centers may be impacted by weather conditions year round. Please call ahead to your planned trail stop for updates on

Phone: 410.962.4290

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

Image of a large historic house with green lawn in foreground.
Historic Sotterley · Frank Greenwell
A close-up of the White House portico.
White House · NPS/ T. Adams
A person in a yellow kayak paddles through lotus blossoms.
Paddling on the Sassafras · Sultana Education Foundation/Chris Cerino
People in 18th century period clothing standing in a line and firing muskets.
Living History at Fort McHenry · Office of the Governor/Jay Baker

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