Fort McHenry is the most important historic site in Baltimore and one of the great patriotic places in America. In September 1814, during the War of 1812, British warships bombarded the star-shaped brick fort at the tip of Locust Point for some 25 hours. When dawn came and the huge American garrison flag was still flying over the ramparts, Francis Scott Key, watching from a ship in the harbor, was moved to write the poem that became the national anthem. Today the fort is a National Monument and Historic Shrine run by the National Park Service. The visit starts at the modern visitor and education center, where a short film tells the story of the battle, and continues inside the five-pointed fort, where you can walk the ramparts, see the restored barracks, magazine and guard rooms, and look out over the water where the British fleet anchored. A full-size replica of the great flag flies overhead in good weather. The grounds along the seawall are a lovely place for a walk at any time of year. This page links to the official National Park Service visit planning page.
How to visit: Fort McHenry is at the end of Locust Point, about three miles from the Inner Harbor, an easy drive or rideshare with parking at the fort; in the warmer months a water taxi also serves the fort. The park is open year-round, last entry is at 16:45, and it is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. The visitor center, the film and the grounds are free. To enter the Historic Zone with the star fort, adults need an entrance pass, while visitors under 16 do not need one. Passes are sold in the visitor center between 9:00 and 16:00, and the park does not accept cash. On Veterans Day, 11 November 2026, entry is fee-free for US citizens and residents.
What to expect: plan about two hours to watch the film, explore the fort and walk part of the seawall path. Rangers and volunteers often give short talks inside the fort, and the exhibits in the barracks explain daily life for the garrison. The ramparts are exposed to wind off the water, so bring a warm layer in November.
Making the most of it: arrive at opening for the quietest fort, and if you would rather not drive, the small-group historic neighborhoods tour includes a stop here. Pair the fort with a harbor cruise, which shows the same waters from the British point of view.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided visit to a free visitor center and film, then the star-shaped fort itself with its ramparts, barracks and replica flag.
Best time
Opening time on a weekday, or a clear late afternoon when the light falls across the harbor.
How long
About two hours for the film, the fort and a short walk on the seawall.
Tips
Bring a card because the park takes no cash, check the last entry time of 16:45, and note the closures on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.
Quick picks
- Best for
- History buffs, first-time visitors and anyone who wants to stand where the national anthem was born.
- Families
- Children under 16 need no pass, the ramparts and cannons are a hit, and the open grounds give kids room to run.
- Couples
- Walk the seawall path after the fort for wide harbor views and a quieter moment away from downtown.
- Pair with
- An Inner Harbor sightseeing cruise, then dinner in nearby Federal Hill or Fells Point.
- Time needed
- Two to three hours, plus travel time from the Inner Harbor.
Good questions
Is Fort McHenry free to visit?+
The visitor center, the film and the grounds are free. Adults need an entrance pass for the Historic Zone with the star fort, while visitors under 16 do not.
What are the Fort McHenry hours?+
The park is open year-round with last entry at 16:45, and passes are sold between 9:00 and 16:00. It is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
How do I get to Fort McHenry from the Inner Harbor?+
It is about three miles away, an easy drive or rideshare with parking at the fort. A seasonal water taxi also serves the fort in the warmer months.
Is there a fee-free day at Fort McHenry in November 2026?+
Yes, Veterans Day on 11 November 2026 is a fee-free day for US citizens and residents. Other fees, such as reservation fees, may still apply.
How long should I spend at Fort McHenry?+
About two hours covers the film, the fort and a short walk along the seawall. Allow longer if you want to join a ranger talk or walk the full waterfront path.
