Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
Overview
Expert Summary
Detailed Insights
Fort McHenry offers a unique opportunity to immerse children in the history of the War of 1812 and the birth of 'The Star-Spangled Banner.' The site combines a free museum and park with a paid fort tour, featuring interactive historical buildings equipped with sound and video, and the chance to witness patriotic ceremonies like the changing of the flags.
Key Highlights
- ✓Kids loved exploring and going in and out of the historical buildings within the fort.
- ✓Historical buildings inside the fort are authentically modeled and include engaging sound and video elements.
- ✓The visitor center provides a valuable video introduction that sets the historical context.
- ✓Helpful and knowledgeable park rangers are available to answer questions.
- ✓Opportunity to witness the inspiring changing of the flags ceremony.
- ✓The fort itself is noted for being well-preserved.
Standout Features
- ⭐Access to the museum and park grounds (including cannons) is free.
- ⭐Interactive historical buildings inside the fort with sound and video installations.
- ⭐Knowledgeable and helpful park rangers.
- ⭐An inspiring flag-changing ceremony.
- ⭐A recommended movie in the visitor's center for context.
Perfect For
Ideal For
💡Pro Tips from Reviews
- →Be prepared for potentially difficult parking and a walk from alternative parking areas.
- →Consider the $15 adult fee for fort entry; while some question its value, others find the immersive experience inside worthwhile.
- →Highly recommend watching the movie in the visitor’s center before touring the fort to get the full historical context.
- →Plan your visit to potentially coincide with the changing of the flags ceremony for an enhanced experience.
- →For an even deeper experience, consider visiting the Smithsonian Museum of American History to see the actual Star-Spangled Banner flag.
Things to Consider
- ⚠Parking is problematic; main spots are limited, often requiring parking in a dirt gravel lot or outside the gate with a significant walk.
- ⚠The $15 adult fee to enter the actual Fort is perceived by some as poor value, questioning what it adds beyond the free park/cannons.
- ⚠Lack of adequate parking accommodations, especially for seniors or disabled visitors.
Price & Value
The museum and park grounds, including cannons, are free to visit. Entering the actual Fort costs $15 for adults (potentially less for military personnel). Value perception for the $15 fort entrance is mixed: some parents question what it offers beyond the free areas, while others appreciate the immersive historical buildings with sound and video.
♿Accessibility & Special Needs
- •Parking accommodations for seniors or the disabled are currently insufficient, potentially requiring long walks from distant parking spots (dirt gravel lot or outside the gate).
🚗Parking Info
- •Limited parking directly in front of the museum.
- •Alternative parking includes a dirt gravel lot or parking outside the gate, both requiring walking.
⏰When to Avoid
- • Families with individuals who have mobility issues may find the parking situation and potential long walks challenging.
- • Families on a strict budget who are unwilling to pay the $15 adult fort entrance fee, as much of the general park and museum can be experienced for free.
Pricing/Package/Events
🍎Food Policy
- • Picnicking is permitted on park grounds (no charge).
🛡️Safety Policy
- • Pets must be leashed and attended or otherwise physically restrained at all times.
- • Pets are allowed on the park grounds except in the historic area (the fenced area around the fort).
📅Booking Policy
- • For group arrangements: contact FOMC_groups@nps.gov
- • For special use permits and commercial use agreements: contact FOMC_permits@nps.gov
🚗Parking Information
- • Parking is free.
What People Say
Areas for Improvement
- Parking can be challenging (mentioned in 3 reviews)
Recent Reviews
TJ Da DJ TV
a month agoLearn about the place, the battle and the events that inspired America's National Anthem, "The Star Spangled Banner!" The museum has artifacts along with plaques that give in-depth info. The museum and park is free, but, to actually walk into the Fort is $15 for Adults. Probably less for Currently active and Veteran of the Military. Despite, the national landmark leaving you with a sense of pride to be an American, there were some things I'd suggest. The parking situation is not good. If you can't get a spot in front of the museum, your only options are to find parking in a dirt gravel lot, or park outside of the gate, which would require walking. I would like to see expansion to create a better parking accommodation, especially for Seniors or the Disabled. The Fort visit should not be $15. What am I really paying for? A photo op near the cannons? There are plenty of cannons in the park area, that is free! I would recommend everyone ro at least come visit once.
Diana Guest
3 weeks agoThis was a fabulous historical site to visit! My kids absolutely loved it. The views are great and my kids loved being able to go in and out of the historical buildings. Some historical sites I've been to are just empty buildings but these are modeled after the original setup and are equipped with sound and video. The video introduction when you first walk in set the stage for the historical context. We had a great trip!
Lisa Howen
a month agoWonderful visit. So much history to see and learn about. The rangers were helpful in answering questions. Birthplace of the National Anthem. We were able to be present during the changing of the flags; what an experience! Highly recommend to take the time to learn about our history! 🇺🇸
Mark
a week agoPretty cool place, lots of history, and knowledgeable staff. This is my 7th fort, and it really is well preserved. i highly recommend that if you love history and you're in Baltimore
Pamela
2 months agoIt was so inspiring to see this National Park and very interesting to learn more about the War of 1812. I highly recommend watching the movie in the visitor’s center and getting a wristband to tour the fort. Also, if you have time, the actual flag that The Star Spangled Banner was written about is on display at The Smithsonian Museum of American History. It was really cool to get to see the flag there then visit the fort.