Complete information about visiting Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine is now on National Park Planner!
Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine is located at the mouth of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor on the Patapsco River. A modern Visitor Center is home to a large museum that focuses on Francis Scott Key and the Star-Spangled Banner, the Battle of Baltimore, and the War of 1812. For information on the fort, depart from the Visitor Center and walk the short path up to Fort McHenry where the barracks and officers’ quarters now house exhibits on a variety of topics concerning the fort and its history. War of 1812- and Civil War-era cannon are also on display.
The highlight of a visit to Fort McHenry is attending either the morning or afternoon flag changing ceremony. Visitors are welcome to help park Rangers raise the flag. Rangers also give talks throughout the day about the Battle of Baltimore and the flag that inspired Key to write the Star-Spangled Banner. For those who want some exercise, there is a 1-mile trail that runs along the Patapsco River.
DIRECTIONS AND CONTACT INFORMATION
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Last updated on April 15, 2024
