Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine — Attraction in Baltimore

Great place for history buffs to learn about the American flag, Star-Spangled Banner, the war of 1812, Fort McHenry, etc. We got a chance to participate in the Ranger's Choice Talk (4:15pm) which was on the American Flag, etc. We held the American flag with over 20 other people while the ranger talked and at the end she asked questions (a quiz) on what she talked about and every question we got right we got to roll up a stripe on the flag. We also got to see the Evening Flag Change - Star Fort event which was at 5:00pm in the fort. The fort itself wasn't huge to me especially for over 1,000 men but they have removed a lot of the buildings that were once on the entire property (as you will see when you go into one of the buildings in the fort and see the old picture of the property). My boyfriend really loved this place because of the history. He loves history. I loved walking around and I enjoyed the views of the city and other scenic views right by the waterfront and in the fort at the top. The price to get in to the actual Fort McHenry grounds for us since we did not fall into any of the discounts was $15 each. They have other events that you can take part in / watch such as morning flag change, other flag talks, battle of Baltimore talk, etc. The first one starts at 10am. The fort and visitor center actually close at 5:45pm, just be aware. The fort and grounds are extremely well-kept and clean except for some bird mess but you can't control that. There is a gift shop that you can get into for free that has a ton of American and Fort themed gifts including postcards, pens, shirts, pencils, figurines, tokens, etc. There is a museum that is free to get into that is right across from the gift shop. The bathrooms in the visitor center (not any once you enter the fort grounds so make sure you plan accordingly unless you are going to make a trip all the way back to the visitor center) are very clean and several stalls, all the soap, etc. are fully stocked. There is a water fountain and also a water bottle refill station. There is plenty of parking and it is free. They have a Star-Spangled Banner National Historic trail that you can walk/hike, run, or ride your bike on that is over 200 miles. We walked on part of that that is inside of the fort/national monument/shrine. There is a monument of the General (Armistead) who led Fort McHenry during the war. His monument is outside of the fort grounds so you do not need to pay to see the monument or take a picture of it. Go here to Fort McHenry if you love history or want to visit a huge attraction...

Visiting Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine was an enriching and inspiring experience. This historic site, famous for its role in the War of 1812 and as the inspiration for the U.S. national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner,” offers a deep dive into American history.

The star-shaped fort is well-preserved, and the interpretive exhibits provide a comprehensive understanding of its significance. Walking through the grounds, I was able to explore various buildings, including the barracks, officers’ quarters, and powder magazine, all of which paint a vivid picture of life during the early 19th century.

The highlight of my visit was witnessing the flag ceremony. Seeing the large Star-Spangled Banner flying over the fort was a powerful reminder of the resilience and patriotism that the fort symbolizes. The informative presentations by the park rangers were engaging and brought the history to life, making the visit both educational and enjoyable.

The visitor center is also worth a visit, with its informative displays and a short film that provides an excellent overview of the fort’s history and its role in American heritage. The scenic views of the Patapsco River and Baltimore’s harbor from the fort add to the overall experience, making it a pleasant place to spend a few hours.

For those planning a visit, I recommend allowing enough time to explore both the fort and the visitor center. The site is family-friendly, and the grounds are perfect for a leisurely stroll while absorbing the historical ambiance.

Overall, Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine is a must-visit for history enthusiasts and anyone interested in America’s past. It’s a place that evokes pride and a deeper appreciation for the...

Absolutely amazing experience! I arrived at about 3 p.m. on a Wednesday. In the building you buy tickets at, there is a small museum area that is free with a feature film that gives a run-down of the historic battle that happened during the War of 1812. You can also walk around the grounds for free, and there are informational plaques that you can read while on the road to the fort. It was nicely shaded by trees, and there are paths along the water along with multiple benches. All of this you can access for free. Entry into the fort costs money, but for the price it's absolutely worth it. Kids entry is free. There is a lot of interesting information throughout the fort, and it is also the most beautiful fort, architecturally as well as because of the grounds, that I've ever visited. I would absolutely recommend visiting on a day with good weather. There is also a flag ceremony for putting up the new flag in the morning (10 a.m.) and taking it down in the evening to change it to the nighttime flag (4. p.m.). I got to participate in the evening ceremony, and it was very interactive. The park rangers told us a lot of interesting information that wasn't even on display, and these ceremonies are included with entry to the fort! You are also allowed to walk around the grounds for a little while after the fort's closing. I would definitely recommend it to people who like history, or just people who are looking for a nice...