Sight guide · Baltimore · United States
Visiting Fort McHenry National Monument
During the British bombardment of September 1814, the sight of the huge American flag still flying over this star-shaped fort inspired Francis Scott Key to write the poem that became the national anthem.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Matthew Binebrink, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Fort McHenry National Monument is a historic site in Locust Point, Baltimore. Allow 2 hours; it is low cost. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Historic site
- Area
- Locust Point
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- history, views and kids
- Best months
- March, September and November
About Fort McHenry National Monument
During the British bombardment of September 1814, the sight of the huge American flag still flying over this star-shaped fort inspired Francis Scott Key to write the poem that became the national anthem. The visitor centre film ends with a dramatic reveal of the fort, and you can walk the ramparts, barracks and powder magazine.
Tip: Arrive by water taxi from the Inner Harbor or Fells Point in season, and ask about the timing of the flag-change programmes.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 2 hours.
- Cost: Low cost.
- Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
- Where: Locust Point.
Best time to visit Fort McHenry National Monument
To avoid the biggest crowds, aim for the quietest of the good months:
- November: 14°C (57°F) highs, about 9 rainy days, quiet crowds.
- March: 13°C (55°F) highs, about 11 rainy days, quiet crowds.
- September: 26°C (79°F) highs, about 8 rainy days, moderate crowds.
For the view at golden hour: in mid-November the sun sets at about 16:52 local time (calculated for Baltimore).
When to visit Baltimore has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Our 3-day Baltimore itinerary visits Fort McHenry National Monument on day 2, together with Baltimore Museum of Art, American Visionary Art Museum and Fells Point waterfront.
- No. 3 of the 18 sights in our Baltimore things-to-do list.
- Day 2 of the 2-day plan.
- One of the picks in historic sites in Baltimore.
- A family favourite in Baltimore with kids.
If you like Fort McHenry National Monument
- Historic Ships in Baltimore — Inner Harbor, 2–3 hours
- Washington Monument, Mount Vernon Place — Mount Vernon, 45 minutes
- B&O Railroad Museum — Southwest Baltimore, 2–3 hours
- Edgar Allan Poe House and Poe's grave — Poppleton, 1.5 hours for both
Staying near Fort McHenry National Monument
Where to stay in Baltimore compares every area by price and who it suits.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Fort McHenry National Monument?
Plan 2 hours.
+Is Fort McHenry National Monument free?
No, it is low cost. Tickets are usually available on the day.
+When is the best time to visit Fort McHenry National Monument?
March, September and November, the quietest of the good months. Arrive by water taxi from the Inner Harbor or Fells Point in season, and ask about the timing of the flag-change programmes.
+Do I need to book Fort McHenry National Monument in advance?
Usually not: you can decide on the day.
+Is Fort McHenry National Monument good for kids?
Yes, it is one of our family picks in Baltimore. Baltimore's Inner Harbor is built for families, with the aquarium, the science centre, Port Discovery and historic ships all within a short walk.