Good to know
- Tickets
- The visitor center and most grounds are free. Entry to the star fort charges a fee, covered by the America the Beautiful pass. Check nps.gov for current rates.
- Time needed
- 2 to 3 hours for the film, the fort and the seawall walk.
- Best time
- Spring and fall. Mid-September brings events for Defenders' Day.
- Getting there
- The fort is in Baltimore's Locust Point area. BWI Airport is about 20 minutes away by car. A water taxi from the Inner Harbor also stops nearby.
Where to stay nearby
Advertisement
Ad space · 728 × 90
Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine questions
Is the flag at Fort McHenry the original?
No. The original Star-Spangled Banner is at the Smithsonian in Washington, DC. A full-size replica sometimes flies over the fort.
Can you get to Fort McHenry by water taxi?
Yes. Water taxis from the Inner Harbor stop at a landing a short walk from the fort in the warmer months.
How long do you need at Fort McHenry?
Most visitors spend 2 to 3 hours seeing the film, touring the fort and walking the seawall trail.
