Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine

Name: Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
Address: 2400 E Fort Ave, Baltimore, MD 21230, USA, Baltimore, MD, US
Telephone: (410) 962-4290
Rating: 4.8

4.8(6,313) Baltimore, MD

Directions Website

About Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine

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.

What parents should know

Summarized from real visitor reviews.

Best for: Families seeking an educational outing focused on American history and patriotism.Children who enjoy exploring historical sites, particularly forts and military history.A visit for school-aged children and teens interested in the War of 1812 and the National Anthem.Ideal for school-aged children (6-14 years old) who can appreciate historical narratives and enjoy interactive exploration of buildings.Younger children might enjoy the open spaces and cannons but may not fully engage with the historical context.

Why families love it

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.

Insider tips

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.

Good to know before you go

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.
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.

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: 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).

What parents say

TJ Da DJ TV

3.0

"Learn 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"

a month ago

Diana Guest

5.0

"This 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!"

3 weeks ago

Lisa Howen

5.0

"Wonderful 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! 🇺🇸"

a month ago

Reviews sourced from public Google data.