by the dawn's early light, a large red, white and blue banner? Whose broad stripes and bright stars... were so gallantly streaming...over Fort McHenry! The valiant defense of the fort during the Battle of Baltimore on September 13-14, 1814 inspired Francis Scott Key to write the words that became the U.S. national anth
Yes — your pass gets you in.
Your pass covers the $15 park entrance fee.
- Fee type Entrance fee — The standard per-vehicle park entrance fee. Entrance - Per Person: $15Entrance - Non-commercial Groups: $15Commercial Entrance - Per Person: $15
- HoursPark Grounds and Parking Lot Summer Hours (Memorial Day to Labor Day): Monday-Friday: 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday: 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Park registers for purchasing Star Fort Historic Zone entry or Americ
- Source National Park Service ↗
- Last verifiedJuly 6, 2026 · Confirmed
- Official pagewww.nps.gov ↗
- Contact 4109624290 · FOMC_Interpretation@nps.gov
The park is three miles southeast of the Baltimore Inner Harbor and just off I-95. Follow the brown Fort McHenry directional signs along all major routes to the park. From I-95 northbound, take Exit 55 Key Highway and follow Fort McHenry signs.
Common questions
Quick Yes / No / Depends answers for Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine — always confirm with the managing site before you go.
Yes Does the America the Beautiful pass work at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine?
Yes — your pass covers the entrance fee here.
Yes Can you kayak, paddle, or boat here?
Yes — there’s water for boating and paddling at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine. Hand-launched craft usually need no permit; motorized boats may need registration or a launch fee.
Yes Can you bike here?
Yes — biking is available at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine. Confirm which roads or trails allow it.
Depends Can you bring a dog?
Usually only leashed and in developed areas, campgrounds, and paved paths — not on most trails or in buildings. Pet rules vary by park, so check first.
No Are drones allowed?
No — launching, landing, or operating drones is prohibited on National Park Service land.
Depends What are the hours?
Park Grounds and Parking Lot Summer Hours (Memorial Day to Labor Day): Monday-Friday: 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday: 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Park registers for purchasing Star Fort Historic Zone entry or Americ
Nearby sites
Pride of Baltimore, Inc. National Park Service Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail
ConfirmedFree entry — there is no entrance fee here, so you won’t need your pass to get in.
NPS Photo National Park Service Hampton National Historic Site
ConfirmedFree entry — there is no entrance fee here, so you won’t need your pass to get in.
