Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, Maryland, United States

4LoveToTravelTerrie 5:00 PM Feb 24, 2020

You will have a real sense of and respect for the events that took place here after your visit!
We arrived shortly after it opened on a cold February Saturday. Don't forget to bring your National Parks Annual Pass if you already have one! There were no lines to get in. Most of our time was spent outside walking the perimeter then in and out of the buildings so it would be best to dress for the outdoor weather. There was a great short film that I highly recommend in the visitor center where you purchase your tickets. The ending was a surprise to me and I'm glad I didn't know about it ahead of time. I suggest that you not read a review that tells you about it and just go see it! Start times were on every hour and half hour. There were lots of photos, quotes and informational signs if you like reading about the events that took place here. There was another short film in the building to the left of the entrance of the fort itself (I believe the enlisted Men’s Barracks.) The film provided a great visual of the American and British troop positions and advancements. There were several rooms that were open in the fort that had informational signs. There were restrooms in the Visitor Center and at the fort itself. They both seemed fairly new and clean! This national park was a large place so expect to do a lot of walking. Paths were mostly concrete and wheelchair accessible. It was very windy so the park rangers brought down the large flag that was flying and put up a smaller flag. Visitors got to help roll the flag and got an education in flag history and etiquette. (Did you know that the American flag does not have to be burned if it touches the ground? It only needs to be burned if it was thrown to the ground in disrespect!) Several employees circulated the fort area dressed in different time period costumes. They were all friendly and happy to answer questions. Be sure to ask about their outfits since they wear different ones representing different times! I left here with a real sense of events that transpired and was really glad that I visited it.

4Shawn H 5:00 PM Aug 15, 2021

Ramparts O'er Which we Watch'd
Fort McHenry was our first stop when we got into Baltimore and we sat through the video in the welcome center, ending with a rendition of the National Anthem as the shades pull back so you can see the flag flying above Fort McHenry. We followed up with a walk along the battlements and through the fort, taking our time to enjoy the harbor views and to walk into the various fort buildings. You get a good feel for the fort, not just as it was during the War of 1812, but throughout its history of transformation. As you recite the clauses of the National Anthem, the site takes on new meaning. Even if you aren't interested in the history and significance - I would recommend visiting the fort as a pleasant waterfront place to walk. That said, it is a bit out of the way from downtown Baltimore.