Audio Guide of Fort McHenry

Fort McHenry is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., except on holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day; in summer, hours may extend until 6:00 p.m. To get there, take public transportation such as the bus or the Light Rail to the Fort Avenue station, or drive and park on site; the address is 2400 East Fort Avenue, Baltimore, MD. More details on the official National Park Service website.

Admission to Fort McHenry costs $15 per person for those aged 16 and over, while children 15 and under enter for free; annual passes are also available for multiple visits. The outdoor area is free to walk through, but to access the inner fort and the exhibits, the fee is required. You can buy tickets online or on site through nps.gov/fomc.

It is recommended to spend at least 1 to 2 hours for a complete visit, including the fort tour, the exhibits and the perimeter trails. If you are a history enthusiast, you could extend it to 3 hours to enjoy the demonstrations and the harbor view. Plan according to your pace so you don't have to rush.

Fort McHenry is famous for defending Baltimore during the War of 1812 against the British in 1814, which inspired the poet Francis Scott Key to write 'The Star-Spangled Banner', which became the national anthem of the U.S. This site commemorates American pride and resilience in battle, and is a key monument of early military history. Learning about this enriches the cultural experience.

Spring (April to June) or fall (September to October) are ideal because of the pleasant weather and smaller crowds, avoiding the humid summer heat. Visit early in the morning for a quieter atmosphere and to capture the best photos with the dawn light over the water. Check the forecast, as it can be windy near the harbor.

Yes, the site offers accessibility with ramps at the main entrances, paved trails and free wheelchair loans at the visitor center; the inner fort has adapted areas, although some historic parts may have limitations. For more information, contact the park at (410) 962-4290 or visit the NPS accessibility page to plan your visit.

Nearby you will find Baltimore's Inner Harbor, with the National Aquarium and the Baltimore Museum of Art just 10-15 minutes away by car or bus. There is also Federal Hill Park for panoramic views and the USS Constellation, a historic ship anchored nearby. Combine your visit with a walk along the harbor for a complete Baltimore experience.

Wear comfortable shoes for walking the trails and bring sunscreen, as much of the visit is outdoors; join a free guided tour to learn more historical details. Download the National Park Service app for interactive maps and check for updates at nps.gov/fomc before you go, especially if traveling with children or in a group.