fort mchenry national monument

We visited on a March morning. It was quite breezy and chilly and we realized this is ideally a tour better enjoyed during later spring or summer as you are walking outdoors much of the time. Getting to Fort McHenry is interesting as it appears that you are driving first through a residential district, then near the Baltimore Cruise Terminal and finally through what appears to be a rather unappealing industrial section. And then you come up to the one lane entry gate. There is a 20 minute or so narrated slide presentation in the Visitor's Center which is interesting and you should view as it will provide context . You can then walk up to the fort and take the tour. This place is the backdrop for one of our nation's sentinel moments (which history tells us inspired Francis Scott Key to write The Star Spangled Banner) and as such, it's worth a one-time visit.

For McHenry is an amazing place to see. An early American fort that figured prominently in the Civil War and fully accessible. The new visitors' center is terrific, with informative displays and helpful staff. The fort itself is a fun place for children with parapets that you can venture out onto safely. The interior set ups are well done and the staff members at the fort are helpful, enthusiastic and friendly.

See where the flag that inspired Key's poem "The Star Spangled Banner" flew from. This well preserved fort has many downstairs rooms acting as museums and/or demonstration areas of how soldiers in the 1812 era lived. Good visitor center with gift shop.

This is one of my favorite historical parks. The visitors' center is outstanding and the movie is a must see before going into the fort. The interpretive services and friendliness of the guides makes visiting the place where the Star Spangled Banner was "born" a real treat.

A visit to Fort McHenry is a must if you're in Baltimore. I was very impressed with the beauty of the grounds and fascinated with the history of Fort McHenry. Just being there was inspiring and I learned a lot.

The real meaning of The Star Spangler Banner comes to life. As you hear the story and see where one of the battle was fought for our freedom, there is Calm Reverent Silence. You will be more proud and happy to rise and sing after this visit. Thanks!

Visiting Baltimore from Ireland - a few days to pass pre cruise and my husband had researched here and was on top of his list of places to visit.we got the Banner Route of Charm city Circulator bus ( Free Bus) out to Locust Point. Bitter cold day snow falling- 11C but that didnt deter us from walking around this splendid site. Staff at reception so friendly and informative.So much information and my husband had great conversations with staff on site. I was really interested in the footage of when there was a hospital on site. Fascinating amazing people. Highly recommend visiting here. spent most of the day here.

The park rangers are grace personified and we saw them under siege of a 5th grade class on a brutally cold day. The new ( to us) exhibits really bring 1812 into focus. I cannot say everyone chokes up over seeing the flag but, it moves me every time when I think about our soldiers and the environment in which they fought. Also good to know how Ft McHenry continued to vitally serve the country before it became a park. Watching the ships and tugs from the seawall gave us a few moments of quiet reflection for which we were grateful. The fort covered in snow is quite a beautiful site. So glad we re -visited a place we thought we knew well!

This was a great visit with family ( one teenager along wit us) and friends. We all learned a lot - young and old. The remains of the fort itself are interesting and the canons, still in place, were great to see positioned to protect the fort. The history of this fort, its various uses, and the history of the Star Spangled Banner ( written during a battle here) is an interesting one. The Star Spangled Banner was, as we all know, written by Francis Scott Key - but who knew he was a lawyer from D.C., on a mission to rescue a client who had been captured by the British and was being held on a ship there. And who knew that Francis Scott Key put the song to the tune of an old British drinking song - that's one of the reasons that it caught on - everyone already knew the tune. The history of the Fort helps to highlight the very old and close connection between Baltimore and D.C. We headed out to the old fort first, and then inside to spend time in the museum. Most people probably do it in reverse. We were impressed by the nice facilities and how the displays in the museum building were set up. The film shown was pretty good - and the ending - when they lift the film screen up to see the old fort and the water, is just a fabulous touch. We visited on a cold day, but still enjoyed the visit very much. Visitors can go into many of the old buildings there. It is well worth your time, and really a zip to get to by car if you like, rather than the boat taxi.

Beautifully preserved historic landmark great parks around. Definitely worth visiting especially on a beautiful day.

Ft. McHenry is a wonderful place to visit and explore! The visitor's center is very informative (great video of the battle!) and the fort is great to explore. Consider packing a lunch and eating along the bay or in the grassy area around the fort. Great place for all ages to explore!

Wonderful scenery for walk or run along the harbor. Very interesting history lesson on the tour. A must see when in Baltimore.

By a wide margin I consider the fort to be the BEST part of Baltimore. I love Fort McHenry. If you are visiting for a short trip stop by and make sure you go in the fort it self! If you live near by I would say just going for a picnic on the grounds or a nice walk along the water is so very much worth the trip!

The new information center is wonderful. The introduction film is a MUST and definitely puts you in the right frame of mind to continue the tour. If you have a National Park pass, you can use it for this sight. There are rangers to give brief explanations and answer questions. A great educational experience for both adults and children. Located only 5 minutes from the Inner Harbor area. Only need about an hour to visit Fort McHenry but it is worth it.

This was a very neat place to visit and learn the history surrounding it. Very clean, well taken care of area. Self guided tour so you can walk around at your own pace. Can walk the paved path that goes around the outside of the fort. Picnic tables available. Overall nice place to visit.