Fort McHenry

Historic site Baltimore, Maryland, United States

What to expect

Fort McHenry is a historical American coastal pentagonal bastion fort that played a significant role in the War of 1812. The fort's successful defense against the British navy inspired Francis Scott Key to write the poem 'Defence of Fort M'Henry,' which later became the national anthem of the United States, 'The Star-Spangled Banner.' Today, visitors can explore the fort and its surroundings, which offer a path for walking, running, or biking, as well as plenty of room for picnics or playtime with kids. The fort also hosts various events, including living history programs, fife and drum camp, and junior ranger day, making it a great place to visit with family. Additionally, the fort is a great spot to enjoy the scenery and learn about its rich history, from the Civil War to WWII

Plan your family visit to the Fort McHenry with these blog insights 👇

8 Fun Baltimore Activities For Parents And Kids

This family's experience:

Activities: We visited the fort and watched the daily flag-raising ceremony

Highlights: Tiny Traveler loved the flag-raising ceremony, while Eileen enjoyed the park rangers' knowledge of Maryland history ✨

Discovering Baltimore, Maryland in 24 hours

This family's experience:

Activities: We visited Fort McHenry, where we learned about how the city defended itself against the British in the War of 1812

Highlights: The kids enjoyed running around and taking in the stunning views of the city ✨