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Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine

»Contact Information
»Getting There
»Weather
»Activities
This late 18th century star-shaped fort is world famous as the birthplace of the United States' national anthem. The guardian of Baltimore's harbor, it was the valiant defense of Fort McHenry by American forces during a British attack on September 13-14, 1814, that inspired 35 year old poet-lawyer, Francis Scott Key to write "The Star-Spangled Banner."

Following the Battle of Baltimore during the War of 1812, the fort never again came under attack. However, it remained an active military post off and on for the next 100 years.

It became an area administered by the National Park Service in 1933, two years after Key's poem became this country's national anthem. Of all the areas in the National Park System, Fort McHenry is the only one designated a national monument and historic shrine.



Contact Information

End of East Fort Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21230-5393
410/962-4290 - Visitor Information
410/962-4290, x243 - Group Arrangements


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Getting There

By Plane
The park is located within ten miles of BWI Airport.

By Car
The park is three miles southeast of the Baltimore Inner Harbor and just off I-95. From northbound or southbound I-95, take exit 55 to Key Highway. From Key Highway turn left on Lawrence Street and left on Fort Avenue. Proceed one mile to the park. From the Baltimore Inner Harbor, take Light Street south to Fort Avenue. Turn left on Fort Avenue and proceed to the park.

By Plane
MTA buses stop at the park's front gate.

Weather

Mostly sunny, with humid, rainy periods throughout the year. Cold winters. Tends to be windy all year round. Summers generally hot and humid. Wear comfortable sportswear in season, with walking shoes.


Activities

Here are some of the activities that are offered at Mount Rainier National Park.
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  • Educational Programs
  • Bird Watching

Recommended Activities
Daily flag change, 9:30 A.M. and 4:30 P.M. (Summer - 9:30 A.M. and 7:30 P.M.), weather permitting; interpretive programs; living history (seasonal); star fort and grounds are self-guided tours. Please inquire at the Visitor Center desk for current information.


 
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Find Hiking and Biking Trails
If you like to go hiking or biking, then don't forget to get a map and guidebook. Trails.com offers a great service that allows unlimited downloads of trail guides for a small monthly fee. They even have a 14 day free trial. Whether you are looking for day hikes, backpacking trails, mountain bike routes or just short nature stroll, they cover it all. So let Trails.com help plan your next outing.
RV Information
Are you planning on traveling with your RV? If you are, you should check out the Good Sam Club. The Good Sam Club offers discounts on camping, a free magazine subscription and great tips on traveling with your RV. You can also get a free no-obligation RV Insurance quote . Give them a look and enjoy your trip.
Gear Up For Your Trip
Once you have finished deciding where to go, it will be time to gear up. A great place for adventure travel gear is The National Geographic Store. They have all types of maps and guides to help finalize your vacation plans.