Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine

Things To Do Near Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine

Fort McHenry National Monument is the inspiration for our national anthem and a crucial part of national defense in the early days of our country. If you like history, the fort is the gateway to Baltimore, one of America's most historic cities. RVers love the easy access from Interstate 95 for quick day trips.

Hiking Trails

• Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail

  One of 19 national historic trails, this trail follows the path of the Chesapeake Campaign of the War of 1812. A portion of the trail goes through Fort McHenry, connecting to a loop around the park. If you're in the mood for a longer hike, though, it's very popular with day hikers and backpackers.

  Location

  Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, Baltimore, MD 21230

  Length

  290 miles

  Intensity

  Easy

• Gwynns Falls Trail

  Combining urban and wooded settings, locals and visitors rave about this trail that winds through Baltimore. Following the Gwynns Falls stream valley, it includes one of the largest woodland parks in the eastern U.S. Bring your dog, but make sure he's on a leash.

  Location

  Gwynns Falls Park, Baltimore, MD 21223

  Length

  15 miles

  Intensity

  Easy

• Jones Falls Trail

  One of the newest trails in the Baltimore area starts in an urban area and then heads into historic wooded neighborhoods. After going through denser woods, you'll arrive at Cylburn Arboretum, once the home of a prominent Baltimore businessman. A trail extension is planned from the arboretum to nearby Mount Washington.

  Location

  Druid Hill Park, Baltimore, MD 21211

  Length

  11 miles

  Intensity

  Moderate

Sightseeing

• The Star Fort

  The main focal point of the park, the Star Fort, was completed in 1803. Thanks to continuing conservation efforts, it looks much the same as it did when Francis Scott Key watched its bombardment over 200 years ago. In addition to exploring the fort, you can watch military maneuvers as they would have happened during the War of 1812.

  Location

  Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, Baltimore, MD 21230

• National Aquarium

  One of the most popular attractions in Baltimore, this five-level aquarium hosts exhibits of marine animals from all over the world. Species ranging from tiny Panamanian golden frogs to dolphins and sharks are on display. Devoted to conservation, the aquarium maintains sanctuaries not only in Baltimore but in the Caribbean, where it's creating a new home for its six bottlenose dolphins.

  Location

  501 East Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD 21202

• USS Constellation

  Another popular attraction in Baltimore's Inner Harbor is this ship, the last sail-only warship built by the U.S. Navy. Commissioned in 1855, the ship played a vital role in ending foreign slave trading. It is the only ship left that saw action during the Civil War and a visit is a must for history buffs.

  Location

  301 East Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD 21202

Museums

• Fort McHenry Visitor and Education Center

  The center runs a short film about the Battle of Baltimore, which inspired Francis Scott Key to write "The Star-Spangled Banner." An exhibit of artifacts from that battle and the War of 1812, in general, is available to view. You can buy your tickets to tour the fort as well. 

  Location

  Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, Baltimore, MD 21230

• Baltimore Museum of Art

  This museum on the Johns Hopkins University campus houses one of the largest collections of Impressionist art in the country. Two sisters donated over a thousand works by Matisse, Picasso, Renoir, and others to form the collection's core. It also showcases works by American artists such as Georgia O'Keefe, John Singer Sargent, and the Peale family, who hailed from Baltimore.

  Location

  10 Art Museum Drive, Baltimore, MD 21218

• Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum

  One of the greatest baseball players ever, Babe Ruth, was born and grew up in Baltimore. The house where he was born is surrounded by a museum that showcases his life and career and is in the same neighborhood as Oriole Park at Camden Yards, home of the Baltimore Orioles. Exhibits include personal artifacts and a history of those who have portrayed Babe on stage and screen.

  Location

  216 Emory Street, Baltimore, MD 21230

Nearby Shops and Restaurants

• Chaps Pit Beef

  A pit beef sandwich, with medium-rare beef roasted over charcoal and piled high on a bun with horseradish/mayonnaise sauce and onions, is an only-in-Maryland delicacy. While there are many pit beef shops around Baltimore, Chaps is one of the oldest. The sandwiches travel well, so stop by and make yourself a picnic!

  Location

  5801 Pulaski Highway, Baltimore, MD 21205

• LP Steamers

  Maryland is legendary for its crabs, and this restaurant in Baltimore's Locust Point neighborhood is one of the best places to get some. For the authentic Baltimore crab experience, ask for whole steamed crabs, which will be dumped on your newspaper-covered table to be demolished by mallets and picks. If you don't want to work that hard, get their famous crab cake.

  Location

  1100 East Fort Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21230

• KSM Candle Co.

  Candle fans will love this shop, which offers singularly scented soy candles. The scents range from familiar florals to that mainstay Baltimore spice mix, Old Bay. The shop also provides candle-making workshops, so try your hand at making your own special light.

  Location

  3600 Clipper Mill Road Unit 123, Baltimore, MD 21211

• Drama MaMa

  In keeping with Baltimore's long literary tradition, this shop offers beautiful handmade journals as well as other gifts and accessories. If you're looking for a one-of-a-kind Baltimore souvenir, this is a great place to start. Whether you're writing or trying to organize, Drama MaMA has a journal for you.

  Location

  401 East Oliver Street, Baltimore, MD 21202

How To Get To Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine

The easiest way to get to Fort McHenry is from Interstate 95. From north or south, take exit 55 (Key Highway). At the third light on Key Highway, turn left onto Lawrence Street. Turn left at the next light onto Fort Avenue, which will bring you to the fort.

Address

2400 East Fort Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21230

Fee: Entry fee (ages 16+) $0

Although it's not the same flag, the Stars and Stripes that gallantly streams over Fort McHenry National Monument's ramparts would be recognized by Francis Scott Key. His heartfelt words became the essence of America's identity. An RV trip is a great way to explore a site that has literally inspired millions to sing.