Fort McHenry: A Historic Landmark of American Valor
Discover the rich history and scenic beauty of Fort McHenry, where America's national anthem was born and valor was defined.
Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine is a must-visit for tourists seeking to explore a significant piece of American history. Nestled in Baltimore, this historic site is renowned for its role during the War of 1812 and as the birthplace of the National Anthem. Visitors can enjoy scenic views, engaging exhibits, and lush picnic grounds, making it a perfect destination for history buffs and families alike.
A brief summary to Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
- 2400 E Fort Ave, Baltimore, Fort McHenry, Maryland, 21230, US
- +1410-962-4290
- Visit website
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning to enjoy quieter grounds and better photo opportunities.
- Check the event calendar for live reenactments and special programs.
- Bring a picnic to enjoy in the designated picnic areas with views of the harbor.
- Wear comfortable shoes; there are several walking paths to explore.
- Don’t forget to stop by the visitor center for informative exhibits and a short film about the fort's history.
Getting There
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Public Transit (Bus)
From Towson, you can catch the MTA Maryland bus route 61 at the Towson Town Center, located at 825 Dulaney Valley Rd, Towson, MD 21204. Board the bus headed towards Baltimore. Stay on the bus for about 30 minutes until you reach the 'Patterson Park & Eastern Ave' stop. Here, you will need to transfer to the MTA bus route 1. Board bus route 1 towards 'West Baltimore' and continue for another 15 minutes until you reach the 'Fort McHenry' stop. From this stop, it's a short walk to the entrance of Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, located at 2400 E Fort Ave, Baltimore, MD 21230.
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Walking
If you prefer to walk from Towson to Fort McHenry, start at the Towson Town Center and head south on Dulaney Valley Rd. Continue straight and merge onto the Baltimore Towson Pkwy (I-695) via the ramp. Walk towards the Baltimore Harbor area. Once you reach the harbor, follow the signage to Fort McHenry, which is located at 2400 E Fort Ave, Baltimore, MD 21230. Please note that this walking route is approximately 8 miles and may take over 2 hours.
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Bike
For a more scenic route, consider biking from Towson to Fort McHenry. Start at Towson Town Center and head south on Dulaney Valley Rd. Transition to the Baltimore Towson Pkwy (I-695) bike lane. Continue towards the harbor, where you can follow bike paths to Fort McHenry. The distance is roughly 8 miles, and it should take about 30-40 minutes depending on your speed. Once you arrive, you can park your bike at the designated bike racks near the entrance.
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