Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine in Baltimore holds the incredible distinction of being the birthplace of our national anthem! This star-shaped fort offers families an exciting blend of history and patriotism, where kids can walk in the footsteps of the brave defenders who inspired Francis Scott Key to pen "The Star-Spangled Banner."
Junior Ranger Program at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
The Junior Ranger program at Fort McHenry immerses young historians in War of 1812 activities, including flag ceremonies, military drills, and interactive exhibits about the famous bombardment. Kids complete age-appropriate activities in their Junior Ranger booklet while exploring the fort's ramparts and learning about the 25-hour battle that saved Baltimore.
- Participate in flag ceremonies with park rangers
- Explore authentic cannons and defensive earthworks
- Learn the story behind our national anthem's creation
Planning Your Visit
Van Life Tip: The visitor center parking lot accommodates larger vehicles, and nearby Fort McHenry Park has additional overflow parking if you're traveling in a longer rig.
Plan Your Stay
Save on park entry with the America the Beautiful Pass — $80 for unlimited access to all 400+ National Park sites for a full year.
Where to Stay
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