Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
Baltimore, Maryland · Historic Site · Accessibility score 4.7/5
Address: 2400 East Fort Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21230
Phone: 410-962-4290
About
Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine preserves the Baltimore fort whose defense during the War of 1812 inspired Francis Scott Key to write the words that became the U.S. national anthem. The site combines a visitor and education center, exhibits, an orientation film, the historic Star Fort, outdoor grounds, waterfront views, and walking routes. It works well for visitors interested in military history, Baltimore history, national symbols, and outdoor historic sites that can be explored at a flexible pace. The fort is more than a single exhibit stop, because the landscape, flag program, ramparts, buildings, and harbor setting all contribute to the experience. The National Park Service publishes detailed accessibility information for the visitor center, parking, restrooms, Star Fort, exhibits, seawall trail, and picnic areas.
Accessibility
The National Park Service accessibility page states that Fort McHenry park buildings, exhibits, restrooms, trails, and parking lots are accessible by a variety of means, including ramps and open captioning. Wheelchairs are available to borrow upon request.
The main and overflow parking lots are ADA accessible, with reserved ADA parking available first-come, first-served. Parking at Fort McHenry is free.
The Visitor and Education Center is ADA accessible and includes seating in the exhibit and film area. The orientation film is closed captioned, and interactive exhibits feature open captioning and audio narration.
The Star Fort is accessible from the Visitor Contact Station by a paved pathway, and the entrance to the Star Fort and buildings is ADA accessible. Restrooms in the Visitor and Education Center and Star Fort are ADA accessible, family-style restrooms are available in the Visitor and Education Center, the Seawall Trail is paved and ADA accessible, service animals are permitted in park buildings, a Braille introductory pamphlet is available, and ASL interpretation can be requested at least 14 days in advance.
More accessible places in Maryland
- Walters Art Museum (Baltimore)
- Port Discovery Children's Museum (Baltimore)
- National Aquarium (Baltimore)
- Maryland Science Center (Baltimore)
- B&O Railroad Museum (Baltimore)
- The Maryland Zoo (Baltimore)
Photo credits
- Fort McHenry Guard marching along the outer wall in Baltimore: National Park Service, Public domain (U.S. National Park Service)