Fort McHenry Visitor Center

Follow the park road from East Fort Avenue to the main parking lot. The Visitor and Education Center is directly beside the lot and should be the first stop before walking toward the historic zone.

Free main and overflow parking, including first-come accessible spaces, serves the center. Parking is for park visitors and fills more quickly during major programs.

Current summer hours are 9:00 a.m.-4:45 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9:00 a.m.-5:45 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Seasonal hours and Thanksgiving, December 25 and January 1 closures apply; recheck NPS before leaving.

Accessible and family restrooms, bottle-filling and drinking water are inside. Exterior vending machines offer snacks and drinks, but access follows building hours.

The visitor center, exhibits and orientation film are free. Star Fort Historic Zone admission is sold separately at the front desk and is currently $15 per adult age 16 and older.

The building, parking, restrooms, film and exhibits are accessible; wheelchairs can be borrowed, the film is captioned and exhibits include audio narration. Request ASL interpretation at least 14 days ahead.

Pets are not allowed inside the building, even in carriers. ADA-defined service animals are permitted; leashed pets may use designated outdoor grounds.

Pick up Junior Ranger booklets, see the ten-minute film and ask the ranger desk about same-day programs before walking to the fort. Baby-changing and family-restroom facilities are available.

Pass registers close before the building and park gates. Buy Star Fort admission early and confirm the final film and program times at the desk.

MTA bus service reaches the Locust Point area, but the final walk can be substantial. Bicycles are allowed on paved park areas but not inside the historic zone.