News Release

Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine to increase recreational access to park grounds

Date: June 8, 2020
Contact: Abbi Wicklein-Bayne, 410-353-2545

Baltimore, MD – Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine (NMHS) is increasing recreational access. The National Park Service (NPS) is working servicewide with federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and using a phased approach to increase access on a park-by-park basis.

Beginning June 8, Fort McHenry NMHS will increase access to its grounds and parking lot for recreational visitors. The Star Fort, visitor center, and restrooms will remain closed. Fort McHenry NMHS will not conduct on-site public programs or provide visitor information and services. Park gates will open at 9am and close at 5pm. 

Park rangers remain on duty and normal regulations still apply. As services are limited and closed to the public, the National Park Service urges visitors to: 
•  follow one-way directional signs to recreate along the sea wall trail;
•  park only in designated areas;  
•  pack out everything you bring in; 
•  maintain 6 ft (2 m) social distance from others; 
•  stay on marked trails; and
•  be prepared for no access the Fort’s visitor center and restrooms. With public health in mind, these facilities remain closed at this time.
 
The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners continues to be paramount. At Fort McHenry NMHS our operational approach will be to examine each facility function and service provided to ensure those operations comply with current public health guidance and will be regularly monitored. We continue to work closely with the NPS Office of Public Health using CDC guidance to ensure public and workspaces are safe and clean for visitors, employees, partners, and volunteers.   

While these areas are accessible for visitors to enjoy, a return to full operations will continue to be phased and services may be limited. When recreating, the public should follow local area health orders, practice Leave No Trace principles, avoid crowding and avoid high-risk outdoor activities. 

The CDC has offered guidance to help people recreating in parks and open spaces prevent the spread of infectious diseases. We will continue to monitor all park functions to ensure that visitors adhere to CDC guidance for mitigating risks associated with the transmission of COVID-19 and take any additional steps necessary to protect public health.  

Details and updates on park operations will continue to be posted on our website www.nps.gov/fomc and social media channels. Updates about NPS operations will be posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus.