Group Visits FAQ Large organized groups often see Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine as an ideal location to visit. While group visits are welcome, the park understands that planning a visit can often bring up questions or concerns. Below are some frequently asked questions that should help guide groups planning their visit to the park.
There is no need to make a reservation for your group. The park is open daily (except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day) and groups of all sizes are welcome to come to Fort McHenry on any day of the year.
Upon Arrival: When groups arrive on site they should wait outside the visitor center, only the group leader should enter the building. Only after the group leader has talked to the park ranger at the front desk and figured out a plan on how to split up groups entering the visitor center and pay their entrance fee should the group begin entering the building.
The entrance fee to the historic area of the park is $15.00 for adults 16 years of age and older; children 15 and younger are free. This fee provides the visitor with a 7-day entrance permit to Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine. You must keep your entrance receipt to re-enter the park in the 7-day time period. For more information, please visit the park's Fees and Passes page.
Purchase Entry Passes Ahead of TimeTo make your trip more effecient, pay for your adults ahead of time using recreation.gov.We do not offer a group discount however if you are an educational institution and visiting Fort McHenry for educational purposes you may be eligible to apply for an Academic Fee Waiver. ON THE DAY OF YOUR VISIT : When your group arrives at Fort McHenry, please make sure your group leader has an accurate count of the adults in your group and has the QR code from recreation.gov ready to be scanned.
The National Park Service regulations allow school groups and other bona fide national and international academic institutions to obtain a waiver for park entrance fees, provided that the visit is for educational purposes, and the resources or facilities the group proposes to use support those purposes. A school or educational institution is defined as one which grants some type of educational credit.
In order to qualify for a waiver, a group must meet all of the following criteria: Educational and scientific groups must submit proof of official recognition as an accredited institution by a federal, state, or local government entity. Private schools or other scientific institutions may submit documentation of tax-exempt status granted for educational purposes. The intended trip must relate directly to the educational or scientific purpose of the visit and to the unique features and resources of Fort McHenry. The visit "shall not be primarily for recreation purposes". To apply for an Academic Fee Waiver, please visit the park's Academic Fee Waiver page.
Limited free parking is available. Buses may use one of the designated bus parking spaces. If these spaces are all occupied the buses must park outside of Fort McHenry. Buses can not park across multiple parking spots preventing other visitors from using them.
Restrooms and handicapped access ramps are available. A gift shop, owned and operated by the Evelyn Hill Corporation, is open daily. It is located in the Visitor Center.
There are no dining facilities on site however picnic tables are available on the East and West lawns of the park for groups who wish to bring their own meals. Picnicking is not permitted inside the Star Fort or Visitor Center. Bags should not be left unattended in any part of the park. PRE-ARRIVAL:Groups should pre-pay for their visit to Fort McHenry if they plan on entering the Star Fort Historic Zone (fee area). To pre-pay, visit recreation.gov. Have the QR code that recreation.gov sends to you ready to be scanned when you enter the park. Please brief your group on safety before exiting your vehicle. For additional information on park laws and policies, please review the Superintendent's Compendium. ARRIVAL:When your group arrives at Fort McHenry, please have them remain on the bus or outside the Visitor Center while the group leader checks in. The group leader should have the fee waiver confirmation and/or payment to present to the ranger at the Visitor Center desk. Program information will also be provided at this time. The Visitor Center is the park headquarters as well as a museum. Please have the group remain quiet so that others may enjoy their visit. DEPARTURE:Prior to leaving Fort McHenry, please have your group meet in a designated place. Please use sidewalks and crosswalks to load and unload passengers in designated areas. DO NOT have your group wait for the buses inside the park visitor center.
Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine does not provide ranger programs on demand. Groups will not be provided their own ranger, tour, or talk. However, all groups are welcome to join any public programs being presented throughout the day. To plan to attend a ranger program during your visit, check the Ranger Programs page.
Groups are welcome to visit the park during all regular park hours. Hours change seasonally, the best way to plan the timing of your visit is by checking the park's Operating Hours & Seasons page.
Please Note: Access to Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine is CLOSED outside of park operating hours. Meaning, the park is cleared of all visitors before the park is closed, groups may not stay past the closing time. In addition, last entry to the park is 15-minutes before closing. Meaning, when the park closes at 5:00 pm, groups arriving after 4:45 pm will be turned away from the park. Traffic patterns entering Baltimore City have changed in recent years which have resulted in increased traffic and commute times. Plan your trip to the park accordingly to have plenty of time to have a meaningful visit to the park. Park buildings, facilities, and hours will not be adjusted for late arriving groups. |
Last updated: May 24, 2026