Image designed by the National Park Service Love national parks? There’s a holiday for that! Join the weeklong celebration of all things “national parks” happening August 22 to 30, 2026. Wrap up summer by coming out to explore nature and history, join ranger programs, earn your Junior Ranger badge, and more. Entrance fees are waived for US citizens and residents on August 25, 2026, for our 110th birthday. Five Easy Ways to Celebrate
Discover what the National Park Service does through our programs and partners to preserve natural and cultural heritage and provide recreational opportunities in places across the country—and even the world! Learn more here! Celebrate America’s StoryThis year's National Park Week theme is “Celebrate America’s Story” in honor of the nation’s 250th anniversary. Come visit where many of America’s important stories are shared—in our national parks. Make your own stories exploring stunning natural landscapes, reflecting on our nation's inspiring history and rich culture, and enjoying the great outdoors. Share your national park stories on social media using #NationalParkWeek, #NationalJuniorRangerDay, and #NPSBirthday. The Fort McHenry Guard goes to Fort Washington!
Whether they’re attending an event or spending the day exploring, remember to plan like a park ranger and recreate responsibly! Find tips on how to stay safe and get the most out of your visit on our website and social media. We do our best to keep information up to date about current conditions and hazards.
Get up and get moving on a guided walk with a ranger!
Start at the Paul S. Sarbanes Visitor and Education Center and continue along the Sea Wall Trail, taking in nature and history along the way. Learn about the Lazaretto Lighthouse and the role the Lazaretto Quarantine Station had in defending Baltimore during the 1814 bombardment. In celebration of the National Park Service's 110th birthday, US citizens and residents will not be be charged entrance fees at national parks on August 25, 2026! At Fort McHenry, that means entrance to the historic star fort is free of charge for those groups. The National Park Service was created on August 25, 1916, to "preserve unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations." Over the hundred plus years, we've grown into more than 400 national parks and many programs that reach communities around the country—and even the world! Our birthday is part of National Park Week this year so come celebrate all week! Join the birthday fun on social media using #NPSBirthday, #NPS110, and #NationalParkWeek. Although Fort McHenry is known for its history, the 42-acre park is teeming with small animals and birds!
Official B.A.R.K. Ranger badges are available for purchase in the park bookstore.
Join us in thanking our partners, volunteers, neighboring communities, and the many others who help contribute to the National Park Service mission. With their support, we are able to preserve and share the history of Fort McHenry.
Today, we are highlighting the many tasks and projects our volunteers handle behind the scenes that bring history to life for visitors! Learn how to become a volunteer. As the nation marks its 250th anniversary of resilience and independence, we celebrate the stories, places, and people that define America. The American story is not only one of founding moments, but of generations striving to widen the promise of liberty.
Park rangers wear many hats, literally!
From maintenance crews and interpreters to curators, horticulturists, and administrative staff, celebrate the people whose dedication keeps our parks thriving. Visit us behind the Paul S. Sarbanes Visitor and Education Center to learn about the many different careers available within the National Park Service. Try your hand at matching the different types of uniform hats to the job duties rangers perform. Calling kids of all ages! Explore More
Plan Your VisitWhat time does the park open? Are there fees? What can I do there? Find answers to all of these questions and more! 
Join us for Defenders' Day 2026Join us September 11th-13th for special Defenders’ Day events commemorating the successful defense of Baltimore in 1814! 
Ranger ProgramsFrom flag changes to guided tours, find out what programs are happening throughout the year! |
Last updated: August 18, 2026