Safety

Launching, landing, or operating an unmanned aircraft from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of Fort McHenry National Monument & Historic Shrine is prohibited.

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The staff at Fort McHenry want to make sure that your visit is as enjoyable as possible. Please consider the following safety tips, federal laws, and regulations when planning your visit to the park. A complete list can be found in the Superintendent's Compendium.

If you need help

• If it is an emergency, call 911.
• If you are in the park and need help for non-emergency situations like suspicious or illegal activity, call 1-866-677-6677 for National Park Service Law Enforcement Dispatch.

Please note that items (including backpacks, handbags, packages, coolers, strollers, etc.) are subject to search and inspection for weapons or items hazardous to visitors or staff. Personal items are not be left unattended. Unattended items are subject to search and may be confiscated by park staff. These provisions address terrorist concerns following the attacks of September 11, 2001.

INCLIMENT WEATHER
The park hours of operation are subject to change in the event of incliment weather. Visitors are advised to excercise caution when planning a visit to Fort McHenry when weather conditions are severe. Visitors are advised to check current conditions or call 410-629-4290 in the event of incliment weather for updated hours of operation.

Buildings and walking paths may be closed due to weather conditions, including, but not limited to, snow and ice. Use caution when visiting the park when such conditions exist. Dress appropriately for winter conditions including, but not limited to, snow, ice, and freezing temperatures. Seek warmer indoor conditions when available.

Drink plenty of fluids when visiting the park during the summer months. Water fountains are available at the Visitor and Education Center. Bottled water is available for purchase in the gift shop and from vending machines located outside of the Visitor and Education Center. Seek shade when extreme heat conditions exist.

PROTECTING RESOURCES AND WILDLIFE
Trees, plants, earthworks, and historic architectural structures are considered to be part of the cultural landscape of the park. For the safety of our visitors and the resources, walking, climbing, entering, ascending, descending, or traversing on an archeological or cultural resource, monument, or statue is prohibited.

When touring the Star Fort, visitors are to stay on the designated walkways. Do not climb, walk on, or jump off the earthworks. Visitors are not permitted to stand or walk on the historic stone sea wall when walking the park grounds.

The park is home to many different types of wildlife. Harassing the wildlife is prohibited. For the safety of visitors and the wildlife do not attempt to approach, relocate, or feed any animals. Contact a staff member for assistance regarding unusual animal behavior.

PETS
Fort McHenry is a pet-friendly park. Please refer to the pets page for more information on bringing your pet to the park.

Qualified service animals assisting visitors with disabilities are permitted throughout the park and in all park facilities, including the Historic Zone and Visitor and Education Center. However, they must be on a leash.

RECREATION
The use of fire, stoves, or lanterns is prohibited within the park boundaries.

Recreational type activities that involve leaving property behind or affixing items to park property for others to discover are prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, Geo-caches, letterboxing, and rock hiding.

Launching, landing, or operating unmanned aircrafts such as drones is strictly prohibited.

Parking is available in designated parking areas. Visitor vehicles are not permitted within the park outside of the designated parking areas. Bicycles are permitted on the paved areas of the park but not within the historic zone. For the safety of visitors and protection of the resources, scooters, skating, and skateboarding are prohibited within the park.

Scooters that are part of a ride-share program are strictly prohibited within the park. This includes electric and/or motorized scooters. Ride-share vehicles of any kind may not be left within park boundaries for pick-up or sharing.