Last updated: August 28, 2021
Thing to Do
Fort McHenry Audio Tours
NPS/Tim Ervin
Looking for a more structured visit to Fort McHenry? Our audio tours have you covered! These self guided audio tours can be played allowed or read to help guide you around the park and learn the history. The tours use GPS location to guide you from stop to stop.
The "Bombs Bursting in Air" tour covers Fort McHenry's role in the War of 1812 and the Battle of Baltimore. Visitors should plan on the tour taking roughly 45 minutes, but you can go at your own pace. The tour starts at the Chesapeake map behind the visitor center, enters the fort, and eventually ends at the large statue of Orpheus.
The "American Bastille" tour covers Fort McHenry's role in the American Civil War as a hospital, active garrison, and prison. Visitors should plan on the tour taking about 45 minutes, but you can go at your own pace. The tour starts at the Chesapeake map behind the visitor center, enters the fort, and eventually ends at the Armistead statue next to the parking lot.
Both of these tours enter the Star Fort Historic Zone which is a fee area. Fees can be paid in the park visitor center or on recreation.gov.
All tours can be found in the Self Guided Tours section of the NPS App.
The "Bombs Bursting in Air" tour covers Fort McHenry's role in the War of 1812 and the Battle of Baltimore. Visitors should plan on the tour taking roughly 45 minutes, but you can go at your own pace. The tour starts at the Chesapeake map behind the visitor center, enters the fort, and eventually ends at the large statue of Orpheus.
The "American Bastille" tour covers Fort McHenry's role in the American Civil War as a hospital, active garrison, and prison. Visitors should plan on the tour taking about 45 minutes, but you can go at your own pace. The tour starts at the Chesapeake map behind the visitor center, enters the fort, and eventually ends at the Armistead statue next to the parking lot.
Both of these tours enter the Star Fort Historic Zone which is a fee area. Fees can be paid in the park visitor center or on recreation.gov.
All tours can be found in the Self Guided Tours section of the NPS App.
Details
Duration
45-90 Minutes
Visitors are welcome to go at their own pace to follow the stops outlined in the tour!
Activity
Self-Guided Tours - Walking
Pets Allowed
Yes
Pets are allowed in outdoor locations, but are not allowed inside buildings or in the historic zone.
Activity Fee
No
The audio tours are free and can be listened to anywhere. However, some tour stops do go into the historic zone. If you plan to go to these stops you must pay an entrance fee of $15 per adult (16 and older). Fees can be paid in the park visitor center or on recreation.gov.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
Time of Day
Day
Accessibility Information
All audio tours also have accessible scripts available on the app to use so all can enjoy the tour! tour routes follow mostly paved paths, though some tours have stops that are not in accessible locations.