Facilities at Fort McHenry: visitor center, film, restrooms

Yes, there is a visitor center, and going into it costs nothing. So does the film. There is a gift shop and there are restrooms. The one thing to hold on to is the closing rule: the star fort, the visitor center, the gift shop and the restrooms all shut 15 minutes before the park does, which on a summer weekday means 4:45 p.m. The rest of the free park stays open until the gates close. More on what is free.

Visitor centerFree

The filmFree

Gift shopYes

RestroomsYes

All close15 min before the park

Under 16Free everywhere

What is free indoors

The visitor center and the film are on the free side of the fee line, which surprises people who assume the building is the ticket office and nothing else. You can park yourself in there without paying anything. I will not describe what the film covers, because that is not something our sources state and I would rather under-promise than sell you a reel I have not checked this season.

The 15-minute rule

Star fort, visitor center, gift shop, restrooms: all close a quarter of an hour before the park itself. In the summer season the park closes at 5:00 p.m. on weekdays and 6:00 p.m. at weekends, so the buildings go at 4:45 p.m. and 5:45 p.m. Last entry to the fort is the same time. If restrooms are a planning consideration, and with small children they are, that is the number to remember. Full timings on hours and closures.

Insider tip

Between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. the grounds are open but the registers are not. Lovely for a walk; plan the indoor part of your visit for later in the morning.

Coming with children

Under-16s pay nothing anywhere in the park, including inside the star fort, which makes this one of the cheapest half-days in Baltimore for a family. There is more on that, and on the practical rhythm of a visit with young children, on Fort McHenry with kids.

An indoor option on a bad-weather day

The 45-minute Inner Harbor sightseeing cruise passes Fort McHenry from the water and takes three quarters of an hour. None of it includes entry to the star fort. That is a National Park Service ticket, sold at the gate and nowhere else.

Check dates for the harbor cruise

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure on most tours — book now, decide later.

Frequently asked questions

Does Fort McHenry have a visitor center?

Yes, and it is free to enter, as is the film. Both sit outside the fee area, which covers only the star fort and outer battery inside a wooden fence.

Are there restrooms at Fort McHenry?

Yes. They close 15 minutes before the park does, along with the star fort, the visitor center and the gift shop.

Do you have to pay to go into the visitor center?

No. The visitor center and the film cost nothing. The $15 adult entrance fee applies only inside the wooden fence around the star fort and outer battery.