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Plan Your Visit
Key Information
Choosing an Entrance PassDo you have or qualify for a discounted America the Beautiful Pass?If you already have an America the Beautiful—the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass, that's the only entrance pass you need. Seniors, military, visitors with a permanent disability, and families with a 4th grader are eligible for a free or discounted America the Beautiful pass. How often do you plan to visit national parks in the next 12 months?If you don't qualify for a discounted America the Beautiful pass, we recommend choosing an entrance pass based on your trip plans.
Entrance PassesFort McHenry NM&HS requires an entry fee of $15 per adult (ages 16 and older) in order to enter the Historic Zone (where the historic star fort structure is located). The remaining park grounds, visitor center, and movie are free to visit. Entrance passes can be purchased at the park visitor center from 9 AM - 4 PM, or 9 AM - 5 PM in the summer. Park registers are cashless. Entrance passes are good for 7 days with a valid receipt. Standard Entrance Pass$15.00
The majority of the 43-acre park is free. However, the historic zone (location of the star fort and outer battery, designated by a wooden fence) requires an entrance fee of $15 per adult (16 and older). An annual pass is available for $45 and covers the pass holder plus 3 adults.
Interagency passes are accepted in the park and can cover the pass holder plus 3 adults. All passes must be physically present with a photo ID.
For IndividualsAll visitors over the age of 16 need an entrance pass, including vehicle passengers. Children under the age of 16 don't need an entrance pass. Access to the historic zone (where the star fort is located) requires an entrance fee. In-person Purchase Locations
For Organizations & BusinessesThere is no group rate for the entrance fee. All groups must pay $15 per adult. Children in the groups are free, however, they must be accompanied by an adult in the historic zone. Interagency passes are allowed to be used to assist with group entry fees. In-person Purchase Locations
 Annual Entrance - Park$45.00 The Fort McHenry Annual Pass covers the pass holder plus three adults to enter the Fort McHenry NM & HS Historic Zone for 12 months. The pass is both available at the park visitor center, or a digital version is available on recreation.gov. In order for the pass to work, it must be physically on the passholder with a valid photo ID.
To purchase the pass, visit the visitor center desk which is open 9 AM - 4 PM, or 9 AM - 4 PM in the summers. In-person Purchase Locations
America the Beautiful—the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass
Covers entrance fees and standard amenity (day-use) fees at lands managed by
Depending on the type of entrance fee charged at a site, covers
America the Beautiful Passes are non-refundable, non-transferable and cannot be replaced if lost or stolen. Passholders must show valid photo identification (ID) with each pass. How to Get an America the Beautiful PassIn Person (Recommended)Passes can be purchased or picked up at over 1,000 federal recreation sites. Order Online, Receive by MailTo receive your pass by mail, order online at the USGS Online Store . Online orders are for physical passes, not digital passes, and may take up to three weeks to be processed and delivered. Order receipts may not be used in place of a physical pass. We recommend ordering at least three weeks in advance of your visit, or picking up a pass in person instead. 2024 Free Entrance Days in the National ParksCome experience the national parks! All National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to everyone (other fees, including timed entry or reservation fees, may apply). Mark your calendar for these entrance fee-free dates:
Cashless Policy FAQ
Learn everything you need to know about the park's cashless policy. 
Fee-Free Days
A list of all the fee-free days at National Parks all across the country that charge for entrance. 
Academic Fee Waiver
Quick information on academic fee waivers and how a school group can get one. 
Your Fee Dollars at Work
Information on where entrance fee dollars go and what they are used for in the park service. |
Last updated: August 29, 2024