Frequently Asked Questions

How do you pronouce the name of the battle?
The name of the battle is pronounced (mon-OCK-a-see)

Where should one begin their visit?
Considered beginning at the Visitor Center, located at 5201 Urbana Pike, Frederick, Maryland 21704 (GPS Address Only).

When Does the Park open?
The park opens at 7:30 a.m. daily, however, is closed New Years Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

What are the Visitor Center hours?
The Visitor Center is open daily from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m, however, is closed New Years Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

Does the park close at 5:00 p.m.?
The park closes twenty minutes after sunset daily, however, is closed New Years Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

How much does it cost to get into the park?
Monocacy National Battlefield has no entrance fee and is FREE to all that choose to visit.

Can one get America the Beautiful passes (Annual, Senior, Access, etc.) at the park?
Monocacy National Battelfield is a fee-free park so it does not sell America the Beautiful passes. These passes can be obtained at parks that charge an entrance fee. The nearest National Park units where one can get a pass include Antietam National Battlefield or Harpers Ferry National Historical Park.

Does the park have a movie?
Monocacy Natioanl Battlefield features a fiberoptic map, which includes an eight-minute narration.

How many people visit the battlefield each year?
Over 113,800 visits to the park were recorded in 2017.


How many trails does the park have?
There are six walking trails totaling just over seven miles within the battlefield boundary.

Can I bring my pet?
Pets are welcome at Monocacy National Battlefield, however, they must be on leash and under one's physical control while in the park. Pet waste must be picked up and carried out of the park when leaving. Pets are not allowed inside the Visitor Center. Review the park's Pet Page for additional information.

Can I ride a horse or bicycle on the trails?
Horseback riding and cycling are not allowed on the battlefield's trails. Due to safety concerns, such activities are strongly discouraged on the public thoroughfares that bisect the park. Learn more about what you can do in the park by reviewing the Superintendents Compendium.

Is picnicing or campgrounds available?
Monocacy National Battlefield has several picnic areas in the park for visitors interested in picnicing. Picnic areas are located at the Visitor Center, Gambrill Mill, Worthington Farm, and the Thomas Farm. Remember, Monocacy National Battlefield is a trash-free park, so please be prepared to carry all trash out when leaving. Monocacy National Battlefield does not have any campgrounds, however, nearby parks including Gambrill State Park, Cunningham Falls State Park, and Catoctin Mountain Park offer a variety of camping opportunities.

What else is there to do nearby?
To learn about nearby opportunities check out Plan Your Visit and Things to Do.

Can I use a metal detector to look for artifacts?
Metal detecting on federal land is not allowed. To do so would be be in violation of the Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979 (ARPA). Learn more about the Laws and Policies that govern the park.

Does Monocacy National Battlefield have battle re-enactments?
National Park Service policy prohibits battle re-enactments as they disrupt the commemorative atmosphere that National Park sites preserve. There are, however, special events that feature living history encampments in which historic weapons such as cannons and rifled muskets may be demonstrated. Review our Calendar of Events to find opportunities to attend the next historic weapons demonstrations.

How long has Monocacy National Battlefield been a National Park?
Monocacy National Battlefield was created by an Act of Congress in 1934. Learn the full story of how the park came to be through review of its Enabling Legislation.

When was the Visitor Center built?
The Visitor Center was opened to the public on June 27, 2007.

I am interested in planning a special event or doing a commercial film shoot, what are the requirements?
A Special Use Permit may be necessary. Please review the Permit section for more detailed information or e-mail the Special Use Permit Coordinator.

Who won the Battle of Monocacy?
Confederates won the Battle of Monocacy.

When was the Battle of Monocacy?
The Battle of Monocacy was fought on July 9,1864 a year and six days after the Battle of Gettysburg.


Why is the Battle of Monocacy known as the "Battle that Saved Washington, DC?"
The Battle of Monocacy is known as the "Battle that Saved Washington, DC, because Federal forces delayed the Confederate advance long enough for the national capital to be reenforced, which saved it from being captured. Learn more about what happened through the story of the Battle of Monocacy.

 

Last updated: August 14, 2023

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Mailing Address:

4632 Araby Church Road
Frederick, MD 21704

Phone:

301 662-3515
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