Fees & Passes

Changes to Entrance Fees and Passes in 2026

Learn about a few upcoming changes to entrance fees and passes for non-US residents and motorcycles that begin on January 1, 2026.

Key Information

1. Entrance fee at Fort McHenry visitor center

   The Trail's premier visitor center is at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, which has an entrance fee of $15 per person (16 and older). Fees at other associated sites may vary.

   Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine

An entrance pass is not required to access Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail.

Other National Park Service sites may require an entrance pass or fee. Depending on your trip plans, an interagency pass may save you money.

The Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail is in part made possible through collaboration of sites - public and private - belonging to different agencies and groups. Due to this, entrance fees vary from site to site. The Trail's premier visitor center is at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, which does have an entrance fee.

2026 Free Entrance Days in the National Parks

Come 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:

• February 16: Presidents Day (Washington's Birthday)
• May 25: Memorial Day
• June 14: Flag Day/President Trump's birthday
• July 3–5: Independence Day weekend
• August 25: 110th Birthday of the National Park Service
• September 17: Constitution Day
• October 27: Theodore Roosevelt's birthday
• November 11: Veterans Day

Beginning in 2026, free entrance on these days will be for US citizens and residents only. Nonresidents will pay the regular entrance fee and any applicable nonresident fees.

 

The Trail's premier visitor center is at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine. Up to date information about fees and passes available there can be found below:

Entrance Fees

The entrance fee to the historic area of the park is $15.00 for adults 16 years of age and older; children 15 and younger are free. This fee provides the visitor with a 7-day entrance permit to Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine. You must keep your entrance receipt to re-enter the park in the 7-day time period.

'America the Beautiful' or the Fort McHenry annual passes are alternatives to the above fees. All passes can be purchased or obtained at the Visitor Center Information Desk during normal operating hours.

Park Annual Pass

Frequent visitors to Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine may want to purchase a Fort McHenry Annual Pass. This $45 pass provides entrance to the pass owner and three (3) additional adults.The pass is valid for 12 months from the date of purchase.

Visit Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine for information about fees, passes, and waivers.