Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, Baltimore

History Buffs will find this more interesting than most people. That's not to say that everyone else shouldn't see it. It's a good place for a picnic, or to look at the water and just walk around. The neighborhood is up and coming so don't worry about that. It's not free, but definitally worth your time.

I was in Baltimore only for a week and I went to Gettysburg, Antietam, Harpers Ferry, Washington D.C., and Annapolis. Ft. McHenry was more like a $6.00 rest stop. It was ok but compared to everything else in the area it doesn't rate very high on the list of places to see. My 2 year old grandchild seemed to have fun there.

THe experience was very much fun and was very educating. To see, feel and sense history that helped forge this great country was very exciting. Treasures like this need to be preserved and in fact should be required to be visited by all grade school and high school kids in the USA. Great staff, great preservation of a wonderful piece of our history. Will think of this great monument every time we sing the Star Spangeled Banner. Reminds us of the gutts, courage and strength that it took to secure our freedoms that many take for granted!

This is a very important site in the history of the United States and some of the original fort still exists. However, a lot of things (items, buildings, weapons, ammo, etc) has been added to make it resemble the way it was. Some cool exhibits (such as a light-up board showing the battle that happened at the fort) were added, so be sure to check those out. A lot of the actual brick fort still exists, which was very cool. It had a lot of secret passageways and underground tunnels, however none of them were open to the public. This fort was kind of out of the way and was $7 to tour the grounds, so the value is not very good. However, from what I saw, you could tour all around the fort for free (around the edges and near the water). The admission fee was only for the inside of the fort. None of the upstairs of the buildings were open either, which was also disappointing. As of August 2007, there was a lot of construction in the area, so pay attention to the detours and look for the brown signs leading you to the fort. Be sure to catch the 15-20 minute movie in the main building.

This is a wonderful historic site. It was very moving to see the site and read all about the history of our country. The one thing I would have done differently was to go after the schools get out. They are open until 5 but we went at about 1:30 and there were tons of kids on field trips. The chaperones were sitting around and the kids were running wild through the historical structures so we ended up leaving before even seeing it all. It is worth the seven dollars though!

I have lived in Maryland all my life, and took many field trips when I was young to many local landmarks in D.C., Virginia, and Maryland. However, never made it to Fort McHenry. My husband and I decided to take our girls there yesterday. We live just outside of Baltimore, so it is very close. I can't believe we haven't been before. The staff was excellent, and very knowledgeable, the kids were free, and the demonstrations were very educational. If you are in the Baltimore area, or planning to visit, put Fort McHenry on your list of things to do and see. You won't be sorry!

This is a must see for anyone interested in history! one can visualize what it was like to be Francis Scott Key! they have interactive maps showing how the battles were mostly played out. When we were there they were doing re-enactments. If you love Ameriac and appreciate what America stnads for this is defintely a place to go! My dh loves history and could have spent a few hours there reading everything and looking at everything. It was immaculate not like some places we visited.

since I live near the Fort McHenry I visit as often as I can. One year I had taken my oldest there to see a Civil War reenactment and had learned that they had kept the mayors of Baltimore and Washington in the small prision cells they have there for a few days along with one of Francis Scott Keys grandsons.. The rangers that work at the fort are very friendly and helpful. They also have a gift shop at the vistors center.

Not a lot there, but if you want to know where the "Star-Spangled Banner" came from, then it is worth it. Nice views of Baltimore. Take a water taxi over there for an even more enjoyable time (and then eat lunch in Fells Point).

Basically, it's a typical Fort... but with such history. The opening movie is very nice and explains about our national anthem. If in Baltimore, it's a must see! Take the water taxi -- makes a great day!