Fort McHenry National Monument

Spend a morning at Fort McHenry National Monument, home of our National Anthem.  Fort McHenry is located just outside of Baltimore, MD and about one hour away from Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. to Fort McHenry, MD (Point B)

THINGS TO DO:

Fort McHenry National Monument

• Plan to arrive around 8:30 a.m.
• Begin your exploration at the visitors center
• If you have children, ask a Park Ranger for a Junior Ranger packet (they will earn a Junior Ranger badge and certificate by completing the packet)
• Watch the short 10-minute orientation film at 9:00 a.m.  (be sure to stand at the end!)
• Make your way to the fort, arriving in the center of the fort in time to participate in the daily flag change at 9:30 a.m.
• Wander through the fort and the rest of the park

View of Fort McHenry from Outside the Visitors Center

• When you are finished with your visit, drive 15 minutes into Baltimore and eat lunch at Sip & Bite Restaurant (the restaurant was highlighted on Food Network's "Diners, Drive-Ins, & Dives"and has EXCELLENT crab cakes) 
• If you have time, explore the Inner Harbor

THINGS TO KNOW:

Fort McHenry is owned and operated by the National Park Service.  Consider purchasing an Annual Parks Pass as many of the activities suggested on our blog will take you to a National Park.  Those without the pass will pay an admission fee of $7/person for age 16 and up (15 and under are free).  While you’re at the visitor center, make sure to take note of the scheduled events for the day as there may be a ranger talk you’d like to listen to.  If you’re interested in taking part in the flag ceremony, make sure you find out where to meet the rangers to participate.  If you plan on completing the Junior Ranger Program with your kids, make sure to get your packet from the desk in the Visitor Center before you head out to the fort, as the answers to the packet’s questions can be found in the fort’s exhibits.  The packet can be a little challenging, but it makes your self-guided tour very interesting.  The visitor center has restrooms, drinking fountains, and a gift shop. 

Sip and Bite is clearly a local favorite and for good reason: the food is amazing.  The diner was highlighted on the Food Network’s “Diners Drive-Ins and Dives.”  Its always fun to eat at a place that’s been on TV, but when you begin eating your meal you’ll forget that the place was highlighted by Guy Fieri and all you’ll be able to think about is how much you’re enjoying your lunch.  The crab cakes live up to the hype they receive.  It’s a fun and casual atmosphere where the owners and employees treated us like we could be their personal friends.  The wonderful thing about this place is that they draw you in with both their food and their personalities.