5 Historic Forts in Maryland You Can Visit: A Family Guide for History Lovers

5 historic forts you can visit in maryland

Explore five historic forts in Maryland you can visit today, including Fort McHenry, Fort Frederick, and Fort Washington. A fun guide for history lovers and families looking for unique Maryland day trips.

Estimated reading time: 16 minutes

Maryland has always been in the middle of the action when it comes to American history.

Its location along the Chesapeake Bay and the Potomac River made it strategically important for centuries. If you look at a map, it becomes pretty obvious why. Whoever controlled the waterways around Maryland controlled access to Baltimore, Washington DC, and a huge stretch of the East Coast.

So it’s no surprise that a number of forts were built here over the years.

Some protected the young United States during the War of 1812. Others were part of the Civil War defenses around Washington DC. One of them even dates all the way back to the colonial era.

Today many of these forts are preserved as parks or historic sites, and they make surprisingly fun places to explore. If you enjoy history, they’re fascinating. And if you’re visiting with kids, there is something about giant cannons, thick stone walls, and wide open parade grounds that makes the past feel a lot more real.

We’ve visited several of these forts over the years, and each one has its own personality.

Some are major national landmarks. Others feel like quiet hidden gems where you can wander around and imagine what the site might have looked like hundreds of years ago.

If you’re a history buff—or just someone who enjoys unique day trips—these are five historic forts in Maryland that are absolutely worth visiting.

Looking for a full outing? Explore these perfect Maryland day trip ideas that combine parks, historic sites, and great local food.

Jump to Section

Quick Comparison of Historic Forts in Maryland

Fort	Location	Time Period	What Makes It Special
Fort McHenry	Baltimore	War of 1812	Birthplace of the Star-Spangled Banner
Fort Washington	Fort Washington	Early 1800s	Huge masonry fort defending Washington DC
Fort Foote	Prince George’s County	Civil War	Massive Rodman cannons
Fort Howard	Baltimore County	Early 1900s	Military battery ruins and waterfront park
Fort Frederick	Western Maryland	French & Indian War	One of the best preserved colonial forts in the U.S.

Fort McHenry: The Birthplace of the Star-Spangled Banner

If you had to pick the most famous fort in Maryland, it would unquestionably be Fort McHenry in Baltimore.

This is the place where the Star-Spangled Banner was born.

During the War of 1812, British ships launched a massive bombardment of the fort in an attempt to capture Baltimore. The attack lasted about 25 hours, and when it finally ended, the American flag was still flying above the fort.

That moment inspired Francis Scott Key to write the poem that eventually became the national anthem.

Standing inside the fort today, it’s surprisingly easy to imagine what that night might have been like. The fort is shaped like a star, and you can walk the same defensive walls where soldiers once watched the harbor for British ships.

The National Park Service has done a wonderful job preserving the site. There’s a visitor center with exhibits explaining the War of 1812, and the grounds themselves are beautiful.

Kids usually love exploring here because they can see real cannons, walk along the ramparts, and roam around the open grassy areas inside the fort.

Even if you’re not a big history person, there’s something pretty powerful about standing in the place where such an important piece of American history happened.

Fort Washington: A Giant Fort Overlooking the Potomac

Just south of Washington DC sits Fort Washington, one of the most impressive forts in the region.

The location alone explains why it exists. The fort overlooks the Potomac River and was designed to protect the capital from ships approaching from the Chesapeake Bay.

The fort that stands today was built in the early 1800s after earlier defenses were destroyed during the War of 1812.

When you first see the structure, the scale is striking. The walls are massive, and the interior parade ground is enormous.

It feels less like a small historic site and more like a full military installation frozen in time.

Visitors can wander through the guard towers, explore the large open courtyard, and walk along the defensive walls. There’s even a small lighthouse overlooking the river.

One thing I particularly like about Fort Washington is how open the park feels. Kids can run around the grassy areas while adults explore the fort itself.

The views of the Potomac River are also fantastic, especially on a clear day.

If you enjoy historic places that feel big and dramatic, this fort definitely delivers.

Fort Foote: A Quiet Civil War Fort with Giant Cannons

Fort Foote is one of those places that many people drive past without realizing how interesting it actually is.

Built during the Civil War, this fort was part of a network designed to protect Washington DC from Confederate attacks along the Potomac River.

What makes Fort Foote memorable are the cannons.

Not just ordinary cannons either. These are enormous Rodman cannons, massive iron weapons designed to fire heavy artillery at enemy ships.

Seeing them in person is pretty impressive.

They’re huge. Standing next to them gives you a much better sense of how serious these river defenses were.

The park itself is quieter than many other historic sites in the region. There are wooded trails, scenic overlooks, and remnants of the old earthwork defenses.

Because it’s less crowded than places like Fort McHenry, visiting Fort Foote can feel a bit like discovering a hidden piece of history.

If you enjoy Civil War sites—or just like exploring parks that are a little off the beaten path—it’s definitely worth the stop.

Fort Howard: History and Waterfront Views

Fort Howard Park sits along the Chesapeake Bay in Baltimore County and combines military history with a relaxed waterfront park atmosphere.

The area once served as an important coastal defense installation, although much of the original base has disappeared over time.

What remains today are the massive concrete battery structures that once held artillery protecting the harbor.

Walking through these old ruins is fascinating. The concrete walls are thick and imposing, and it’s easy to imagine what the site might have looked like when soldiers were stationed here.

But Fort Howard isn’t just about the history.

It’s also a beautiful park.

There are wide open grassy fields, fishing areas, and some wonderful waterfront views. Families often bring picnic lunches and spend time exploring the grounds.

There’s also a playground, which makes it a nice stop for kids who need a little time to burn off energy.

And since it’s located just a short drive from North Point State Park, the two parks pair nicely for a full day exploring this part of Maryland’s coastline.

Fort Frederick: A Stone Fortress from the Colonial Era

Fort Frederick feels very different from the other forts on this list.

Instead of earthworks or brick structures, this one is built from thick stone walls that date all the way back to 1756.

The fort was constructed during the French and Indian War to protect settlers on Maryland’s western frontier.

Unlike many historic forts that were rebuilt or heavily modified over time, Fort Frederick has remained remarkably intact.

When you walk through the gate, the massive stone walls immediately stand out. They’re tall, solid, and surprisingly well preserved.

Inside the fort you’ll find historic barracks buildings and displays that explain life at the frontier outpost.

The surrounding state park is also lovely, with picnic areas and trails nearby.

Fort Frederick frequently hosts living history events and reenactments, which are especially fun for visitors who want to see colonial history brought to life.

For history lovers, this is easily one of the most interesting forts in Maryland.

Why Visiting Historic Forts Is Surprisingly Fun with Kids

You might not immediately think of forts as kid-friendly destinations, but they actually work really well for family outings.

First, there’s the exploration factor.

Kids can walk along walls, peek into tunnels, and examine cannons that look like something straight out of a history book.

Second, most of these forts are located inside parks with plenty of space to run around. That combination of history and outdoor space tends to keep everyone happy.

And finally, forts help make history feel real.

Reading about battles in a textbook is one thing. Standing inside the fort where those events happened is something entirely different.

Planning a Maryland Fort Road Trip

If you enjoy visiting historic places, it can actually be fun to turn these sites into a small Maryland road trip.

Several of them are located fairly close to each other.

For example, a weekend exploring the Baltimore and Washington DC area could include:

Fort McHenry
Fort Howard
Fort Washington
Fort Foote

Fort McHenry and Fort Howard are both in Baltimore or Baltimore County. A history filled day trip for these parks would be:

Day One: Baltimore Area Forts

Morning- Tour Ft. McHenry. Then take the water taxi to the Inner Harbor for lunch.
Midday- While at the Inner Harbor spend about 2 hours visiting either the National Aquarium or Maryland Science Center. Take the water taxi back to Ft. McHenry
Late Afternoon- Drive to Fort Howard and tour the ruins of the battery in the golden light of the afternoon. As you leave, stop by North Point State Park for a nature walk and some time enjoying the water views.

Day Two: Forts near Washington DC

Morning- I would start at Fort Foote. This will be a quick stop…. 1 hour tops
Mid-morning- Stop by Miller Farms in Clinton, MD for some delicious baked goods (or ice cream). Buy food for a picnic lunch!
Late morning- Tour Fort Washington and have lunch on the grounds
Early afternoon- Head to Piscataway Park to see the National Colonial Farm and pet all the animals
Late afternoon- end your day at the National Harbor. Ride the Capital Wheel and have dinner!

Then on a separate trip to western Maryland, you could visit Fort Frederick State Park.

Here is how I would structure a day trip to Fort Frederick:

The drive out to Fort Frederick might be the longest part of your day. It’s about 1 1/2 hours from both Baltimore and Washington DC. Tip: Bring your bikes and scooters!
Mid-morning- arrive at Fort Frederick and tour the fort and grounds
Late morning- head over to the Western Maryland Rail Trail (Big Pool Terminus). Park and go for a walk/bike/scooter. Pack and eat a picnic lunch.
Early afternoon (post lunch)- drive to the Antietam National Battlefield. No, it’s not a fort. But if you are into history, this is a must do. And it’s literally on the way back to DC or Central Maryland. I would spend 2-3 hours here. And either before or after touring the battlefield, you have to grab a scoop of ice cream at Nutter’s in Sharpsburg.
Late afternoon/evening- head to Hagerstown. There are a number of fantastic playgrounds your kids will love like the Marty Snook Memorial Park or Hagerstown City Park. Plan to eat dinner in downtown Hagerstown before calling it a day.

Each fort tells a different chapter of Maryland’s military history, and together they offer a fascinating look at how the region evolved over time.

Tips for Visiting Historic Forts in Maryland with Kids

Historic forts might sound like something only hardcore history buffs would enjoy, but many of Maryland’s forts are surprisingly fun places to explore with kids.

Here are a few tips to make the visit even better.

Let Kids Explore the Walls and Open Spaces

Many historic forts were designed with large open courtyards, thick stone walls, and wide grassy areas. Kids naturally love wandering around these spaces, climbing the ramparts, and imagining what life was like for soldiers stationed there hundreds of years ago.

At places like Fort McHenry and Fort Frederick, it’s easy to turn the visit into a bit of an adventure as kids explore the fort’s layout and look out over the surrounding water or countryside.

Look for Junior Ranger Programs

Several historic forts in Maryland are managed by the National Park Service or Maryland State Parks. That means you’ll often find Junior Ranger programs, activity booklets, or ranger talks designed specifically for kids.

These programs give children a fun way to learn about the fort’s history while earning a Junior Ranger badge or certificate.

Combine the Fort with Nearby Attractions

Many of Maryland’s forts are located near other great places to explore. You can easily turn a fort visit into a half-day or full day outing.

For example:

Fort McHenry pairs well with a visit to Baltimore’s Inner Harbor.
Fort Washington Park is close to National Harbor and Old Town Alexandria.
Fort Frederick State Park is located near the C&O Canal and several Western Maryland hiking areas.

Adding another activity nearby can help keep kids engaged and make the day feel like more of an adventure.

Bring Snacks and Plan for Walking

Even though most forts are fairly compact, you’ll likely spend time walking around the grounds, exploring exhibits, and checking out scenic viewpoints.

Comfortable shoes, water, and a few snacks can go a long way toward keeping everyone happy — especially during warmer months.

Encourage a Little Imagination

Sometimes the best way for kids to connect with historic places is to help them imagine what life was like there. Ask questions like:

Where do you think the soldiers slept?
What would it feel like to guard the fort at night?
Why do you think this fort was built in this location?

Turning the visit into a bit of a storytelling experience can make the history feel much more real.

What are some other historic sites to visit in Maryland?

Maryland is full of fascinating historic sites beyond its forts. Visitors interested in American history can explore places like Antietam National Battlefield, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, St. Mary’s City, and the many historic neighborhoods and museums in Baltimore and Annapolis.

Several Maryland State Parks also preserve important historic locations, including Fort Frederick State Park and South Mountain State Battlefield. If you enjoy exploring historic forts, you’ll likely enjoy visiting these other sites as well.

Maryland’s unique location along the Chesapeake Bay and between the North and South meant it played an important role in several major events in American history, including the French and Indian War, the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, and the Civil War.

FAQ About Historic Forts in Maryland

What is the most famous historic fort in Maryland?

The most famous historic fort in Maryland is Fort McHenry in Baltimore. This is the fort that defended Baltimore Harbor during the War of 1812, and it’s where Francis Scott Key was inspired to write the words that later became The Star-Spangled Banner. Today, Fort McHenry is a National Monument and Historic Shrine where visitors can tour the grounds, watch living history demonstrations, and learn about the battle that helped shape American history.

Are there Civil War forts in Maryland?

Yes! Many historic forts in Maryland are open to visitors and make great day trips. Some are managed by the National Park Service, while others are part of the Maryland State Parks system. Visitors can explore reconstructed fort walls, walk through historic buildings, read interpretive displays, and enjoy scenic views of rivers, bays, and surrounding landscapes.

Are historic forts in Maryland good places to visit with kids?

Historic forts can actually be very fun places to explore with kids. Many forts have large open spaces, grassy courtyards, and interesting structures that encourage kids to wander and imagine what life was like for soldiers stationed there long ago. Some sites also offer Junior Ranger programs, ranger talks, or living history demonstrations, which make the experience even more engaging for families.

Final Thoughts on Maryland’s Historic Forts

Maryland’s forts may not get the same attention as some of the state’s beaches or mountain parks, but they’re incredibly interesting places to explore.

From the birthplace of the national anthem to a colonial stone fortress, these sites capture several different moments in American history.

And the best part is that they’re still accessible today.

Whether you’re a serious history buff or just looking for an unusual day trip with the kids, visiting these historic forts in Maryland is a great way to step into the past for a few hours.