🏕️National Park Data
Federal style house with trees behind it during the fall season.
The sun setting behind a monument.
Sun rise and fog behind the historic Secondary House on the Best Farm.
Smoke and fire erupt from an artillery piece as it is fired by Union soldiers.
Small flags fly in the breeze in front of the visitor center.
A cannon sits in a green field in front of a small white building, the sun is setting.
National Battlefield

Monocacy National Battlefield

Maryland

💰
Entrance Fee
Free
🕐
Hours
7:30AM - Sunset
📍
Location
Frederick, MD
📞
Visitor Center
3016623515

During the summer of 1864, the Confederacy carried out a bold plan to turn the tide of the Civil War in their favor. They planned to capture Washington, DC and influence the election of 1864. On July 9, however, Federal soldiers outnumbered three to one, fought gallantly along the banks of the Monocacy River in an effort to buy time for Union reinforcement to arrive in Washington, DC.

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About Monocacy National Battlefield

Monocacy National Battlefield is a national battlefield located in Maryland. Spring (March - May) Temperatures: Average high is 67 degrees with a low of 53 degrees Summer (June - August) Temperatures: Average high is 87 degrees with a low of 65 degrees Fall (September - November) Temperatures: Average high is 68 degrees with a low of 48 degrees Winter (December - February) Temperatures: Average high is 45 degrees with a low of 27 degrees (Source: www.usclimatedata.com)

From the North (U.S. 15) or West (Hagerstown): Use I-70 east and take Exit 54. Bear right then take a left onto Rt. 355. The visitor center will be on the left. From the East (Baltimore): Use I-70 west and take Exit 54. Bear left then take a left onto Rt. 355. The visitor center will be on the left. From the South (Washington): Use I-270 north to I-70 east and take Exit 54. Bear right then take a left onto Rt. 355. The visitor center will be on the the left.

💰 Entrance Fees & Passes

Entry to Monocacy is completely free. There are no general entrance fees or vehicle passes required to access this park unit.

🥾 Things to Do

Monocacy National Battlefield offers visitors a diverse selection of outdoor experiences. You can participate in a wide array of activities, most notably Auto and ATV, Scenic Driving, Guided Tours, Self-Guided Tours - Walking, and 14 other recreational activities, depending on the season and weather conditions. Path options exist for both casual strollers and expert backcountry adventurers.

✅ Auto and ATV
✅ Scenic Driving
✅ Guided Tours
✅ Self-Guided Tours - Walking
✅ Self-Guided Tours - Auto
✅ Hiking
✅ Front-Country Hiking
✅ Living History
✅ Historic Weapons Demonstration
✅ First Person Interpretation
✅ Paddling
✅ Canoeing
✅ Kayaking
✅ Junior Ranger Program
✅ Museum Exhibits
✅ Shopping
✅ Bookstore and Park Store
✅ Gift Shop and Souvenirs

📦 Recommended Gear & Packing Checklist

Custom items selected for activities at Monocacy

0 of 10 packed

🎒 Trail Essentials

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🥾 Activity-Specific Gear

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🧥 Apparel & Layers

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💡 Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

📋 Visitor Planning Tips for Monocacy

  • →Beat the Crowds: Arrive at the main gates or trailheads of Monocacy before 8:00 AM. Parking spaces at popular locations fill up extremely fast, especially during warm peak season weekends.
  • →Verify Conditions: Weather and trail accessibility inside Monocacy can change rapidly. Always verify the latest road conditions and local weather advisories before starting your trek.
  • →Leave No Trace: Help protect the delicate ecosystems of Monocacy. Stay on marked trails, pack out all of your waste, and keep a respectful distance from wildlife.
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During the summer of 1864, the Confederacy carried out a bold plan to turn the tide of the Civil War in their favor. They planned to capture Washington, DC and influence the election of 1864. On July 9, however, Federal soldiers outnumbered three to one, fought gallantly along the banks of the Monocacy River in an effort to buy time for Union reinforcement to arrive in Washington, DC.

Frequently Asked Questions about Monocacy

The entrance fee for Monocacy National Battlefield is Free per vehicle. The America the Beautiful annual pass ($80) covers entrance to all 474+ NPS sites and pays for itself after just 2-3 park visits.

About the Author

🧗

James R. Mitchell

Founder & Lead Writer — National Park Data

James has visited all 63 designated US national parks and has been writing about outdoor travel for over 12 years. He spent 8 years as a wilderness guide in the Rocky Mountains before founding National Park Data to help visitors plan better, safer, and more enjoyable park trips.

🏔️ 63 Parks Visited✍️ 12 Years Writing🧭 Wilderness GuideFull Bio →
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