Fort McClary State Historic Site Reviews

Ft. Foster is a great place to take a walk - anytime of the year. You have great water views with a backdrop of military history all around you. Be sure to go up to the Ft and walk throughout the floors to learn about the history of the fort and more. Don't miss the underground bunker where you'll see the water and the slits of concrete for riflemen to take positions to protect the fort from the enemy.

I sort of stumbled upon this - it was listed on a tourist map I picked up nearby. I'm glad I stopped by. The main building was closed as it was off season, but you could walk around the property and the remains of the fort. It is a neat piece of history and has a beautiful view over Portsmouth Harbor.

The fort is just a great place to visit and look into the past of the USA. Really enjoyed it with my wife and daughter and her fiance.

I have traveled to multiple forts off the East Coast, and honestly the ones in Maine I have found the most interesting and strategically placed. A lot of American history behind these walls.

This is a beautiful small state park in Maine that covers many different conflicts throughout history from as early as the French and Indian war. The staff are lovely and the park overlooks the ocean. It does require some hill walking to see it all and their are stairs to get up into the blockhouse, but it's worth a stop to walk through history.

Pretty much what you would expect from a historical (military) landmark. It is nice to go in and read the history of the fort and the view of the bay is outstanding. There is a park across the road where you can enjoy a picnic lunch with a playground for the children. All in all it was a nice stop.

I often take visitors to Ft McClary to get a view of the harbor and to learn a little history about the area during war times. The state park is well maintained and has many of historic buildings. If your in the area and want to stretch your legs and learn a little about the signifant of the area over the past 100 years, stop by!

The old for has some interesting features but there is not a lot on information about the fort. Good for a quick stop

This is a small fort in Kittery that has wonderful views. We went to explore the fort with our kids, who have an interest in history. Out of the forts we visited, we liked this one the best. It was small, but interesting.

So much to see and do! Great scenic views, posted plaques around the site offer historical information. Fun, easy for all.

Beautiful views and great photo ops. Close your eyes and imagine looking out over Maine Harbor and looking for enemy ships.

Great little park/fort. Lots of history and the view of the harbor and lighthouses is fantastic - especially at sunset when the light gets perfect for pictures. $3/person

This was the first park we visited in Maine when we travelled from south to nOrth and the last stop on our road trip, from north to south. It has a little fort and you get a splendid view of Maine with lugs greenery and sailing boats.

If you are in the Portsmouth area this is an interesting stop. There are some great views of the harbor.

Family spent 2 hrs. here. Kids loved it. Absolutely beautiful. Very scenic you could walk for hours.

If you enjoy history you definitely enjoy this park on coastal Route 103 in Kittery. The block house has lots of information about the site and the go at your own pace self guided tour is great for poking around the bunkers and wandering along to look at the views of the picturesque harbor and lighthouses. Admission is by an honor box. Definitely an interesting stop with many photo opportunities of the beautiful harbor.

Fort McClary is not a large complex but the history is quite fasinating. Self-guided, you must read the posts to appreciate the history. The views are outstanding.

If you are looking for extensive walking, this is not a good park.
It is unmaned, need to pay in an envelope.
Good views of water and you can walk around the fort.

great view of Portsmouth harbor from the Maine side of the world. Expertly restored, plenty of parking.

We visited here during our stay in the area. While there were no facilities open, we were able to visit the grounds and get a feel for the fort and the place it played in history. Well worth the visit.

This was a very interesting place to visit for all ages, although maneuvering through the fort would be impossible for someone with a walker or wheelchair. Visitors should be able to climb stairs and walk up and down small hills to appreciate every area of the fort.
Ideal for those interested in history, great for families, enjoyable for sight-seers.

Fascinating. A neat example of the development of costal fortification from the beginning of the US through WWII

My husband and I were driving thru Kittery...just a quick stop on our way back to Boston to fly home to Virginia...we were hoping to find a spot for pictures and just happened to drive by Fort McClary! So glad we found this little gem...beautiful views of the water and 3 lighthouses! Signs with great description about the Fort too. Free parking, restrooms and a small donation requested!

Not staffed, but there is an honor system admission charge. Quick walk around this 1800s granite fort offers views out across the mouth of the Piscataqua River, with the Portland Harbor Light and Whaleback Lighthouse.

Even though we visited on a foggy day we enjoyed the walk around and through the fort. The fog just made it a 'Maine' day. The views from the fort itself are beautiful and the fort is very interesting.

Serene setting, but it is a fort. Sort of a 'two birds, one stone' scenario. You have a good view of two lighthouses from the raised edge of the water. Some history also, and plenty of walking

We decided to explore this Fort on our way up the coast and arrived in around 10:30-11 a.m. and the fort was socked in with fog, which made for some awesome photographs. We explored the buildings, underground tunnel and the grounds and spent about an hour here, which was enjoyable, scenic and interesting. Our teenage daughter very much enjoyed it although I could easily see how younger children would enjoy exploring all aspects of the Fort. During our time there the fog had slowly lifted giving us a totally different view than when we arrived. A donation fee is recommended, which you drop into an unattended box, totally on the honor system. There is a spot-a-pot or outhouse bathroom but it was clean. Parking lot is small, probably 15 cars maximum, it wasn't crowded the day we were there, a few people didn't bother parking in the lot and just parked on the outskirts to the entrance of the Fort.

This is a great fort to bring history lovers and kids to visit. It is all open to go into the buildings, climb up to the tower and go into the underground area. It has interpretive panels explaining the different parts added for different wars, and the tower has more historic info. It also has a spectacular view and is a great place for a picnic although there is a nice big picnic area with tables and bathroom across the street.

The fort is very cool. you can walk around and go inside the old structures. you really get a good sense of what the troops saw while on guard. The view is absolutely stunning. A must see even if your not a history buff!

I love history anyway, so it was no far stretch for me to visit this old fort. But what was unusual was how long my young niece stayed interested and engaged, and how much we talked about the history as we read the interpretive signs together. And how many other young people of all ages I saw while we were there. No surprise, really, though, because especially in the octagonal building, it's so easy to imagine soldiers guarding this critical approach to the coast during the long-ago wars. Great learning experience! This is also a picturesque place, perfect for family photos and even selfies, so bring your camera.

We were driving in the area just looking for a view and found this little gem. It does have an honor system to pay when you enter and please do, local parks like this need the support.
The history of this fort is interesting and you can see why they choose this spot. The views are spectacular. Be sure to walk around and go to the out buildings. Just going through them you can feel the history.
You also get the added bonus of have the view of 4 lighthouses on a clear day.

If you travel all the way (depending on where you are coming from -NC?) to Kittery Maine - you must stop here. It's lovely, historic, a great place for a picnic and no where near all the shoppers, yet so close. Gave a great historic perspective that we would not have seen otherwise.
If you have kids, it's something they might enjoy. If you are a Civil War enthusiast, you really must stop by, though I don't believe the Fort saw real action (much like Fort Adams).
Rte. 103 Kittery Point

Our first visit to Maine and was delighted with this park spectacular view and preserved history. Even if you're not a history buff, the views are worth the visit.

We were driving up 1A from Mass to Maine, hitting up old forts along the way. We just happened to drive by - looking right as we passed it. We immediately turned around and so glad we did! If you’re a history buff and enjoy going thru old buildings you’ll like this. There are exhibits that explain the history and you can go thru everything there. Many of these old forts have locked doors and areas fenced off where you can’t go. It isn’t extensive but you could easily spend 45 minutes - an hour there.

First of all the gates weren't open at 11 AM. And there were quite a few cars trying to pafk and not to block the main road.
This is an interesting part of North American/Maine history. Is not so spectacular as other forts in Canada, but is interesting and it eorth a visit.

We came across this place as we returned from shopping at Kittery. The location, looking across the bay is lovely but it needs more thought given to how to inform about the interesting fortification that is featured here. A few signs and labels are welcome, esp in the main building but there were other things that baffled us. Honesty box for non Maine residents for a reasonable $2

We were cruising the coast and made a last minute stop here. What a great view. Nice peaceful place to get a glimpse of Maine. Doesn't need to be a long stop.

If you are in Kittery, doing the outlets, you have to do yourself a favor and stop by Fort McClary.
This is an awesome stop as it shows the history of the Seacoast region like none other. Revolutionary War at its best. This is how our great country was founded. By the little forts that protected the colonies during the time of revolution. Well preserved and a nice site.

wanted to visit a place near the beach without going to the beach, was able to have a picnic lunch here, they do charge admission but it is on the honor system, I saw several people walk by without paying, even with some one there selling things for the place and a ranger on site. two dollars or three isn't to bad or at least a few bucks, it what keeps the parks going. It does have its place in history and is a good spot to check out and can be a relaxing time. saw several dogs here and generally I love dog friendly places.

We actually stumbled on this park and pulled in to check out the view and a view is what we got. This park has an excellent panoramic view of the harbor all the way out to the two lighthouses. We did not go into the fort and spent our time taking photos of the harbor. There was a nice shady area where we would like to picnic someday. It is not the kind of place to spend too much time, but I think we will be back for another visit on our next trip.

Great views of Kittery Maine coast. Well maintained historical sight. Kids and myself enjoyed walking through the fort, armory building, and checking out the cannons.

We did a bit of research before visiting the Southern Maine area and heard there were some military gotta in the area and were anxious to visit one. Located on coastal route 103, the fort is located beside the ocean and the block house provided gorgeous views of the boats and the lighthouses. The underground bunkers were very interesting. The block house was filled with information about the site. We found this historic site very enjoyable and there is a multitude of opportunities for gorgeous photos from all areas of the site. The entrance fee is a suggested donation and this covers parking as well. There is also a picnic area and playground across the road that includes walking trails beside the creek on the other side.
We enjoyed this visit very much! Definitely worth the stop if you are in the area!

Beautiful views, nice place to stop, picnic lunch; fun ground for kids to run around.Stunmbled upon this while driving down 1A today.

We stopped here on our way up the coast toward Portland. Lots of history withj gtreat vies of the water. Worth a stop.

Love walking around Fort McClary, besides the obvious military history, the location and views of the Portsmouth NH Harbor, lighthouses, Isles of Shoals and The open ocean.. this place is beautiful. The occasional Lobster amd fishing boats come and go on the tide. Come see for yourself. So relaxing!

My wife and I had an hour to fill before we left for the airport and Fort McClary was a great stop. The park is situated above the harbor which makes for spectacular views in almost every direction. The history of the fort and each structure is covered on signage and makes for an interesting visit.

My absolute favorite thing to do is find places wherever I go that are full of our history as Americans and explore. This park is amazing for that. It's in Kittery, right on the coast, and the fort is amazing. There are signs inside the fort explaining it's history. Amazing stuff. Great place to take kids and any history buff.

Checked out the outside of the fort the park was closed still for the winter season. Grounds were kept up and the outside of the buildings were still accessible.

We stumbled upon this Fort, the views all around were amazing. The history behind it was interesting and the fort was in good condition. Spent a good hour seeing all parts of it.

Great views, good historical signs. Would be a great stop for kids or grandkids who are tired of sitting in car, because there is lots of space to run around.

This fort has a fantastic history, explained on the signs within. It started with citizens protecting their homes in the 1650's, and ended almost 300 years later with the Civil Air Patrol spotting for aircraft during World War 2, full circle! There's a lot of running around to do here, if you are small and tired of being cooped up in the car. If you are able, there are plenty of stairs to climb and things to see. Otherwise, this is not a very accessible site. It's also a fantastic example of a large (presumably) government spending program during the Civil War on something that was already obsolete and then never used (thus all the huge blocks just left in place without even completing the wall!). A great stop, and a place to be enjoyed many different ways.

Beautiful views of shoreline and tons of boats...soothing and relaxing...nice little hidden gem only a couple minutes off route 1

This fort was close to,where we were staying in Portsmouth NH
I wouldn't travel a great distance to visit this sight.
There is a long steep ramp like structure to walk up to get into the fort. There is no railing so the trek could be a bit dangerous. The views from the grounds were very scenic and pleasant.

We stopped by Fort McClary on this cold March day. So many memories of the nineties when my family lived in Kittery and we used to come here to play Manhunt at night. It’s really a beautiful location and today we saw an eagle overhead!

Very enjoyable. There are buildings, walls a small tunnel. Lots of history. Beautiful views of the ocean n lighthouse.

Fort McClary is a cool, slightly off-the-beaten-path place to stop and relax when visiting the coastal region of southern Maine or Portsmouth, NH area. It's a nicely kept up fort/gun battery from days gone by, and the view of Portsmouth Harbor is wonderful.

Pack a lunch and spend a little time relaxing.

Interesting to walk through the Fort, beautiful view of the harbor. One port-a-potty and nothing else.

Admission is $1 when the site is open, but you are welcome to walk around the site when it is closed. You just can't enter any buildings. This is another old fort along the coast of Maine. It is extensive with several gun emplacements. The view of the bay beside it is fantastic. If you get here outside of open hours there is room to park off the road & come in to take a look.

My husband and I stopped in. Interesting to see the old fort. Took a walk through. Spent about a half hour or so. Saw it all. Nice view of two lighthouses and the Pisquatana River.

I love visiting old forts. It has good information and is accessible. Kids will love to explore all the nooks and crannies.

This was a nice break from our road trip. The parking is free, and you can walk around the grounds taking as much time as you like. We saw some families having a picnic and there is some shade if you like that. The views are great. The history of the fort makes for an interesting read. The grounds are not paved, so this could be difficult for some people, and there are a lot of stairs. While we were there, volunteers were re-enacting life at the fort.

A great place to explore, on the water in Kittery at Kittery Point. Lots to see and do and take pics of. You can also go inside to see canons , fireplaces and crews quarters etc. Nice views of a few light houses too. Not a fee per say a donation is suggested .

How does a fort tell us anything about technology? It turns out that time and time again we always try to defend against threats from the past instead of concentrating on the here and now.

This fort is a testament to the construction of a defensive fortification that was essentially obsolete when it was built. The lesson is applicable to everything that we do.

A hidden place to stop and play, the park is lovely and well maintained. There were little kids, people with dogs and folks enjoying the view.

We traveled here in October and the views of the water were spectacular.. it is amazing how much history is hidden around this area

This is a very cool place. Very well maintained and historical facts are documented throughout the building. Beautiful views, too.

We picked a mild spring day for our visit before the tourist season. History buffs will love this site, as well as lovers of the outdoors. At this time of year the blockhouse was locked (as well as the toilet), but everything else was accessible. The gate was closed, despite its sign saying hours were 10-5 (We arrived at 11am). Parking outside the gate can handle about eight vehicles. Not many more can fit inside the gate, and there's enough room for one coach. The views are very scenic and a map tells what you're looking at (light houses, Fort Constitution across the water, the Isles of Shoals, etc.) Other signs tell what the buildings are, and there are trails to hike on. The trails are rocky and often steep so access them first. There is a picnic table, plenty of room for children to run around. We saw dogs on leashes and plenty of people enjoying strolling the grounds and taking in the scenery. There are cannons, rifle pits, stone fortifications, earthworks, a blockhouse and remains of other buildings. There may be a small, but there was none today.

Great place to learn about the history of the inlet. Very well kept and preserved. Daughter loved the fact that the fort was still there.

Located only about 4 miles off of exit 2 on Rte 95, this was just the place to let a six and seven year old expend some energy after being cooped up in a car. It is very well kept and there were enough unique things to keep them occupied for about 45 minutes.

They were able to move around the granite blocks that were laying around, go into the tunnel that looks out across the water, explore all three floors of the fort and generally be a kid. For adults, there are the views plus the historical context and information available that made this an interesting stop also.

There is an entrance fee that is on the honor system (place it in a metal tube). But even for out of staters, for three adults and two kids it was only $14.

This 25.6-acre (10.4 ha) historic site in Maine’s oldest town was one of the best we’ve seen on Maine’s coastline. The fort (built 1715-1721) had three cannons, a blockhouse, a powder magazine, and more. Parking was in a dirt lot. Fees were reasonable, given the superb views of Whaleback Lighthouse and Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse. Access to most structures on the site required use of stone or wooden stairs. Paths had uneven surfaces. Amenities included picnic tables and 0.3 miles (0.5 km) of hiking trails across the highway and an outhouse at the fort itself. We liked all that we found here; we disliked nothing.

It's nice, with an average water view for the area, but the parking is limited. I much prefer New Castle Common, which you can see from there, because it has a lot more activation.

a lot of history and only a couple of $$ to get in (honor system). makes you think about those who defended this area etc.

Quick getaway to Maine with my husband and we saw the granite sign at the entrance to Fort McClary State Park. We parked and could see that this park was on the water.
There are signs posted through out the park explaining the it's history. Fascinating!. It has several buildings that you can enter as well as paths for a walking tour. The view is magnificent and we found the history of this park very interesting. Benches and picnic area. Small admission fee.

On our way home from Ogunquit, we hapened to pass by Fort McClary and decided to visit. Very glad we did. It is a lovely spot on the water with beautiful vistas. On one side is a charming harbor (Kittery harbor, I think) on the other side is the shore line dotted with houses, and in front are two lighthouses and some tiny islands with a house on each one of them. It is a nice place to walk around and see the fort remnants and enjoy the scenery.

We enjoyed visiting the Block House which has three floors. The top floor which housed the officers is empty as is the bottom floor from where the cannons would be fired. The second floor is the interesting one. There are pictures and posters with interesting information. One fascinating tidbit was that Hannibal Hamlin, Abraham Lincoln's FIRST Vice President, served here for three months in 1864 when he was Vice President. He was a private who had guard duty and then served as cook for his militia unit.

We visited the middle of October and there was no fee. There was a porta potty that was open on the top so it didn't smell.

Great to see History just how it was left. Great state park for a nice walk and great pictures. Right on the coast of Maine in Kittery. Beautiful views. Small parking area in winter till summer when gates are open. Small fee at self service box. Has out house for restroom.

This fort has been restored by the state of Maine. It overlooks the entrance to Portsmouth, NH harbor on the Piscataqua River. There is a Navy Ship Yard along the river, active from the early 1700s. The Fort is located to protect the ship yard during the many wars since it was built.
At the fort you can go into the buildings in nerds where the guns were pointed towards the harbor.

Nice park with great views of the bay. Great history lessons within the small fort as well! Well worth the drive through Kittery.

Found this place by accident while out on a date. The place has stunning views of Portsmouth and the inlet around (which makes sense considering it was originally built as a fort to guard the river's mouth).

What's neat about this place is there is a lot to explore. There is the fort itself and its various ins and outs (and underground passages), but there are also some area hiking trails to explore.

There was also a slightly creepy feeling to the place, like you knew it was haunted. Something to give it some more charm.

There is a small entrance fee to get into the park, but it is worth it.

My family and I enjoy history and this was my son's suggestion to visit. We took many pictures and spent over an hour visiting here. There was an elementary class visiting and having lunch here so there were kids running and around, yelling, screaming, and playing so this detracted from our visit a bit. Definitely a place worth visiting.

I enjoy Revolutionary war history and this is part of it. The view of the ocean is worth the stop by itself.

A sea protection point used in various ways from late 1600's to 1868, when closed as obsolete. Good signage describes the history. Blockhouse is from 1840's, other buildings from 1810 and the walls never finished from 1864-68. A nice over view of the local sailing fleet. We found it as we were enjoying a drive along the inlet road.

We "came upon this" while driving and decided to stop. We are very glad that we did. There's a lot of history here and it is a great place to visit. Descriptive signs were a real help in understanding the fort.

Stopped on a beautiful fall afternoon. Self guided walking tour around the fort and grounds. Beautiful scenery.

This historic fort gives a glimpse of the military history of the area. Although it saw minimal conflict it was manned during five wars. The renovated blockhouse now serves as a museum. Lovely area overlooking the river with a number of benches for sitting a spell.

Small honor system fee at the gate. Plenty of parking. A nice way to spend an hour or so.

Make sure you make a pit stop here on a sunny day to take in the 180 degree-plus view of Kittery's harbor, the Piscataqua River, New Castle (across the water), and Wood Island.

Suitable for picnics, strolls, and great pix. Across route 103 from the scenic side of Ft. McClary is a small playground and woodsy area (use bug spray).

Well worth the visit. Tucked away spot with superb great preservation through time from 1721 thru civil war period. Volunteers are wonderful. Note the geography and relationship to Forts Foster and Constitution. There are also some nice walking paths. Too bad they’re not marked/mapped.

I stopped here on 2 different occasions with my 2 young boys. It was a great opportunity for them to run around and explore...and learn about what that fort was at one time. Beautiful views.

From the bunkers where the cannons laid to the beauty of the Maine Atlantic coastline this park is rich with our history and has a great landscape and views of the area.

We only did a short walk around the grounds but enjoyed it. Wish we could have spent more time here. Lots of history and a nice walk.

Great to walk the dogs, great views by the ocean. Picnic tables, great place for a picnic lunch. Enjoyed it a lot.

Had a wonderful time at Fort McClary. Saw the sign from the road and decided to stop in for a quick visit. Met a wonderful volunteer named Rick Nevison. He had a lot of interesting information about the Fort and the nearby port. Was only going to stop for a bit as it was later in the day but we had such a wonderful time talking with Mr. Nevison and hearing his stories we stayed for quite a long time. Highly recommend seeing this Fort and if you have a chance to talk with Mr. Nevison you will be very happy you took the time to do so.

This park has a great view of the ocean and a sense of what it was like 200 years ago. On the downside, not much information is available at the buildings and it would have been nice to have more history as to what was done in them.

There was a wedding going on the day we visited, so we had to park near the main rd. The forts neat but you cannot enter because of COVID 19. You can walk all the Stone structures though. $3 entry fee, $2 for seniors and 12 and under is free. Worth a quick stop if your already in the area.

We’ve been coming here for 40 years, and it’s always been a favorite stop for beautiful views of the coast, a reminder of the history in the area, and a great spot for a quite walk.

If you haven’t stopped here, you should.

Payment is on the honor system here, I think it was $3 for residents and $4 for non residents. Upstairs there was plaques with lots of info about the fort along with a canon aimed at the harbor. The views were very pretty from here. If you're looking for something to do and you don't have a lot of time, this is perfect.

This was great to see with the family. The kids loves it. A lot of cool history with this fort and grounds.

I am a McClary, so I have been drawn to this place since I lived in the area 40 years ago. I enjoyed seeing it again over the Christmas vacation. The view from the fort is beautiful and atmospheric. My relative may have been the person killed by the cannonball hit and I am always taken by that part of the story too.

There is a lot of historical information provided at the fort. They were doing some renovations while we were there.

Whenever I travel near the water, my first thought is to find a place to stop and enjoy the view. Fort McClary State Park is the place you want. As you proceed south along Maine Route 103, you will cross the bridge into Kittery Point, and shortly after see the State Park entrance sign on your right. Start here (Route 103 actually divides the park in half, more about the other side later). If the gate is closed, there is room to park outside along the road. As you go up the hill to the parking area, you see the restored wooden blockhouse on top of the hill. Granite fortifications which evolved during the years before and after the Civil War, which once protected massive guns for defense of the harbor below, spread out to the side and water edge of the site. Granite blocks lying about are evidence of expansions planned but never finished. Visitors are free to wander through the fortifications and enjoy the commanding view of the harbor. This is an excellent spot to enjoy a picnic lunch and watch the Piscataqua River traffic. To your left you can see lobster boats on their moorings at Kittery Point's Pepperrell Cove, and a large fleet of pleasure craft in season. Wood Island with its abandoned Coast Guard Station, marked for restoration by a citizen's group, is straight ahead. Notice the cribbing to the left, remnants of the World War 2 submarine nets. Farther out, Whaleback Ledge Lighthouse guards the harbor entrance. The Isles of Shoals, visited by Captain John Smith, are visible to your right. Portsmouth Harbor Light and historic Fort Constitution in neighboring New Castle, NH complete the panorama. When the Park is open a Ranger is on duty to tell stories of the fascinating history of the site. An entrance fee is charged. Across the road is more parking, along with a playground, picnic tables and grills, if you were planning a more extensive picnic, and rest rooms open in season. Walking paths on both sides of the road offer a different view of the scenery. Re-enactment groups make camp here during warm weather, offering demonstrations in period uniforms, including musket and cannon firing. Fort McClary is a great place to stop with your family, for a few minutes or an afternoon.

We drove up to fort on a whim, then were so happy we did. If you like history this is a good place to go. You can do a self guided tour around and in the fort in about half an hour. It is on the water and easy to imagine people from the fort looking out for the enemy during a war.

We visited this fort with grandchildren. We left happy and satisfied. It was interesting and historically eye opening. The kids were happy and interested, and the adults were educated.

Beautiful views of Portsmouth Harbor Light and Whaleback Light.
Tour the Fort and learn history of area back to 1600's. Great to hang out and view harbor and have a picnic and relax too.

We were traveling up the coast from Boston to Maine, and this was a good stop on our way. Nice overlook area, where you can see at least 2 lighthouses.

This place has some incredible views, and awesome history. I really enjoyed learning about the history there. Would highly recommend.

Such a lovely piece of history with great views. Took quite a few pictures and videos if you want to check it out @kristinhaight

This place was amazingly preserved, and offers amazing views of the water and lighthouses. Inside the main house are great writeups of the history, including all the wars were this place was manned. The granite wall block lying in the same place for 150+ years was really great. This is only about an hour visit though.

We were actually getting ready to leave for New Hampshire, but we saw this place on our way and had to stop. I'm so glad we did! I love history, so this was especially enjoyable to me. My kids loved running around, and we all enjoyed the beautiful views. Oh, and the "secret" underground place has awesome acoustics. We had to sing! :) This fort and the park truly are hidden gems.

This is a simple place with a great view of the Portsmouth Harbor lighthouse and remnants of a fort battery besides it. On a nice day all the boats in and out of the harbor will be coming by, so cop a squat on the bay's edge and watch the world proceed by you!

Parking was rather limited but we managed to find a spot. There is a parking area pass the gate but the gate was locked. Not sure if they open up the gate when the weather gets warmer or not. You can't go inside the actual building shown here but you can walk around and see some other buildings and areas where other buildings used to be. It's also a great place to view the harbor.

It would be a great place to have a picnic. There are placards labeling what the buildings are and ares where building used to be.

So cool to be standing in a place that was built in 1844 and reading the history. Well worth the stop.

This is a free or donation place to visit. Inside of the large building there are signs with the history of the place. You can also spot several lighthouses from this spot. Nice place.

My wife and I stopped by Fort McClary and luckily for us a reenactment was going on that day! It was too hot to stick around for the actual event but we got to talk to some of the people who were camping out in costume, it was pretty cool! The fort itself is well kept and full of interesting information of the fort and surrounding area. A nice stop to spend an hour and only a couple bucks to get in!

This is a wonderful view of the way soldiers lived in the past. This fort was built early in our history. The riflemen house, the powder room and the officers quarter are there to spark the imagination. The main floor of the blockhouse has a gun aim out to sea and there are three located outside on the embankment. There is also the underground area where men were able to lookout toward the harbor for incoming enemy and fire out the small rifleports. A quick and easy way to access the old buildings to spend time comparing present day life with earlier times of war.
As a Maine resident over 65 it was free but other prices were reasonable and seemed to be on an honor basis because I saw no one checking the collection box when people went by it.

My family and I traveled up to Maine from Massachusetts to look at Lighthouses and on our way back from York, heading to Portsmouth, we saw the signs for this fort. How surprised we were to see such a cool landmark and be able to see three lighthouses out in the bay. We got some great pics of the Portsmouth light too!

Nice view and you can see the Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse located within Fort Constitution in New Castle, New Hampshire, United States at the other side of the island. and the other black lighthouse in the water.

This fort is historic and this should be visited. It was open for self guided tours, but did not contain much information on signs. The view was nice however.

Historic fort in Kittery, ME on the Piscataqua river with lovely views of Portsmouth and New Castle, NH. First visit was peaceful and serene. Sat and watched the boats coming and going from Pepperell cove and took in the view. Second visit rode bikes there from Portsmouth to observe a revolutionary war reenactment. Very educational and enlightening. A beautiful place.

This is a State Historic Site, not a State Park. Located at the mouth of the Piscataqua River, it saw use as a defensive outpost as early as 1689 and again in the 1770s. As a fort, it was first established in 1808. It saw service during the War of 1812 and the Civil War, but little action. Its picturesque octagonal blockhouse, built in 1844, is a museum now. The structure’s foundation is mortared fieldstone; its first level walls are grey cut granite; and its 2nd and 3rd levels are squared and whitewashed logs. Other onsite structures, all interesting and photogenic, include two stone caponiers, a rifleman’s house, a powder magazine, and extensive granite walls and earthworks. If families like Maine history and Maine forts, this may be a good stop for a picnic or a tour — but it’s no amusement park. Entrance is $3. Limited public parking is along the northern outer wall.

Lots of large stone blocks but only guard house and two shells still standing. Nice grounds and cool underground bunker found below by water. Uniformed docents on grounds that day with tents pitched, small fire going and willing to discuss history. Steps and hills to manage. Parking a little limited but off beaten path a bit so not a huge crowd there. Small fee asked.

It Is a nice place to walk around and can bring your pet. There are buildings to visit and you can get a beautiful view of the harbor. It is an Historic Site.

Not much to see here other than the views. It would’ve been more interesting if they had set the bunker up like it had been in the 1800s. I imagine they all are like this though. It did make me sad that I didn’t pay more attention in high school history.

Beautiful water views from the fort. You can see several lighthouses. There are walking trails and an outhouse. A small parking lot inside and room out on the road for additional parking.

If your in the area, w/or w/out kids. Please stop and take note. This is history. This fort, though having never actually seen battle,it did play somewhat active role in about 5 wars. revolutionary, civil, war of 1812, WWI and WWII

Stopped on our way to Kennebunkport driving along the coast of Maine. Fee to visit is honor system, make sure you have singles and cash to put into a box.

The views were very nice of the little bay which gave the fort which sits up high the advantage of seeing the enemy approaching.

The fort was closed since it was the off season. Great for American history buffs who like to visit old forts.

Interesting if you are in the area. Can be seen fairly quickly. The blockhouse was interesting - but that's all there is at this site.

Nice place to learn some history of the fort and also have a picnic lunch. Lots of nice scenery. Guides are available but there is lots of information on the walls.

We did not plan this visit. Just drove by and stopped. A lot of history in a small area. The fort has 4 or 5 buildings and a great view unless it's foggy like our visit. Made it mysterious.

Happened to notice a road building from the road so stopped and came upon ft. McClary. Very interesting to walk the grounds and see the buildings. View of the water front was also breathtaking. You could see the lighthouses in the distance. Great opportunity for history lesson for kids.

We stopped at the fort yesterday and spent about an hour wandering around, enjoying the view and the buildings. We're both quite interested in history so we spent a long time reading every plaque & sign. If you don't like to read every detail, it will take you less time. We'd have stayed longer for the view but it was raining hard.

It is sad the fort has been left to deteriorate. One can only imagine what it looked like in the 1800's. Nice to walk around and watch the ocean.

Fort McClary is a very popular attraction with people who live in or travel to Southern Maine and New Hampshire’s Seacoast Region.

It’s both historic and very scenic with views of the entrance to Portsmouth Harbor across the way, Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse, Fort Constitution, Great Island Common, and Salamander Point in New Hampshire and Pepperrell Cove, Whaleback Lighthouse, and Wood Island Life Saving Station in Maine. On a clear day, one might be able to see White Island Light which is 7 miles out to sea in the Isles of Shoals.

And, since the Wood Island Life Saving Station has been undergoing restoration, coasting millions of dollars, the view in that direction has improved from eyesore to attractive historic building.

The fort’s 1884 blockhouse is the primary attraction. Its location atop the hill provides commanding views of all approaches to the cove, harbor, and river. The views from up there are spectacular and well worth the climb.

This is a place I revisit time and again. During this visit, I noticed that maintenance and major paint job to the blockhouse circa 2014 were holding up well.

Since my last visit a few years ago, I noticed some additions. Fencing had been installed along the edge of the cliffs. There was a new info board about the fort itself. The picnic tables were new.

The fort was named for Major Andrew McClary, a patriot who was killed in the Battle of Bunker Hill in Charlestown, MA which was June 17, 1775 - early in the American Revolutionary War. I always assumed that he was from Maine. But, from the info board, I learned that he was actually from New Hampshire. As a curious historian, I did further research later at home. That revealed where he lived and that his family’s farm still exists. Today, it is home to McClary Hill Farm and Blasty Bough Brewing Company in Epsom, NH. I think It’s great that a farm from the mid-1700’s is still standing, is in great condition, and is being used to house a contemporary farm and the brewery which is akin to the tavern that McClary’s parents added to their farm.

This site had been fortified since colonial times in the days of The Pepperrells. The present-day fort has structures that span centuries. The fort was active during five wars - The American Revolutionary War 1775 - 1783, the War of 1812, the American Civil War 1861-1865, the Spanish-American War in 1898, and World War I 1914 to 1918. And, as with most other Maine forts, it saw little action.

On this visit, I took a closer look at the three cannon near the wall and the huge stone blocks that were the remains of the barracks.

As a historian, Fort McClary State Historic Site is one of my favorite landmarks in the region where I live because it has a long history dating back centuries.

My previous review covered many more details about the fort which aren’t repeated here.

There is a green metal honors-system collection tube near the entrance. Current admission fees were:
$3.00 - Adult Maine Resident
FREE – Maine Seniors 65+ & Children under age 5
$4.00 - Adult Non-Resident
$1.00 - Senior Non Resident
$1.00 - Maine Resident & Non-Resident Children ages 5 - 11

This park is a carry-in, carry-out.

In season, there are restrooms.

Some parts of the park are wheelchair accessible; however, there is some uneven terrain. Access to the info boards in one excellent viewing area is fairly easy.

With the repairs, paint, and additions, I've raised my rating of Fort McClary State Historic Site to 4.50.

This is a hidden gem that's well worth the detour off US Route 1 or Route I-95. For travelers headed further north in Maine, it's a great place to stretch the legs and perhaps consume some frozen treats bought at the Dairy Queen about 2-1/2 miles away back at the traffic circle.

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This was a great experience! Lots of cool things to see and explore and right on the ocean so many cool views.

My family really enjoyed exploring this former Fort from the 1800s. It does cost a few dollars to get into the park. There was plenty of parking when we visited. Scenery is picturesque, benches are available to sit and watch the boats travel by. My son and husband (history buff) loved this!

I first visited Fort McClary as part of a art sketching experience for a UNH writing class and spend time there frequently in the summer and fall as a result. Whether it is the expansive grassy knoll(maintained by the state of Maine) or slabs of granite, remnants from the old fort, there are numerous places to enjoy a piece of solitude with spectacular views of Portsmouth /Kittery coastlines and the open ocean. For history buffs, there are plenty parts of the fort left standing that provides a mystique and aura of a former time. It is off the beaten path, but worth the stop for anyone looking to linger at a unique New England seacoast spot.

Fort McClary State Park is a historical landmark that's fun to explore. The current fort is an unfinished remnant of the civil war. Giant blocks of granite are scattered all over the site, some carved into shapes destined to be specific pieces of the fort while others are just large blocks waiting to be used. The centerpiece of the park is located high on a bluff, a 3-story blockhouse with gun ports and cannon mounts all around. The officers quarters on the 3rd floor provides a commanding view of the harbor and surrounding area. A flight of stairs near an outer wall leads to a short, underground tunnel and to another battery position close to the water's edge.
While I was there, a group of historic reenactors from the French & Indian War era were encamped on the grounds. They depicted a slice of living history from the mid-1750s.
Children would enjoy climbing and hiding amongst the random stone blocks while adults with an interest in America's history would enjoy the significance of the fort itself.
Parking is limited. Restrooms are limited to a composting toilet and possibly some portable toilets. A park across the street from the fort features additional parking, a picnic area and flush toilets.
The park is open from dawn to dusk and admission is at times a suggested, voluntary donation to the Friends of Fort McClary. Funds collected are used for the upkeep and restoration of the fort.

We were very pleased with our visit to the park. Easy to navigate and very interesting.
Nice picnic area as well with tables. Wonderful historic sight.

Just by luck, we just happened by this attraction. Historical fort along the coast of Maine. Dates back to the 18th century. One original building still stands. Beautiful scenic view. Entry fee is on honor system and less than $5, senior fee is $2.

Fort has been through a few wars - Revolutionary, Civil, WWI - but never got to its full potential. There are posters throughout which detail its history but it would have been nice to have a docent to explain more of the history. Portions of the fort are incomplete and you have large building stones laying about the property. Would have like to know more and why. There is a nice green area which overlooks the bay and people were fishing from the rocky shores. If you bring a chair, a book or fishing pole and picnic basket, you can spend an afternoon. There is an outhouse bathroom on the property.

This is such a fantastic place to educate your young ones on a little war history and actually show them how it went down

I loved this park. The Fort was well maintained with lots of signage to help you through the site. Parking could be a challenge as there are minimal spots available but the drive was easy and you can wander around the self-guided tour at your leisure. Great views and worth the trip

After visiting the Dairy Queen in Kittery and Pepperrell Cove, I stopped at Fort McClary once again. I never tire of coming here.

As a historian, I appreciate this fortification site’s lengthy history, long before the fort we see today was built and named for Major Andrew McClary, a Continental Army officer from New Hampshire who was killed in the Battle of Bunker Hill on June 17, 1775.

The site dates back to the days when William Pepperrell, a shipbuilder, constructed a basic defense site in 1689 to protect the Kittery Point side of the entrance to Portsmouth Harbor. Fort William & Mary, now renamed Fort Constitution, protected the New Hampshire side.

Later, Fort Stark in New Castle and Fort Foster further out on Kittery Point were built.

The presence of the four forts underscores the area’s importance for international shipping, shipbuilding, and local transport and commerce.

On this visit, I noticed that the paint job from several years ago on the 1844 blockhouse had been badly worn by our New England weather.

This time, I concentrated on walking the 1/3-mile trail and getting a closer look at three cannon in the Lower Battery area.

I also re-read several of the info boards around the grounds.

There were about a dozen other visitors when I was there. One woman had her dog’s leash secured to the park bench that she was sitting on. The dog was playing at her feet. There was a couple having lunch at a picnic table.

Before leaving, I took in the scenic views of the Piscataqua River, the entrance to Portsmouth Harbor across the way, Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse, Fort Constitution, Great Island Common, and Salamander Point in New Hampshire, Whaleback Lighthouse, and Wood Island Life Saving Station in Maine – some of which are in the distance.

For its scenic waterfront location and its rich, lengthy history - which I’ve included in a previous review, I rate Fort McClary at 4.50.

The reason for the delay in submitting this review was due to a months-long loss of my ability to post photos with my reviews and some health issues.

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interesting fort, with lots of history from 5 wars. Plenty of things for kids to explore, with beautiful views of the river. Plus there are nice dirt trails in the woods

This fort withstood 5 wars. The area of the fort is expansive. Excellent descriptions are around the fort, below on the grounds, and inside the fort. Going to the third level, one can see where the officers' quarters were. Many excellent posters are inside. You can go into the fort or just stay below to look at it and take in the beautiful views of the harbor that needed protection, with views of two states--Maine and New Hampshire. On a clear day you can see two lighthouses. There are options to climb hills and stairs, photograph all different kinds of coastal scenery, learn history, see the authentic cannons and massive blocks of granite never used because heavy weapons became outdated. It's a fort of many ages for many ages. One "outdoor restroom", very clean, is available on site. For those traveling in the area, the site of Fort McClary in Kittery, Maine, is next door to charming Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

Took our dog with us to go for a hike, the trails are very short and we finished hiking them within 20 minutes. However, the views of the ocean were great and worth the trip. We didn't do everything because of the dog, but we had a good time here!

Fort McClary is one of four forts built to defend Kittery's Pepperrell Cove, Portsmouth Harbor, and the Piscataqua River. The other three are Fort Foster further out on Kittery Point. ME, plus Fort Stark and Fort Constitution across the harbor in New Castle, NH. The presence of four forts underscores the importance of this shipping and shipbuilding seaport from Colonial times through to the 21st Century. Due primarily to concerns for the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (officially established in 1800) which is just upriver, there was even an anti-submarine net put up during World War II. Its remains are near Fort Foster.

There are info boards in the park to promote self-guided tours. There are two near the park entrance. One tells the history. The other is a map of what the visitor is seeing in and across the harbor--- Fort Constitution (formerly Fort William & Mary), Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse (formerly Fort Point Light), Great Island Common, Whaleback Lighthouse, Wood Island Lifesaving Station, and the anti-submarine net. One a clear day, one might be able to see White Island Light which is 7 miles out to sea in the Isles of Shoals.

There are places to hike, sit in your lawn chair, and/or picnic. This is a carry-in, carry-out park. There are restrooms.

Some parts of the park are wheelchair accessible; however, be prepared to deal with uneven terrain. Access to the info boards in one good viewing area is fairly easy.

On my most recent visit, I was disappointed to see that the 1884 blockhouse had fallen into disrepair. It needs a new roof and a coat of paint. Some stonework needs maintenance, too. The State of Maine needs to spend some money to preserve this scenic, historic treasure.

Nonetheless, Fort McClary is worth a visit. The blockhouse, perched high atop a hill, is still very scenic. The commanding views from the gun and cannon loopholes are worth the climb.

There are nominal entrance fees of $1.00 to $3.00 for adults. No fees for children or Maine seniors (65+).

We've passed the sign many, many times and thought we would check it out. Entrance fee is $2 for adults on the honor system. There is lots to explore and a wonderful view to soak in. We were there a good hour plus, much of it on a shaded bench watching sail boats gliding past and enjoying being able to see 3 lighthouses at once. There were a couple of picnic tables, one quite rickety. Across the road is a picnic area that we did not explore.
This is definitely a "return to" place when we are back in the area.

This was a history lesson for sure. It is worth it to visit. It is well kept, someone is there to answer questions and the entrance fee is reasonable for families.

Consider parking outside the gate and take a short walk on the trail through the woods where you will emerge on the end on the park with a lovely view. Walkaround and inside the fort to enjoy another perspective and remember a time when the area was used as a look out.

Went here for the second time. Great place to walk around and explore some history. Also a great place to have a picnic! They ask for a small donation which isn't required but is a small donation to help keep up maintenance. Fun place to learn some history and see some beautiful sites!

We stopped here. WE had never been to this fort before. We had a great time walking around the grounds. What a GREAT place....Picnic tables are available for a little lunch. Beautiful views!!!

Great spot for viewing the water from Kittery Point. Can see Portsmouth Harbor Light and Whaleback. On a clear day you should be able to see the Isle of Shoals.

My husband and I were on our way to York (Maine) when we noticed the Fort McClary sign by the side of the road. On impulse, we turned around to see what was there.

What a surprise! The view of the harbor and ocean are remarkable. The self-guided tour of the fort (wandering around, reading fascinating, hand-lettered signs) is well worth your time, as well. The site's history goes back to the 17th century.

Bring a camera. I've explored most of coastal Maine and this is one of the very best sites I've seen for photos of iconic Maine landscapes: quaint harbors, two lighthouses, boats and yachts sailing past, rocky shores and cliffs, and more.

The $2 admission fee (on the honor system) is a bargain. Walking shoes are a good idea, as some of the terrain can be steep. (However, if you're willing to choose a longer, gentler path, even less fit family members will enjoy this site.)

Inside the fort, if you climb down the steep stairs labeled "good morning," you will need to climb back up them, later. There is no other exit from the room you'll reach at the foot of them.

Be sure to climb to the top level of the fort, too, because the views are extraordinary.

The fort itself is not wheelchair accessible, but the paths along the coast are paved or smooth enough to navigate without much effort. Even without a trek to the fort (at the top of the hill), this is worth a visit.

Fort McClary is an ideal location for a picnic, a marriage proposal, Scouting activities, or family adventures. Plan to spend at least an hour at the site. We were there close to two hours, and still didn't see everything that caught our interest.

We'll spend more time there on a future visit, when we're not on our way to somewhere else. Fort McClary is a great destination, all by itself, and it's a hidden gem along the coast of Maine.

If you have an extra 30 minutes to fit in a historical site, this is a cool little stop along the way to other offerings. Has a nice little grassy area to let kids run around, a few picnic tables, and harbor view. Enjoyed reading the historical narratives inside the Fort enclosure.

We'd been here before, but stopped on our way to Fort Foster. The site was open. Parking may be tight at the height of the season. The blockhouse was open and you could go upstairs and downstairs. The grounds include an period garden, buildings in various state of repair and some cannons. There are scenic views, informational plaques, and short hiking trails. Rudiment facilities, uniformed park personnel, and a small fee. History buffs and scenic view lovers will enjoy this site. Some ground is level, but there are also stairs, and dirt paths on the incline. Not for wheelchairs. Fort Constitution is visible across the water.

We didn't know of Fort McClary State Park in advance, but while driving along the highway, saw a sign, so we turned the corner and drove to it. Delightful place and by walking the grounds, one can get a real sense of what 'protection' was like in days gone by. So glad we went.

Visited in September 2016, interesting fort which is Square, lots of history of the fort over the years lovely views as well

This is a beautiful state park. It was amazing if you are in to these historic sites. You almost wish the walls could talk!

This is an interesting old fort from Colonial days. Great view of the Portsmouth lighthouse and another lighthouse in the channel. A goid visit for history buffs.

This is a must-visit site when in Kittery - drive away from the outlets and get to know the town of Kittery, the oldest town in the state.
No matter what the weather - this is a great site to visit, picnic, and spend time walking around or taking a seat at a bench to take in all the seacoast views and during summer time you can have a front-seat view of the sail boats floating in the water as though they're waving at you.
Definitely walk up to the fort and get a birds-eye view of the scene. But also take time to read a bit about the history of the fort.

This is an interesting Fort to visit - especially for those interested in our nations History. The views are magnificent and picnic tables are available for a nice lunch stop. There is a charge of $2 and I feel it is worth it.

This site was a do-it-yourself walk. Signage was a great help to envision what the area must have been like and how strategically important it was to the various war efforts. One can see Fort Foster's influence on the entire area. Good to know what could have happened as well as what did occur here.

Great view .. nice to walk around ... you could go inside the Fort and read about the history. Spent an hour here, but that was sitting outside talking and enjoying the water view.

Great place to stop in and learn about the fort - people who work there are very knowledgeable and helpful. Some parts you get weird vibes from and it sort of creeps you out, but you can move around and lots of places to walk & climb. Good spot for families IMHO. Restrooms outside that are seasonal. FYI. Worth going in. :-)

The fort is very interesting and views of the harbor are beautiful. Grab a sandwich and drinks at Henry VII Carvery and eat your lunch on the fort grounds. A most relaxing and picturesque place.

We were driving by and saw the sign so we stopped in. This was a really nice stop, a lot of fun checking out the tunnel and the grounds. The view is spectacular.

On our way from Essex, MA to Ogunquit, ME, we saw a sign for Ft. McClary, so off we went. Unfortunately, didn't have a lot of time, so I didn't see/study as much as I'd have liked, but would love to go back someday to find out all the interesting details I missed.

Nicely kept, easy to explore. Great harbor view.

The area around the fort makes for a nice walk. The fort itself has a few displays inside and out and is very interesting. It's a nice place to stop for an hour.

Looking for a quick trip or side tour to keep the kids entertained? If your kids are anything like mine, they just might love forts, history and the seacoast so what's not to like about a self guided tour of Fort McClary in Kittery Point ME? There are interesting artifacts including cannons and rifle/gun batteries that will pique your kids imagination and interest. Bring a picnic, enjoys the ocean views and learn about your nation's history right in your own backyard.
There's a request for a very modest donation when you enter the park but it's worth supporting your local park system so don't hesitate to visit here even if it's just a pit stop on your way along to other coastal destinations, including nearby historic Portsmouth NH or other attractions along coastal Route 1.

Very nice and plenty of charcoal grills available to the public. We enjoyed walking around. Very safe area.

My wife and I try to stop there every trip to Maine we make it a point to try and go to this very historic spot.....Love it!!

The first time we went to McClary State Park was by accident! We were lost. Very happy we did. This was many years ago when our children were young. Great place for learning the history of the area while enjoying the great outdoors. We have stopped many times over the years and always learn something new each time. A small donation is always appreciated.

We inquired at our Ogunquit hotel where we could go to see a real harbor that would rival Camden or other famous Maine ports. The front desk suggested a scenic drive down Route 103 which did not disappoint! On our way to the fort, we took a quick stop behind the General Store to see the harbor which includes the beautiful panorama for photographs and includes the requisite sailboats bobbing on their moorings and two lighthouses! A total Maine harbor photo! Beautiful! Just around the corner is Fort McClary, a fort used in the 1800's to protect the harbor from attacks. The hexagon shaped building is a delight to visit to pick up the literature for your self guided tour. There are also bunkers to visit and benches to enjoy the beautiful harbor views. We bought sandwiches at the aforementioned general store and ate them in the park! Such a lovely area and so glad our Ogunquit hotel was in the know about this! As history channel watchers, we were delighted to find it! Definitely worth a stop on your Southern Maine getaway!

The kids loved this. My kids are small so they didn't really understand the significance of the landmark but had a blast running around and exploring.

We just happened to be driving by when we saw the Fort's sign and decided to visit. It was pretty interesting and if you are traveling with kids they would probably love it.

Situated right on the water, this is a scenic attraction with history and natural beauty surrounding it. Parking charges a small fee but the views of the Kittery harbor area are worth the price, even though the fort itself is small and can be observed rather quickly. Those folks especially keen on history will find Fort McClary interesting.

We decided to take a day trip up the coast and found the fort. Very interesting and informative. The older man working was super nice and welcoming. There is a charge for the fort, on an honor basis, of $3 per person.

Our first trip here even though we’ve been coming to Maine for decades. This hidden gem is a perfect picnic spot with incredible views of Whaleback and Portsmouth lighthouses. Gorgeous. We were lucky enough to watch a freighter be lead out to sea by a tug boat. A truly lovely point for a unique view of the cove and a must for lighthouse lovers. Not to mention the actual history of Fort McClary!

This is one of the hidden gem historical forts in Maine. While it is not as extensive as Fort Knox in Prospect, Maine, or as well known as Fort Popham bear Popham Beach, Fort McCleary is interesting, historical and scenic. It’s a work in progress and needs the support of the public.

We never knew about this place, and we are history buffs! It's worth the few minutes drive from the main road, through a wonderful little town or two to this historic fort...dating back to the Revolutionary War. It is set right on the ocean, and the views are lovely. Well worth the visit!

Lots of local history in Fort McClary, a local hidden gem. Even if you don't go into the fort the views by the water are stunning. Just sit by the water or on a bench for the best views around.

We took a quick trip from Boston to Maine. This was the best place to stop over the border and say we were there!

This Historic place is a great place to walk around. It over looks the ocean, which is gorgeous. The history & historic structures are exciting to walk thru. There are walking paths, grass areas and you can also bring your dog. It’s a must see!

Parking is limited. Pay on the honor system (actually, unheard of these days). Overlooks the Kittery Point and defended it in earlier times. The fortification is interesting with the size of the granite blocks used. All cut rectangular in shape. The cannons are amazing and the distances they were capable of shooting is incredible for the day. The views of the bay are bueatiful with two lighthouses in the distance. Well worth the stop.

A historical site with views-a-plenty. On a nice clear day, this fort's value as a lookout and defense post becomes clear.

This Fort is well preserved and is a nice place to learn about the history that took place in and around the Fort. You can walk in and out of the old building and really get a sense of what it was like back then. Beautiful views of the harbor and ocean. There is a small on your honor donation system when you enter. We will definitely go back next time we visit the area.

Unfortunately it was foggy and raining the day we visited here so our view was very limited. However, we enjoyed our self guided visit. The fort is interesting with accessible buildings with signs and written information regarding the fort's history. Wear rubber boots if it's raining as the area is muddy.

Beautiful views out to the ocean, watched the boat traffic in and it of the river/ bay. Could see several lighthouses from that point. The fort itself was interesting to walk through and read about. That said, a very steep climb up a slope and stairs to get into the blockhouse. There were trails for walking that I didn't explore.

It's an honor system park. Parking is limited. A few picnic tables. Pay binoculars. Porta potty onsite.

Fort McClary offers an interesting insight into the early defensive models of this country through the mid-1800's. It was one of five forts around the Portsmouth Harbor. You can see how weapons were placed for defense in addition to examples of some of the cannon used. A great view of the harbor entrance and if timing is right a chance to see the movement of shjpping into and out of the harbor. This is a worthwhile stop if you are at all interested in history.

A visit to this Fort and overlook is a must when in the area. It is always interesting to read about how the site was manned during five wars: The Revolutionary War, War of 1812, Civil War, Spanish-American War, and World War I. Also interesting is information on how the fort was updated for each War to meet the needs of the times. There are cannons on site illustrating weapons of the times and a great overlook onto the Portsmouth Harbor and out to the Atlantic Ocean. Great place for photos and is even available for special events!
The site however is not very accommodating for people with disabilities or wheelchairs. We had a small infant in a stroller and wound up carrying him and leaving the stroller behind due to access issues.

This is a nice stop to get an excellent perspective on Portsmouth Harbor and the historic defensive location as a fort. The views are outstanding and there are nice self guided signs covering the history of the fort. A lot of nice spots for a picnic.

We knew we would get a look at a couple of lighthouses from this location and that was enough to get us there. Once there the self-serve exploration of the buildings aided by signs was delightful. While the posters were of a yesteryear design they did help to peel back the layers of history. We stayed much longer than I expected we would as we rambled all over taking in the views and the history.

Very nice place to stop and see the scenic view off ocean and look over to NH . Nice place to walk you dog.

You're on the honor system for a donation to enter. The view is breathtaking! Definitely worth a visit.

Usually you tour a fort that was known for a certain battle, this fort was never finished. You can still see the building blocks lying around the front of the fort. Very unique and enjoyable. Also a great view of the bay.

I'd like to say more, but when we pulled up to the gage and discovered it was locked tight, with snow drifts up the drive, we discovered it was closed in winter. I checked the website ahead of time, but must have missed that detail. Very unfortunate, considering other sites in the area were open, even in March.

This place has a wonderful Vista along the water. However, there was lots of restoration taking place when we were there.

Four of us discovered this historic site by accident while just driving the back roads in the Kittery, Me. area. For History buffs (and youngsters) this Old fort is well worth finding. It's very interesting, with the fort house itself sitting atop a high grassy knoll holding a vast view of the Atlantic, beautiful surrounding Maine landscapes left and right, a not-to-distant lighthouse plus much more. You can discover foundation remains of once-existing militia barracks, a sunken, revolving gun battery, a powder magazine house, a separate riflemen's blockhouse, and an almost concealed access-way at the shore wall below, which I believe may have been used for small boat transits to-and-from a "mother ship" which would be anchored off-shore. There are picnic tables on-site as well for those who want to enjoy a casual, relaxing lunch. Strick ($200 fine) no-pet rules apply at this site.

very nice place to take family for a day of outdoor fun and a picnic good for kids and safe place to play games

Old, unusual buildings and battlements to roam in and around and a good view of the harbor and out to sea but not as interesting as Fort Foster with it's sea side trails and superior views. After Ft. Foster, try the cliff walk in York Harbor for another nice, southern ME, coastal walking experience.

We had no idea that the view from the fort is so spectacular. Bring a chair and camp out on the lawn and enjoy a great seaside panorama.

Great place with some history! Loved walking around and reading about the history. Definitely wear sneakers. Great views for picture taking as well.

Flew out from PNW to visit friends in Kittery. They showed us around the quiet and charming area, including Fort McClary. This spot is what you picture Maine looking like: a lighthouse, historic area, calm and peaceful water and boating. This was a nice spot to spend the late morning.

we came for walking. it very quiet.lots to look at. waves in the ocean were moving a lot.took a break from shopping. hope to come back again.

We visited here late on a Sunday afternoon. Although there is not an attendant here to take payment - there is a small sign with a box to put money into (small fee - I think it was $4 for adults). The views here are breathtaking but the fort itself was a wonderful historical spot. Lots of exploring to do both inside and out. Also there are picnic tables outside so it would be a perfect place for a picnic.

Interesting historical fort with stunning views right on the coast. Informative and small so you aren’t overwhelmed. Nice display of cannon implements and a few cannons. Great view of Piscataway river and Atlantic Ocean. Cool breezes in August! Woe

A lovely historic spot on the water with glorious views over the water and the old fort. Easy to walk around with a picnic area and w.c.

Hannibal Hamlin Vice President under Lincoln served here! Beautiful views! A great place to explore and have a picnic!

They ask for $4 admission but it is on the honor system. We lucked out as the Friends of Fort McClary had reenactors there. They fired off a cannon and had tents and historical items on display. Great place to see the boats and large ships coming in and out of the harbor. There are no facilities nut is an outhouse and a porta-potty. Parking is very limited. There is also a picnic area up the road but I would sit on the grass or bring chairs and picnic at the fort to watch the view. Great place for kids as well. Not a lot of safety railings so keep an eye on the little ones climbing and clambering about.

I love fort Mcclary very much and I can not wait to get back up there again this year what ever I have to do to get it done

We were on our way to Fort Foster and stopped into this fort, located on the right as you head toward fort foster. A little further up the road on the left is the picnic area and some trails along the channel. We had our picnic lunch at the picnic area, then went to the fort. The kids spend an hour of so going into the fort and walking the property, while we read up on the history. The kids enjoyed this fort more that the one at Fort Foster because you can actually go into the little bunkers.

A little fort overlooking the bay and other forts in the area. Great ride from York into the town and the fort. Historically, something we weren't aware of and walking the fort and it's grounds was great.

Thought our family (several teens and a couple cousins in their 20's) would just want to stop for a few minutes, but they ended up spending about an hour here. Great views of the harbor, interesting places to roam around, and the main fort building is definitely worth exploring. Good bit of history shown, too. Free parking and only costs a few dollars a person.

Because of its height above the water it makes a great place for both defense and views of the harbor. Small but a nice place to just park yourself for a while and watch the world do its thing. But do consider the other portion of the park across the road with a separate entrance. There you have picnic ground, with room for groups, play grounds for kids, a small pond and access to Barter's Creek on the back side, which is tidal. Lots of swimming goes on there at the bridge in the summer time.

For what it is—an old fort—it's pretty cool.

You can actually walk into everything—there is no employee there telling you to keep your hands to yourself, and it is set up to let you see it all.

My favorite part was their explanation for why the bunker house was built—they have no idea. These houses were obsolete before they started building it.

In my opinion, Fort Constitution across the water in New Hampshire is more interesting, though.

Perfect place to take a short walk and check out the history of this fort. Nice views, and low-cost activity.

Was killing time in the area an noticed this place, pretty cool! I would have like to seen a few more information plaques about what everything was and how it was used, but great views and nice walking trails. I imagine great time for younger kids to run around!

If you got time to spare check it out for a half hour or so!

If you are on the coastal road take a moment to stop in and visit this site. It is well marked and easily accessible to cars. Walk up into the old fort's buildings to get an idea of what it must have been like to be posted here. Great views of the entrance to Portsmouth harbor. Good views of the lighthouses and the Atlantic beyond. Honor system for the entry fee at the main gate.

You are on the honor system to pay your $2.00 to park and look around. You can picnic close to the water, take pictures, and see the fort. Although you can't go inside the fort, you can walk around it.

Beautiful place! Tons of great history and the grounds are beautiful. Very historical with lots of information. Lots to look at

this is a great place to walk or just sit back and enjoy the views. would go back someday. cool history and neat buildings to go through.

Fort McClary has great view of harbor, lots of interesting things to see in the fort, if you are lucky enough there may be a guide/historian there to tell you about the Fort McClary history. If you like forts and are a history buff a great place to visit.

My husband and I visited Fort McClary after stopping at the Kittery Trading post this weekend. I recently got a new camera and was excited to capture the amazing scenery. I didn't expect someone to be working there but it was really interesting to hear the history of the Fort from the Vietnam Vet who clearly loves his job. He was even nice enough to take out one of original 100 lb cannon balls for us to see! We didn't pack food but it would have been a beautiful place to have a picnic. Definitely swing by!

This is a great place to get out and stretch your legs while enjoying the gorgeous view and learning a little history. There's even Pokestops, so if you have trouble motivating your teens to get out of the car, this place is for you!

We stopped here looking for a good spot to take pictures of lighthouses. What a great view! You can see both Whaleback Light and Portsmouth Harbor Light from near the top of the fort. We also had a bonus the day we stopped they were having a reenactment. The fort and other building are interesting to look at also. From inside a window at the top of the fort there is a great view of the harbor with its many boats. Had a great time.

if you like history this is a pretty cool fort on the piscataqua river, some old canons the fort and powder house still remain with many old granite blocks.

been here on a few ocasssions for a stop over, picnic, they also have bathroom facility and have donation box.

I visited this State Park on June 9th, 2015. We actually stopped to try and find the geocache that was located at the park and I am glad we stopped here. There is no one collecting fees to enter but they ask you to be honest and donate/pay some money to enter. Once you are in, there is the old fort along with other old buildings that are pretty cool to explore, The views from here are awesome though! You can see the harbor as well as two lighthouses, which we really enjoyed! You wouldn't spend a lot of time here, so I'd recommend stopping by if you are nearby or driving by this spot. Definitely worth the stop though!

This is definitely worth a short visit. Some interesting historical information inside the building. Lincoln's Vice President Hannibal Hamlin was from Kittery Point and served here...while Vice President! There's a picnic table so you can eat lunch outside. Some reviews said this was free, but they do have a small entrance fee. There's no one there to collect it, but there is a sign with prices and a receptable to put your money in.

Great historical site with excellent ocean views. Gives you the insight of what a soldiers life was in the 1700-1800s. The "granite graveyard" is an incredible look at the effort required to live and work then.

Fort McClary has been nicely conserved and for a modest entrance fee (honor system) you can wander about and inspect the various brick and granite structures which are in quite good shape. We saw no park staff while on site. I would have liked to have seen a little better signage for descriptions of the various structures and fortifications. Great fun though!

I found this place trying to find new places to visit and was well worth the trip. It has a cool blockhouse with few out buildings. It offers signs to explain the history and can see where original buildings used to be. It's right on the ocean and offers a beautiful view. Can see Fort Constitution and lighthouse just across the channel. I believe it was free but has a donation spot to aid in preservation. Its right on Rt 103 a short distance out of Kittery. Stop by the outlet mall just a few miles away for some shopping while in the area.

We wen during the off season. Buildings were not open to tour however, it was worth the visit as the views are awesome and the hiking trail is also a must do.

This is a well restored park that voryes insight into Maine and New Hampshire history. Fantastic harbor views

Being from the area, I haven't been to Fort McClary since I was probably 4 years old. Since 30 years has gone by, my husband and I took our toddler and dogs to go explore for a half day. What a fun place. I absolutely loved the old buildings, the descriptions and the beautiful scenery. The photo opportunities were endless. The dogs loved coming in with us as well. We spent probably 2 hours or so just walking around, taking photos, exploring. Afterwards we crossed the street and had a picnic lunch on one of the many picnic tables and our son played on the cute kids play structure, which he loved. This was a great place to spend a half day outside with our dogs and really enjoy nature. We'll definitely go back next summer and many summers after that.

Nice views nice place for a picnic and to bring the kids. Places to play and learn some history of the state. Great price for residents senior non residents get in real cheap as well

Water views, historic site, old buildings. Really pretty at dusk. Right on the water. Nice for kids.

The views here are beautiful. You can climb up a few of the structures and I was fortunate enough to stop on a day that there were reenactors. There was a musket demonstration and all of the individuals shared their knowledge. It is off the beaten path but well worth a stop.

This is a wonderful place to stop, walk, picnic and explore. The history is rich, there are wonderful views and there is plenty of natural space to play, run and experience a seaside park.

My son was leaving for the Air Force and we wanted to have one last adventure, so we got in the car and decided to put Maine on our list of states we’ve been to. We had just moved to New Hampshire so honestly everything is new to us! Fort McClary is quite nice. We walked around and couldn’t get over how small it really was. The view is fantastic! We spent the last 10 years in Arizona so to see an are so “small” was a bit mind blowing. It would have been really cool to have gone into the building, but it wasn’t open (perhaps a Covid thing, not sure) We saw a short path to the left of the fort but didn’t take it. You can get to the water by climbing down a few rocks, my son just HAD to put his hand in to say he’s been to both oceans! If you want to make a memory, I’m going to say it’s worth it. The short drive is really beautiful as well.

We stumbled across Ft McClary just driving around. Definitely worth checking out. Just a very short drive from Water Street Inn where we stayed

There's really not much to do or see here. It's just your average historical landmark. It was pretty interesting to see the architecture of the Fort itself but everything else was exactly what you would expect to find at any other historical place that was made for war during that time period. The views of the bay are gorgeous and I would go back just for the view of the bay.

Excellent, small, modest early 19th C historical site, but nevertheless evocative. Not to mention scenically beautiful. Historical munitions store, remnants of barracks, and a fine hexagonal blockhouse and lookout. Beautiful views of the harbor and--even on a very hot July day--pleasant for walking. A few historic cannon, and friendly park staff.

The fort itself is an interesting bit of preserved history but the best feature is the setting. It's a great place to bring your chairs and a picnic and watch the boats go by.

We happened upon this park during our tour of the Maine Coast. Well maintained park with an old defensive fort. It's so nice to be able to see the history of our country through the old buildings that still remain today. The views of the bay from this park are stunning. You can see both Whaleback Lighthouse and Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse off in the distance.

We found Fort McClary the first time purely by accident, and what a wonderful find. The views are amazing and the fort is fascinating. Now we make a point of visiting every time we get to Maine.

Off season very nice to walk a trail and see the views. Lots of rocks to climb and places to sit in the sun and read as well. It doesn’t take much time to check it out or linger and just enjoy nature and views.

While Fort McClary saw little or no conflict, the sight is interesting. I found the partially completed wall facinating. Following the Civil War, a wall was started, but because of advances in cannon fire, the wall was stopped mid construction. Cut granite slabs are strewn around the sight where they were abandened. The block house offers wonderful views of the harber.

Excellent view over the entrance to the Portsmouth harbor. There is an unfinished wall because they stopped construction after the Civil War. It was never used in combat, and just shows how violence is not the solution to problems.

Stopped in one afternoon. Shoreline is beautiful, can see lighthouses, and if you are lucky you may catch a glimpse of marine life in the area. Always good to get out into nature, breathe in the sea air. Absolutely worth the stop.

We’ve been visiting Kittery for years and never knew about this little gem. Beautiful view of the harbor. Interesting self guided tour. Also, dog friendly (on leash please). Will stop by now every season.

It is a great place to take lunch and just look out over the water. The history is very interesting. It is not an all day event and the water really isn't accessible. But we didn't have to pay for parking or sitting.

The site alone is a reason for a visit. It is right on the water and has some really beautiful water views - particularly wonderful for picture taking. The history is interesting too given how long it was used. The grounds are wonderful to walk around. There is leftover granite blocks all over the place as the decision was made to discontinue use just as an upgrade was to take place to the fort. There is enough of the fort left so that you can use your imagination as to how the fort was used centuries ago. A not to be missed if you are in Kittery.

We took the kids here, it was really cool. You can go into the fort to explore. A great learning experience. I would recommend this to all history buffs.

Great view of the two lighthouses and the harbor if you are a photographer. I visited in October when the fort has closed. I had my dog, so walked around the outside.

THREE light houses! Happened upon this on this state park on the "scenic route" our way back to NH from Portland, ME. Lots of history here. Worth a stop and small fee for up keep.

Great views of the harbor, Fort Constitution in New Castle NH, light houses and the old fort. This a great place to walk around and enjoy the views and history

We just happened to see this while driving to Portland. Great place for photos of th scenery and water.

Well-kept place with a few different buildings to go inside and explore. Great views. An out house, but a well-kept outhouse.

My boyfriend, dog, and I stopped here during our visit to Kittery and it was nice. We had lunch at the picnic area across the street and then explored the buildings on the other side. Nothing to exciting or expansive but the $3 admittance fee (that you drop in a slot on good faith) it worth it. We don't have kids but there was a playground in the picnic area.

Stopped in and enjoyed the views. We went into the building and read some of the information about the Fort.

We stopped here with the boys and they loved climbing the rocks and exploring the buildings of the old fort. I loved the location, high up overlooking the harbor, with boats and lighthouses in the background. The day we stopped there was a Revolutionary War-era re-enactment, with people in traditional clothing, in tents, with all sorts of artifacts from the time. We didn't get to see the re-enactment, but there were a couple of "soldiers" who demonstrated firing a pistol and musket. It was a fun stop in a scenic location.

Fort McClary has been around for nearly 275 years. Portions of the fort had been upgraded over the years to meet the defensive needs during five wars- the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, Civil War, Spanish American War, and World War 1. Like most other Maine forts, it saw little to no conflict. The fort overlooks the beautiful Piscataqua River. There is free parking and a small donation request by the honor system. When we visited, there was a Revolutionary War re-enactment going on with character actors and camp grounds. Spend about an hour touring history and taking in the beautiful Piscataqua River views.

Fort McClary is a great outdoors classroom. It's a fabulous place to bring the kids to run around and learn. There are cannons and old buildings, information on the fort's history is posted around the area and plenty of hills. You can look out over the water and see two lighthouses in the distance or enjoy watching boats sail by, breath in the salty sea air. A nice place to picnic or just spend a couple hours relaxing.

My, husband loves history!
This beautiful fort, is a must see, if only for the views.
Overlooking the water and a great picnic spot.
Unfortunately, the day we visited, it was raining.

There is not very much here except what is pictured, and might not be worth your while if you are on a tight travel timeline. For a short 15-20 minute visit and photos, if you are passing near, it can be interesting, especially if you are a history buff. Built in the 1680s, capture by the colonist, and by the Confederates during the Civil War, it makes for a good leg-stretch stop.

Went here 4 times during our 5 day visit to the area. Loved the view of the ocean, inlet, light houses, etc. They close the gate at 8pm but you can still walk in and stroll around. One evening around 8:30pm we saw a beautiful red fox on the bank across from the parking area!

Fort McClary is located on Route 103 in Kittery, Maine. The setting and view are spectacular--one of the best on the Maine coast and it's only a few minutes from Portsmouth, NH ! You can see two lighthouses(Portsmouth Harbor and Whaleback), Pepperell Cove and the Piscataqua River from the fort. The history here is very interesting and the block house has some info. on charts. We were fortunate to have a guide that day as we were part of an organized group. There is a very nice picnic area across the road from the fort with tables, rest rooms, swings, slides, etc.

We went one day in aug 2015 and the day was beautiful. The park was very clean and the view of ocean was great. The tower was very interesting. Had photos and info about battles that where faught from there. There are benches in the shade
and picnic tables across the street. Would go again.
12 and older 2.00 $ fee, 65 and older is only 1$. Well worth it.

a beautiful park to walk around and image the revolutionary war and what a big part these small forts held in defending our country

Great little park with lots of history. You can explore all the buildings and grounds. Views are beautiful on a clear day of the lighthouse across the water.

Fort McClary is off the beaten path. Very scenic view, great place to bring your lunch relax and take in the view.

Fort McClary is set in a beautiful setting overlooking the water - it is stunning. There is also a lot of history from the Revolutionary War to the Civil War which happened here - it is really quite interesting.

It is a small area but worth a visit just to appreciate the views and explore a bit of history. There are several awesome photo ops as well.

There is plenty of free parking and no fee.

Go enjoy!

Nice place to visit during a summer road trip for families. If you're a history buff, you'll find Fort McClary interesting. Make sure you bring a camera!

This is an interesting Fort to visit. There is a great view of 2 other light houses, another fort and an island. This would be a great place to have a picnic lunch and for military buffs and it's great for kids to explore. It was a little cool on the day we visited, therefore we didn't stay very long. We will visit here on another day when it is warmer and can stay longer and walk the trails.

Stopped at this little gem on the way to York. Beautiful views and an interesting history. Check it out if you're in Ma8ne.

Situated on the waterfront it is a beautiful place to see the water and take in some history at the same time. For a fee of $2 it was cheap and interesting.

The fort is rather small, the only buildings are two different era magazines and the blockhouse. The wall is made of huge blocks of granite. There is an underground place where I guess guns could be fired from. 3 cannons. Nice view of the harbor with 3 lighthouses visible - one is far in the distance and I wouldn't have noticed it if it wasn't shown on the display panel.

I so enjoy the picnic area on the opposite side of the road especially in July when the have the Bluegrass Music show! Looking forward to this years show on July 7, 2018 from 12 - 5.