During our visit in early May there were few people here making for a quiet visit. There are several picnic tables and a few benches scattered around the property with beautiful views of the water. This fort was active through many wars and then decommissioned while building a protective wall around the property. Huge slabs of quarried stone, partually carved blocks and lots of stone 'chips' are scattered about. There are a few information signs detailing the history of Fort McClary and some buildings have signs that state the building purpose. Foundations of some buildings is all that remains. They have a few cannons on display. Check out their website for information on events and when the fort is manned. There is a seperate picnic grove up the road about 50 yards across the street. A dirt parking lot holds around a dozen vehicles or so and there is an 'RV turn around' area, but no parking for RV's or busses here. One outhouse is located past the end of the parking lot. There is a wooded trail at the back corner. read more

See all

A nice outing. The structures are still in good shape, lots of history here. Especially loved the map that shows where things are in front of you. Views of Constitution Light (NH) and Whaleback Light, which is actually just a short 10 minute drive away and we went to visit that after! Sign said they officially open Memorial day but the picnic area across the street was open. read more

See all

Working through my Maine State Parks pass, we revisited Fort McClary around Memorial Day weekend. There were a couple of families using the picnic tables, some folks walking their dogs, but we were able to once again explore the grounds at our own pace (probably helped that it was kind of a cool and misty day)!  As I mentioned in my first review: they really did a wonderful job preserving the area. There's sweeping ocean (and, of course, lighthouse) views, spacious green lawns, a small hiking trail behind the parking lot (I think part of it might accidentally lead into someone's backyard!; one part brings you all the way to the entrance), and all the fun things kids/kids-at-heart can climb all over. From the canons to the bunker (you can go down inside it; be careful, it's wet!), the powder house to the enormous unfinished walls on the perimeter of the property, I'm impressed that people can still pretty much touch and be a part of everything! Lots of forts I grew up going to now have gates and fences and barriers up to prevent the public from walking on/too close to things for preservation purposes. Which, as I mentioned in my first review, I totally understand and respect, but I think there's something pretty cool about being able to immerse yourself in a site like this when you can get so close! We *still* weren't able to go inside the Blockhouse though! Next time! read more

See all

This place has long been a favorite for my family since we were first there in 1999. On that first visit, we met an incredibly friendly and helpful park ranger (is that the right term?) named "Doc." Bright blue eyes and a generous smile, easy to talk with, and full of insider info of the area. He gave us tips on traveling through the area and what else to see. The kids, only small boys at the time, instantly adored him and Fort McClary (both the fort side and the picnic area across the street). For years we'd go back and visit and see the beloved Doc if he was around. Well, it's been a long time since we've seen our park friend. We've had many beach vacations where we've just stuck to Long Sands. We've visited Fort McClary a lot, though, often picking up a pizza at YHOP (York House of Pizza) and taking it to the fort grounds to eat & watch the boats chugging and sailing by. It's a wonderful spot for kids and adults who like to explore--there's the fort itself, some outbuildings, and even a "creepy" tunnel. Lots of grounds to run on, lots of big rocks to climb. There are picnic tables to rest at, and a very clean outdoor potty that always has enough tp and hand sanitizer. So back we went this trip (Aug. 2021), just my husband and me. It was as beautiful as ever. While we stayed out of the fort, we did walk the grounds and set up lunch at a picnic table under a tree. There was a marker for a trail I didn't remember being there before, but we didn't venture out. We watched the people and the boats, and used our binoculars to check out Fort Foster across the water. It was blissfully beautiful--sunny but in the 70s, with a little breeze and no heavy humidity/dew point. Even in the height of the summer season, there was parking and enough space to not feel at all like people were too close. Perfection. We came back another day to set up chairs and read at the picnic area across the street. We parked (there's handicapped parking in both halves of Fort McClary) and did a quick walk over to the frog pond. Didn't stay at the lookout long as there was a sign warning about a kind of fire ant they were having issues with this year. On our way to get the chairs from the car, we saw people emerge from a little path and realized we'd forgotten all about the trails to the body of water just beyond the trees (an inlet, maybe?). So off we went down a well worn trail yet informal trail system (no markers needed, just follow the obvious trail) to different points along the water, including a little "island" you can walk to where a group of young people were hanging out and swimming. It was so pretty, and we watched as a man in a wetsuit and flippers entered the water across the way and swim his way around. A young man had a radio on low, and we sat and listened to a little Bob Marley as we gazed out on the simple beauty of the place. On our way back to the car later, we saw an older man, a park ranger, walking up from an outbuilding. As he approached, we could see his sparkling blue eyes and his generous, familiar grin. It was "our Doc"!! We couldn't believe our luck! We were delighted to catch up with him after all these years. Highlight of the trip. We came back at least another time with lunch from Fat Tomato Grill (see that review--yum), and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves again. You can't lose visiting either side of the Fort McClary property! read more

See all

Quick and easy walk around with a site that started and ended its history as a civilian defense point. Great to stretch the legs, enjoy a quick history lesson and enjoy the views. read more

Nice little spot for some history- not a lot of parking. They have a out house for the public and Punic tables for you to have a bagged lunch- no grills. Dog friendly spot, wonderful view! read more

beautiful spot! nice ocean views. the gate was closed off and not much parking available tho read more

Fort McClary - view - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Kittery, Maine

This place is great for a quick stop that had awesome views and cool history. We love the secret tunnel.

A very old fort The first idea for a fort in this location was in 1689 when the shipbuilder William Pepperell bought the land and constructed some primitive and basic defenses. By 1715 six cannon where moved here permanently and by 1808 the site became an official United States fort. A great place to protected the vital entrance to the Piscataqua River. The old fort changed a lot over the years with new things constructed and older fortifications torn down and by 1918 it fell into disuse and was abandoned. Fortunately the great historical value of the old fort was realized and it parts of it were restored and became a park and museum. The park has cool views of the river and if you squint and look really hard you can see a couple of lighthouses. The Blockhouse that was constructed in 1884 is open in the summer and you can climb around the massive granite stones and poke around in the old tunnels. A cool old fort that is a fun place to spend some time. A nice chunk of the past that manages to combine history with some lovely and scenic views of the river. read more

See all

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

Fort McClary - The bastion and the abandoned stone building blocks. - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Kittery, Maine

See all

We got lucky. Before heading west later this week, I wanted to spend a day with some ocean views. Attempted to go to Oriodone Point State Park in NH, but the place was packed (Seriously- with $10 pp entrance fees and no beach who goes there???). So I looked at my Waze map, found a green spot further north, dropped a pin, and off we went. We arrived at Fort McClary State Park. It's a tiny Park, overlooking the piscatagua river harbor. Views of 2 lighthouses and a few islands. And lots of sailboats. Nice breeze off the water. Quite a few benches and some picnic tables. Your choice of sun or shade. We spent a bit of time walking the grounds then brought out the picnic basket. Enjoyed our picnic while watching incompetent sailors out on the water. It seemed like most of the people visiting were either locals walking their dogs. Or people who actually came to check out the fort. We were the only ones picnicking(and after a bad experience being invaded by brown bag gets yesterday, we were quite happy to be the only picnickers). After eating we decided to check out the fort. It was kinda boring. Seemed to be a mishmash of a bunch of different forts from different eras. I was bored with the fort. Hence loss of a star. read more

See all

I discovered this old fort back in the late 80s as I drove the back roads between Manchester, NH and Ogunquit, ME. l lived in Manchester, but spent many of my days off driving around southern ME and sitting on the rocky shoreline of Ogunquit. To find the fort, you need to get on Route 103. This is the location per the website directions: 2 1/2 miles from U.S. Route 1 and Maine Turnpike on Kittery Point Road (Route 103) (turn at rotary). Going south, it's a hard turn to the right; and a hard turn to the left when northbound. Here's more info from the website: For more than 275 years, a fort has stood to protect the approaches to the Piscataqua River at the southern gateway to Kittery, Maine. The most recent of these is Fort McClary, named for New Hampshire native Major Andrew McClary who died at the Revolutionary War's Battle of Bunker Hill. Fort McClary stands today as one of the state's most important historic forts that dramatically preserves evidence of military history and changes in military architecture and technology. The buildings presently on the site represent several different periods of construction as the fort was upgraded and modified to meet the area's defensive needs. The site was manned during five wars - The Revolutionary War, War of 1812, Civil War, Spanish-American War, and World War I. Like most other Maine forts, it saw little conflict. There's a fee drop box. I believe it's $2 per person. You can park right near the entrance. The grounds are located in a little cove which gives you a feel for the many nooks and crannies of the Maine coastline. You can see the ME boundry on the left, and NH on the right. The structures are interesting as well. read more

See all

Absolutely worth the stop if you like old forts. They did a great job preserving it. There are cool bunkers to explore, cannons and a fantastic view of the harbor. read more

See all

Great historical site with beautiful views of the water and distant lighthouses. We discovered the fort on a day drive while checking out the fall foliage. There is a $2-3 fee (on the honor system) to enter, but it's worth it to help preserve this historic landmark. Information about the site and the fort are posted around the area and inside the building, and you are free to walk in and around the fort. It's a very cool structure and appears well-built to defend against enemy forces (although I don't thing there were any battles that took place). It's an easy landmark to explore, just outside the city. I would recommend stopping by if you are in the area! read more

My nephew and I are up here from the southern gulf coast and found this fort. We had a good time just walking through and seeing the history of the place. The only reason it didn't get 5 stars was because of the price difference between resident and nonresident, what's up with that Maine? read more

Such an interesting place to stop by. The history is very intriguing and it's cool to imagine what took place here. Definitely a unique place to stop and walk around on a weekend. I took some really nice photos here, beautiful views and rich history. Recommend checking it out! read more

This is a gorgeous place to come on a nice day. It's a small place, but there is a trove of things here to explore. Signs around the park explain it's history throughout America's early wars and the old buildings are still standing and ready to be explored. The ocean views are awesome and a great place for photogs to come and get some great shots, stay for a picnic, take a jog, etc and it's never crowded. It's a wonderful little spot. read more

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. read more

Walked around with our dog, and hiked all the trails with in 20 minutes. No trail map which kind of stunk. The grounds themselves were very cool. read more

Amazing place to explore with the family - perfectly scenic and loaded with history. A hidden gem - totally stumbled upon it!

Great historic place to go. Can even bring the dog on leash. Kids had a great time exploring and found the geocache.

After moving to the Seacoast area a couple years ago, Fort McClary has become a family favorite while poking around Southern Maine. It offers amazing views of the inlet waters, working and pleasure boats... not to mention a wonderfully preserved fortress. The fort buildings are in different states of preservation, but the main building is great in season and out of season. Summer offerings allow you to stomp around the multi-level building with cool illustrative murals depicting the history of this former military posting. Great for kids too... some "spooky" areas that are dark (but safe) and give the kids a thrill. Iron Ranger honor system to pay the entrance fee, sometimes there are very knowledgeable and super friendly park volunteers there (summer). read more