Fort McClary

We visited Fort McClary on a very balmy (no, seriously) November morning. We were the only ones there (minus a few locals walking dogs which we only saw very briefly), and had a great time exploring the grounds at our own pace. As others have mentioned, they really did a wonderful job preserving the area. I can see how this place is probably insanely busy in the summer, because of the exceptional and sweeping ocean (and, of course, lighthouse) views, spacious green lawns to enjoy a picnic on, and all the fun things kids/​kids-​at-​heart can climb all over. So if you’re a local who’s never been here, I highly suggest visiting in the shoulder season (just know you’ll be missing out on the opportunity to go inside the Blockhouse; which we were kind of bummed about, but not enough to take away from our experience).
From the canons to the bunker (you can go down inside it; be careful, it’s wet!) to the powder house and powder room to the enormous unfinished walls on the perimeter of the property, I was impressed that we could pretty much touch and be a part of everything. I feel like with so many of these forts now, they have gates and fences up preventing the public from getting too close for preservation purposes. Which I totally understand and respect, but I think there’s something magical about being able to immerse yourself in a site like this when you can get so close!

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!

Stumbled on this place on a beautiful, Fall afternoon, when visiting the area. Great views of the water and shoreline, from an elevated vista.
My visit was self-​guided. Interesting structure. Cool to see how this structure evolved over its life span as a fort. Intrigued by how the site still reflects the interrupted construction of the wall — with granite blocks in random piles. There are several signs at key parts of the fort, identifying the name of the feature, and approximate time frame it was included. Entry fee of $ 3 is on the honor-​system.
Probably a decent place to hang out on a nice day. I assume one can sit and picnic on the grounds. Didn’t see any park staff or docents wandering around. Though, the grounds seem to be well-​maintained.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Very nice place to stop and check out.

A great stop if your in the area.

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

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 ½ 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.