Fort Detrick is an active U.S. Army installation in Frederick, Maryland. It supports Army and joint mission partners, including biomedical research, medical logistics, and telecommunications missions. This guide covers directions, visitor rules, housing, childcare, medical care, services, and recreation.

Base Overview

Official name U.S. Army Garrison Fort Detrick
Military branch U.S. Army
Base status Active
Street address 810 Schreider Street, Frederick, MD 21702
Main phone number 301-619-7314
Visitor Center phone 301-619-0101 / 301-619-0103
Official website U.S. Army Fort Detrick

Location and Directions

Fort Detrick is in Frederick County, about 45 miles from Washington, D.C., and 46 miles from Baltimore. From Washington, take I-270 North, continue onto U.S. Route 15 North, use the Motter Avenue exit, Exit 16, and follow signs to Nallin Farm Gate on Amber Drive. From Baltimore, take I-70 West, follow U.S. Route 15 North, and use the same exit and gate directions.

Visitor Information

The primary visitor entrance is the Nallin Farm Gate and Visitor Control Center at 9000 Amber Drive. The center is open from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Nallin Farm Gate is open 24/7, and after-hours, weekend, and holiday vetting is available at the inspection station.

Visitors should have proper identification ready. Visitors age 18 and older need NCIC III vetting. Visitors age 16 or 17 need an Access Request Form, an adult sponsor, and a valid reason to visit. Visitors age 15 and younger must be with an adult who has approved access, unless they live on the installation. Confirm current access rules before traveling.

Housing and Lodging

Fort Detrick offers permanent housing support through its Housing Services Office and privatized installation housing. The office provides housing counseling, referrals, support for residents, and help with housing problems. It is at 1520 Freedman Drive and can be reached at 301-619-3670 or 301-619-2780.

Official Fort Detrick pages give conflicting information about Army lodging. Confirm current lodging availability directly with the installation before making plans.

Facilities and Services

Installation services include Army Community Service, the Exchange, a Fitness Center, legal assistance, education services, mail distribution, ID card and DEERS services, emergency services, public works, and Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation programs.

Army Community Service is at 1520 Freedman Drive and can be reached at 301-619-2197. The Fitness Center is at 1507 Porter Street, is open 24/7, and can be reached at 301-619-2498.

Schools and Childcare

No DoDEA-operated school was identified in the official Fort Detrick sources reviewed. The sources also did not provide a specific local school assignment. Child and Youth Services are available to service members and family members, but program eligibility may vary.

Program Location Contact and hours
Child and Youth Services 949A Sultan Drive 301-619-7100
Child Development Center 1776 Ditto Avenue 301-619-3300; 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday-Friday
School Age Center 955 Sultan Drive 301-619-2901; 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday-Friday

The Child Development Center serves children from 6 weeks through kindergarten. Child and Youth Services also offers full-time and hourly care, a School Age Center, and youth programs.

Medical Services

Barquist Army Health Clinic is at 1434 Porter Street. It offers primary care, preventive care, immunizations, occupational health, behavioral health, physical therapy, laboratory services, radiology, pharmacy, women’s health and pregnancy services, and dental care. Call 833-853-1391 for appointments.

Barquist mainly provides primary care to enrolled TRICARE Prime beneficiaries. Other eligible patients may receive care when space is available. Most specialty care is provided through Walter Reed National Military Medical Center or the civilian TRICARE network, based on the referral.

Recreation and Amenities

Amenity Details
Fitness Center Open 24/7 at 1507 Porter Street
Exchange 1405 Porter Street; 301-662-7755
Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Sports, recreation, entertainment, family support, and child and youth programs

Things to Know

  • Fort Detrick is an active U.S. Army installation managed by U.S. Army Garrison Fort Detrick.
  • The Nallin Farm Gate Visitor Control Center is the main place for visitor vetting.
  • Gate hours can change because of holidays, security conditions, construction, or mission needs.
  • Official pages conflict about Army lodging availability, so confirm directly before making lodging plans.
  • Access rules and operating information can change. Check with the installation before traveling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Fort Detrick Visitor Control Center?

It is at the Nallin Farm Gate, 9000 Amber Drive, Frederick, MD 21702.

What is the Fort Detrick Visitor Control Center phone number?

Call 301-619-0101 or 301-619-0103.

Is the Nallin Farm Gate open all day?

Yes. The gate is listed as open 24/7, with visitor vetting at the Visitor Control Center.

Does Fort Detrick have childcare?

Yes. Child and Youth Services offers childcare, a Child Development Center, a School Age Center, and youth programs.

Can anyone use Barquist Army Health Clinic?

Barquist mainly serves enrolled TRICARE Prime beneficiaries. Other eligible patients may receive care when space is available.