We are continuing our weekly series, A Walk In the Park, State Park Spotlight today with Delaware. Each week we will visit a new state and learn about the local state parks. You may live in a state all of your life and not be aware of the amazing parks it has to offer. So, I would love to take my readers on a journey through each of our states to explore some of theState Parks. Enjoy our Walk in the Park.
Thomas Jefferson called Delaware a “jewel” among the rest of the country. This gave Delaware the nickname of The Diamond State. Some people call it The Peach State because the state flower of Delaware is the peach blossom. When you think of Delaware, you may think of history and the beauty of nature that is all around this state. Delaware state parks have so much to offer. From camping and hiking to biking and swimming, there is always something for everyone to do and it’s almost impossible to be bored! Let’s take a look at some of my favorites.
All photographs belong to http://www.destateparks.com. You can visit their website for more information on planning your visit to a Delaware State Park.
Brandywine Creek State Park
Wilmington, Delaware
41 Adams Dam Rd.
Phone: (302) 577-3534
Park Hours
The park is open daily 8 a.m. to sunset.
Park Office and Nature Center Hours
December through February:
Monday through Friday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Closed Sunday
March through November:
8 a.m. to 4 p.m., 7 days a week
Back in the 1800’s, Brandywine Creek State Park was a dairy farm that was owned by the DuPont family. In 1965 the 933 acre area became a state park. There are walls made from local stone throughout the park. There are 2 nature preserves in the park’ Tulip Tree Woods is home to 190 year old tulip trees and it is breathtaking. Freshwater Marsh is the other nature preserve in the park. The beauty in this park is breathtaking.
Brandywine Creek State Park is a great place to see different species of hawks from September to November. You will also feast your eyes on songbirds, wildflowers, deer and other wildlife. With 14 miles of trails, you can go hiking, running, take pictures or just observe the beauty around you at your own pace. A fun filled day here may include fishing for smallmouth bass followed by a picnic and flying a kite. In the winter, you can go sledding and cross country skiing in the open fields and in the Spring and Summer, canoeing is a very popular activity.
Fort Delaware State Park
Delaware City, Delaware
The Ferry Ticket Office is located at 45 Clinton Street, Delaware City, DE
The physical park office address is 108 N. Reedy Point Road, Delaware City, DE
Phone: (302) 834-7941
Park Hours
The Park is open to the public Wednesdays through Sundays during the regular season (June, July and August). It is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
The Park Office is closed on State Holidays.
Many years ago, Fort Delaware housed Confederate prisoners of war. It was built to protect Wilmington and Philadelphia. When you visit Fort Delaware now you take a short ferry ride for Delaware City to Pea Patch Island. Once you arrive, you will find yourself in the summer of 1864 where costumed workers reenact history while you watch. Be sure to look out for the birds and other wildlife that call Pea Patch Island home.
You will enjoy so many hands on activities that bring you back in time to experience the events that happened so many years earlier. You can work with a blacksmith and help him make part for a cannon. You will learn about what the island looked like in 1864 and see real artifacts from that time. When you need a break you can head over to the picnic area where there are tables and grills available for your use. You can get drinks from a vending machine but make sure to bring your own food as there are no concessions stands in the park. Snacks are available in the gift shop along with souvenirs to take home.
Killens Pond State Park
Felton, Delaware
5025 Killens Pond Road
Phone: (302) 284-4526
Campground:(302) 284-3412
The park is open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset.
Park Office Hours:
8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday
April through October, the office is also open on weekends, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Killens Pond State Park is located in Kent County. It has a 66 acre mill pond for boating and fishing. The park is open all year round and offers a campground and cabins to stay in. It’s truly a place to kick back and relax, leaving the hustle and bustle of everyday life behind.
Rent a canoe, rowboat, kayak or pedal boat and get out on the water. If fishing is your thing, you’ll be happy to know that the pond is filled with bass, catfish, perch, pickerel, bluegills and carp. There is a boat launching ramp which makes it so easy to explore the pond.If you have experience in a canoe and you’re feeling bold, there is the Murderkill River Canoe Trail which will give you a real adventure.
Killens Pond State Park is fun for the whole family. If you love to swim, you will enjoy the waterpark which features a Floating Lily Pad Fun Walk and a tot pool and tot lot for the little ones to splash and play. When hunger sets in, there is a convenient food concession and if you need any swim gear there is also a Swim Shop that covers all of your needs. There are ball fields and game courts for the athletes in the family and an 18 hole disk golf course. The playground area and picnic area are perfect for hanging out with the family on a warm summer day!
Alapocas Run State Park
Wilmington, Delaware
1914 West Park Dr.
Phone: (302) 577-1164
The park is open daily from 8 a.m. until sunset.
The park office is located in the Blue Ball Barn. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
In the middle of busy Wilmington lies a magical place. It’s a special getaway that you will always remember and always return to. Alapocas Run State Park is unique because it offers the 1st Boundless Playground in Delaware. The Can-Do Playground is a Boundless Playground which allows children of all abilities to play together and participate in all different activities. There is also a rock climbing area hidden in one of the most peaceful areas in the park.
If you love art, stop in the Blue Ball Barn and checkout the showcase of the Delaware Folk Art Collection. The Blue Ball Barn can also be rented for events like conferences or weddings. There are also hiking and biking trails through the park and in late August there’s the PawPaw Folk Festival which is a family-friendly festival of fun-filled activities, music, art, food and so much more. You can enroll your children from ages 8 to 17 in various summer camp programs in the park. Alapocas Run State Park has something for the whole family to enjoy and keep you coming back for getaways.
Have you been to any Delaware State Parks? If you have, which ones have you visited and what did you love about them? I would love to hear from you in the comments below.
Additional Walk in the Park State by State Spotlight
Alabama State Parks
Alaska State Parks
Arizona State Parks
Arkansas State Parks
California State Parks
Colorado State Parks
Connecticut State Parks
Delaware State Parks
Florida State Parks
Georgia State Parks
Hawaiian State Parks
Iowa State Parks
Illinois State Parks
Indiana State Parks
Iowa State Parks
Kansas State Parks
Kentucky State Parks
Louisiana State Parks
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