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First State National Historical Park

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First State National Historical Park

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Famous as the First State to ratify the Constitution, Delaware was born out of a conflict among three world powers for dominance of the Delaware Valley. From this beginning, the region developed a distinct character that tolerated diversity in religion and national origin and valued independence.

Activities: Biking · Citizen Science · Fishing · Fly Fishing · Food · Freshwater Fishing · Front-Country Hiking · Hands-On · Hiking · Horse Trekking · Horseback Riding · Junior Ranger Program · Living History · Mountain Biking · Picnicking

Published entrance fees

No fee entries were supplied in this snapshot. Check the official park page.

Published passes

No fee entries were supplied in this snapshot. Check the official park page.

Published operating hours

New Castle Court House Museum · The New Castle Court House Museum is open Wednesday - Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and Sunday 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Tours are available at 10:00 a.m., 11:00a.m., 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. During tours, visitors are welcome to check out the waiting area to pick up information, ask questions, or get their passport stamped. The New Castle Court House Museum is closed on Tuesdays.

Old Swedes Historic Site · Old Swedes Historic Site is open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays 10:00am to 3:00pm. Tours are available by reservation and have a small fee: Adult $12, Student (6-15) $7, under 6 free and members free. Self-Guided Cemetery Tour, $5. Old Swedes Historic Site is a partner organization to the National Park Service and does not receive NPS funds. As such, they cannot honor National Parks Annual Passes. You can book your tour by visiting their website.

Fort Christina · The park is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day, Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The last guided tour begins at 3:00 p.m. After Labor Day, the park is open on Saturdays and Sundays through October, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Visits by appointment are available during closed hours throughout the fall, winter, and spring, depending on staff availability. To schedule an appointment or ask questions, please call 302-429-7447.

Brandywine Valley · The Brandywine Valley is open sunrise to sunset and is free to access. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, on weekends and holidays,a larger field lot on the corner of Brandywine Creek Rd. and Ramsey Rd. is open to accommodate visitor parking.

The Dover Green · The Dover Green is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Cancellation stamps are available at the Old State House. Guided walking tours begin at the John Bell House (43 The Green) Thursday through Saturday at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Tours are $6.50 per person, and children ages 8 and under may join for free. On the first Saturday of every month, guided walking tours are offered at no cost.

John Dickinson Plantation · Tuesdays: OUTDOOR VISITATION ONLY. Grounds open 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Wednesdays: Visitor center and grounds open 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays: Visitor center and grounds open 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Guided tours of the mansion at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Closed Monday and Sunday. Hours are subject to change. For more information, call 302-739-3277.

Fees, facilities and activities are the 2026-10-03 NPS snapshot. Historical visitation describes recorded visits, not crowding forecasts or present conditions.

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For details and information, visit, http://www.nps.gov/frst/index.htm.

Campgrounds (0)

Official NPS information and current conditions ↗