First State National Historical Park is located in the state of Delaware, United States. It encompasses several historical sites across the state, preserving and showcasing significant events that shaped Delaware's role in the founding of the United States.
The park includes seven main sites spread throughout the state. One of these is the New Castle Court House Museum in New Castle, which served as Delaware's first state capitol and a meeting place for the state's colonial assembly. Another notable site is the Old Swedes Church and Burial Ground in Wilmington, a historic church built in 1698 that is the oldest surviving church in the state. The park also includes the John Dickinson Plantation in Dover, the boyhood home of one of the Founding Fathers and signer of the Constitution, John Dickinson.
Visitors to First State NHP can explore these sites and gain a deeper understanding of Delaware's role in the formation of the United States. The park offers guided tours, exhibits, and educational programs that provide insight into Delaware's unique historical perspectives.
Apart from the main sites within the park, there are several nearby attractions that visitors can enjoy. The city of Wilmington, located just minutes away from some of the park's sites, has a vibrant arts and cultural scene, with numerous museums, galleries, and theaters. Delaware beaches, located a short drive from the park, are popular destinations for swimming, sunbathing, and recreational activities.
In summary, First State National Historical Park preserves and commemorates significant historical events that took place in Delaware during the founding of the United States. It offers visitors the opportunity to explore important sites, learn about Delaware's history, and enjoy nearby attractions such as Wilmington's arts scene and the Delaware beaches.
First State National Historical Park is located within the state of Delaware, in the northeastern region of the United States. Nestled between the Chesapeake Bay and the Delaware River, the park spans across several counties, including New Castle, Kent, and Sussex. Its diverse landscape showcases the rich history and natural beauty of Delaware. From the rolling hills and lush forests of the Brandywine Valley to the coastal marshes and sandy beaches along the Delaware Bay, the park offers a unique blend of ecosystems. This geographical location makes First State National Historical Park both a historic and scenic destination, attracting visitors from near and far.
First State National Historical ParkFirst State National Historical ParkNew Castle, DE 19720Driving DirectionsPhone: 302-317-3854Web: Link
The best time to visit First State National Historical Park would be during the months of May through September. During this period, the average maximum temperatures range from 74°F to 87°F, with average minimum temperatures ranging from 54°F to 69°F. The precipitation levels during these months are moderate, with an average monthly range of 3.6 inches to 5.5 inches. These pleasant weather conditions make it ideal for outdoor activities in the park.
Some of the activities you can do in First State National Historical Park are: Food Picnicking Hands-On Junior Ranger Program Biking Hiking Front-Country Hiking Fishing Horse Trekking Horseback Riding Living History Mountain Biking Freshwater Fishing Fly Fishing Citizen Science
Learn about these topics at First State National Historical Park: Trails Colonization and Settlement Burial, Cemetery and Gravesite Religion and Spirituality Churches Women's History Forests and Woodlands Forts Monuments and Memorials Wars and Conflicts American Revolutionary War Social Movements Incarceration Enslavement Urban America Maritime Plantations Jails and Prisons Farming and Agriculture
The Welcome Center is located in Historic New Castle inside the Sheriff’s House. The center will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday. Exhibits in the center share nationally significant stories that shaped the nation’s first state through photos and audio-visual displays. Staff are also available to provide details about visiting partner sites throughout the state.
The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Sheriff's House Welcome Center.
This park doesn't have any campsites within its boundaries (or we haven't found them yet)).
Located in New Castle, Red Roof Inn & Suites Wilmington - New Castle is in the historical district, a 1-minute drive from Brandywine Valley and 6 minutes from 76ers Fieldhouse Powered by BPGSports. Featured amenities include a business center, a 24-hour front desk, and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1612 North DuPont Highway, Building A, New Castle, Delaware 19720
Web: Link
When you stay at Four Points by Sheraton Newark Christiana Wilmington in Newark, you'll be near the airport and within a 5-minute drive of Christiana Mall. Featured amenities include a business center, express check-in, and express check-out.
Address: 56 S. Old Baltimore Pike, Newark, Delaware 19702
Web: Link
Located in Newark, Days Inn by Wyndham Newark Wilmington is in the business district, within a 5-minute drive of Christiana Mall and Delaware Park Racetrack and Slots. Featured amenities include a computer station, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 900 Churchmans Rd, Newark, Delaware 19713
Web: Link
A stay at Fairview Inn places you in the heart of Wilmington, steps from Brandywine Valley and 8 minutes by foot from 76ers Fieldhouse Powered by BPGSports. Featured amenities include a business center and a 24-hour front desk. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1051 S Market St, Business U.s., Wilmington, Delaware 19801
Web: Link
Located in Pennsville, Super 8 by Wyndham Pennsville/Wilmington is a 3-minute drive from Delaware River and 8 minutes from Eden Park. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a 24-hour front desk, and luggage storage. Planning an event in Pennsville? This hotel has facilities measuring 800 square feet (800 square meters), including conference space. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 413 N Broadway, Pennsville, New Jersey 08070
Web: Link
With a stay at The Westin Wilmington in Wilmington (Riverfront), you'll be 2 minutes by foot from Chase Center on the Riverfront. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, express check-in, and express check-out. Planning an event in Wilmington? This hotel has facilities measuring 2100 square feet (195 square meters), including a conference center. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 818 Shipyard Drive, Wilmington, Delaware 19801
Web: Link
A stay at Fairfield Inn & Suites Wilmington New Castle places you in the heart of New Castle, a 1-minute drive from Brandywine Valley and 8 minutes from Christiana Mall. Featured amenities include a business center, dry cleaning/laundry services, and a 24-hour front desk. Planning an event in New Castle? This hotel has facilities measuring 281 square feet (25 square meters), including a meeting room. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 2117 North DuPont Highway, New Castle, Delaware 19720
Web: Link
With a stay at Hyatt Place Wilmington Riverfront in Wilmington (Riverfront), you'll be steps from Brandywine Valley and 9 minutes by foot from Chase Center on the Riverfront. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, dry cleaning/laundry services, and a 24-hour front desk. Planning an event in Wilmington? This hotel has facilities measuring 6088 square feet (566 square meters), including conference space. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 760 Justison Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19801
Web: Link
With a stay at Homewood Suites by Hilton Wilmington Downtown in Wilmington (Riverfront), you'll be steps from Brandywine Valley and 5 minutes by foot from Chase Center on the Riverfront. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, dry cleaning/laundry services, and a 24-hour front desk. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 820 Justison Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19801
Web: Link
When you stay at HomeTowne Studios by Red Roof Wilmington - New Castle in New Castle, you'll be near the airport and steps from Brandywine Valley. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, a 24-hour front desk, and multilingual staff. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1612 N. Dupont Highway, Building B, New Castle, Delaware 19720
Web: Link
| Date issued | Details |
|---|---|
| 2026-04-24 | Safety Alert: New Trail Open in Brandywine Valley Unit A new multi-use trail is now open across from the Smith Bridge parking lot in the Brandywine Valley unit. The trail is open to hikers, bicyclists, and equestrians. A section of the trail includes a creek crossing that may be difficult for equestrians and mountain bikers. A bridge is planned for the future; however, visitors should use extreme caution when crossing this area. |
| 2024-12-09 | First State National Historical Park Finalizes the Brandywine Valley Trail Plan The Brandywine Valley Trail Plan at First State National Historical Park can move forward. The plan defines a designated shared-use 27.8-mile trail network that will provide high-quality recreational opportunities, promote visitor safety and enjoyment and preserve connectivity with leased property within the Brandywine Valley section of the park and neighboring properties. More |
| 2024-07-02 | First State National Historical Park seeks public input on Draft Brandywine Valley Trail Plan Environmental Assessment July 2 – August 1, 2024 The National Park Service (NPS) invites public input from July 2 to August 1, 2024, on a draft Trail Plan for First State National Historical Park’s Brandywine Valley unit. Public input will help shape the trail plan, which will establish a cohesive and sustainable trail network for the Brandywine Valley unit. More |
| 2024-05-06 | First State National Historical Park opens its first welcome center First State National Historical Park open's the park’s first welcome center at the Sheriff’s House, located in New Castle. The center is open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. More |
| 2023-10-11 | First State National Historical Park Hosts Naturalization Ceremony At an intimate naturalization ceremony at First State National Historical Park in New Castle, Delaware, 20 people from 12 different countries became United States citizens. More |
| 2023-05-12 | New Traffic Pattern beginning Saturday, May 27th NEW Traffic Pattern at Smith Bridge Parking Lot, beginning Saturday, May 27th More |