First State National Historical Park
Caution See 1 current alert
Current alerts (1)
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Caution
Safety Alert Hazardous Trees in the Brandywine Valley
Numerous trees in the Brandywine Valley are down across the roads and trails due to the recent storm. Please use caution while driving and hiking never walk directly under a tree that is hanging. Park staff is working to improve conditions.
Hours
New Castle Court House Museum
| Monday – Tuesday | Closed |
|---|---|
| Wednesday – Saturday | 10:00AM - 3:30PM |
| Sunday | 1:30PM - 4:00PM |
Coming up:
- Nov 26: Thanksgiving Day (closed)
- Nov 26: Closed Thanksgiving Day (closed)
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
| Monday – Wednesday | Closed |
|---|---|
| Thursday – Saturday | 10:00AM - 3:00PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
Coming up:
- Nov 26: Closed Thanksgiving Day (closed)
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
| Monday – Friday | Closed |
|---|---|
| Saturday – Sunday | 10:00AM - 4:00PM |
Coming up:
- Nov 11: Closed Veterans Day (closed)
- Nov 26: Closed Thanksgiving Day (closed)
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
| Monday – Sunday | Sunrise to Sunset |
|---|
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
| Monday – Sunday | Sunrise to Sunset |
|---|
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
| Monday | Closed |
|---|---|
| Tuesday – Saturday | 10:00AM - 4:00PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
Coming up:
- Nov 26: Closed Thanksgiving Day (closed)
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.
Visitor centers
Sheriff's House Welcome Center
Sheriff's House Welcome Center
| Monday – Wednesday | Closed |
|---|---|
| Thursday – Saturday | 9:00AM - 4:30PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The building is open Thursday-Saturday 9:00 AM-4:30 PM.
Visitor center page on nps.gov: Sheriff's House Welcome Center
Events in the next few days
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Sheriff's House Oral History Interview
· 09:00 AM – 04:00 PM · Free
About this park
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.