Goodley Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Goodley Park is a beautiful and historic park located in Wilmington, Delaware.


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Summary

It is a popular destination for visitors of all ages and interests, offering a variety of attractions and activities throughout the year.

Some good reasons to visit Goodley Park include its stunning natural beauty, extensive trails for hiking and biking, and fascinating historical landmarks and structures. Visitors can take guided tours of the park's historic buildings, explore the many gardens and landscapes, or simply relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

One of the most famous points of interest in Goodley Park is the Goodley Mansion, a stunning example of colonial-era architecture that has been well-preserved over the years. The park also features numerous gardens and landscapes, including the Italian Water Garden, the Fountain Garden, and the Wisteria Garden.

Interesting facts about the park include its long history dating back to the 17th century, and its connection to some of the most famous figures in American history, including George Washington and the DuPont family.

The best time of year to visit Goodley Park is during the spring and summer months, when the gardens and landscapes are in full bloom and the weather is ideal for outdoor activities. However, the park is also open year-round and offers a variety of winter activities, including cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Overall, Goodley Park is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Delaware, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, history, and outdoor recreation.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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