Fort Delaware State Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Fort Delaware State Park is located on Pea Patch Island in the Delaware River, in the state of Delaware.


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Summary

The park is a popular destination for history buffs and nature enthusiasts alike. Visitors can take a ferry to the island and explore the historic fort, which was built in the mid-19th century to defend the Delaware River and Wilmington's port.

One of the main attractions of the park is the fort itself, which is well-preserved and offers a glimpse into life during the Civil War. Visitors can take guided tours, watch living history demonstrations, and even participate in reenactments. Other points of interest include the prison camp where Confederate soldiers were held during the war, the officer's quarters, and the powder magazine.

In addition to its historical significance, Fort Delaware State Park is also home to a diverse array of wildlife and natural habitats. Hiking trails, birdwatching, and fishing are popular activities on the island. Visitors can also enjoy picnicking and camping on the island.

The best time to visit Fort Delaware State Park is in the summer months, when the ferry is running and the weather is warm. However, the park is open year-round, and visitors can still access the island during the off-season by private boat or kayak.

Overall, Fort Delaware State Park is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, nature, or both. Its unique combination of historical significance and natural beauty makes it a truly unique and memorable experience.

       

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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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