Picture of Alapocas Run State Park

Alapocas Run State Park


Bancroft Bridge Project Update Meeting

On March 28th, 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm DNREC will share the latest news on the Bancroft Bridge.

Please click here for more details and meeting information.

Find Your Adventure at Alapocas Run State Park

Alapocas Woods offers a short but scenic trail at Alapocas Run State Park.

Explore Alapocas Woods

Enjoy a leisure 0.7-mile-long hike through mature woodlands in the middle of the city. Look for native pawpaw trees and take in the sights and sounds of nature.

The blue rock cliffs at Alapocas Run State Park.

Observe the Blue Granite Cliffs

The cliffs, made of blue rock gneiss, offer a glimpse into the park’s quarrying past. These rocks were once used to help build the city of Wilmington!

The Blue Ball Barn at Alpocas Run State Park is the home of the Delaware Folk Art Museum

Discover the Blue Ball Barn

Step back in time at the Blue Ball Barn. Learn about the rich history of the area while touring The Delaware Folk Art Collection.

 

The Northern Delaware Greenway runs through Alpocas Run State Park

Ride the Northern Delaware Greenway Trail

Hike or bike through the natural and cultural history of Wilmington! Stop at historic overlooks to learn about the textile mills that once thrived throughout the region.

The Can-Do Playground at Alapocas Run State Park

Have Fun at the Can-Do Playground

Kids of all abilities can go for a swing, or play in the sand at Delaware's first "boundless playground." You can also read a new story on the Storybook Trail.

Rock-climbing at Alapocas Run State Park

Superintendent’s Pick: Climb the Rock Wall

Climb Delaware’s only natural rock climbing wall! Our staff offer top-rope climbing programs — with some basic tips and equipment, rock climbing can be a unique way to experience the park.

About the Park

Around Delaware’s beautiful Blue Rock cliff, formerly quarried and now home to the state’s only natural rock-climbing wall, natural resources like mature woodlands and the Brandywine River meet a rich industrial and cultural history at Alapocas Run State Park. The Blue Ball Barn, now a popular event space named for the Blue Ball Tavern that once served travelers in the area, was built in the 1900s as a dairy barn that supported A.I. DuPont’s Nemours estate. It now houses the Delaware Folk Art Collection and tells the park’s history in story form. Pawpaw trees, North America’s largest native fruit-bearing tree, grows in the forest understory. Delaware’s only venomous snake, the non-aggressive Northern Copperhead, occurs here. A Storybook Trail winds around the Can-do Playground, designed to be accessible to every child. Alapocas Run is also home to the Northern Delaware Greenway Trail, a National Recreation Trail.

Park History

The land that became Alapocas Run State Park was donated to the city of Wilmington in the early 1900s by local industrialist William Bancroft. It eventually came to include the Blue Ball Barn, built in 1914 by Bancroft's neighbor, Alfred I. DuPont, who named the barn after an inn and meeting house that was once located near the property. Alapocas Run became a state park in 2002.

Blue Ball Barn

This extraordinary barn, progressive in its environmental design, is the current home of the Delaware Folk Art Collection. Renovations have created a multifunctional conference, special event and gallery space for events, weddings and conferences, featuring meeting rooms, a large banquet room and a secluded courtyard. The Blue Ball Barn was the first public building in Delaware to become a LEED-certified building, meaning it meets stringent environmentally-friendly building design standards.

Learn more about the Blue Ball Barn, including how to host your event here.

Bancroft Bridge Update

After historic floods from the remnants of Hurricane Ida during the last week of August in 2021, the Bancroft Bridge was struct with high flood water and heavy debris causing severe damage. The Division closed the bridge and performed structural analysis to determine the impact of the damage. The Division has a written report and recorded a presentation of the findings and alternative solutions evaluated to fix or replace the bridge.

View the video presentation from the March 28, 2023 meeting.

View the video presentation from the October 27, 2022 meeting.

View the video presentation from the February 10, 2022 meeting.

Available are also the follwoing presentations:

The Delaware Folk Art Collection

The collection currently contains over 120 works from Delaware artists, reflecting the diverse cultural backgrounds that make up the First State. Visitors are able to tour the exhibits in person at the Barn or take a virtual tour. The Blue Ball Barn is a Frommer’s recommended attraction.

Can-Do Playground

can do playground

The 27,000 square foot Can-Do Playground, is the first Boundless Playground™ in Delaware. Designed to be accessible to every child, regardless of physical, mental and sensory abilities, the playground was made possible with the help of six Wilmington-area Rotary Clubs. For more information about boundless playgrounds, visit the Can-Do Playground website.

Athletic Fields

Is your club, league, or group looking for a well-maintained area for games or other activities? Three versatile fields in the East Park section of Alapocas Run State Park offer a variety of opportunities for organized sports.

Sports Accommodated:

Fields 1 and 2: Soccer, lacrosse, field hockey, flag football, Ultimate Frisbee®, kickball

Field 3: Field hockey, flag football, Ultimate Frisbee®, rugby, youth soccer, youth lacrosse

The athletic field permit application available under Maps + Downloads on this page contains field reservation information and rates.

Rock Climbing and Rappelling

Alapocas Run State Park offers top-rope climbing and rappelling. In top roping, the rope is run from the climber through an anchor at the top of the climb, then back down to attach to the belayer. The belayer is able to stop a falling climber immediately, which makes top-rope climbing one of the safest forms of climbing. Rappelling is a controlled descent on a rope from an anchor on the top of a rock or cliff face. Like top-rope climbing, rappelling requires a mechanical device that can lock the rope, preventing an uncontrolled descent. The park offers climbing programs and camps.

More info can be found on our Rock Climbing page

A climbing permit is required to use the park’s rock wall; the application is available on this page under Maps + Downloads.

Upcoming Events

Art in Action: Sculpture

Wednesday, June 7, 2023

6:00 PM

Join Miranda Blas to create sculptures using the Chilean Folk Art tradition of Chanchitos. Chanchito means little piggy and gatitos is little kitties in Spanish. Each chanchito has three legs and owning one is considered good luck! Both chanchitos and gatitos are Miranda’s interpretation of the traditional Chilean craft. Bring home some buena suerte and lots of cuteness with one of these chanchitos!

Register Online

Add to Calendar 6/7/2023 6:00:00 PM 6/7/2023 8:00:00 PM America/New_York Art in Action: Sculpture Join Miranda Blas to create sculptures using the Chilean Folk Art tradition of Chanchitos. Chanchito means little piggy and gatitos is little kitties in Spanish. Each chanchito has three legs and owning one is considered good luck! Both chanchitos and gatitos are Miranda’s interpretation of the traditional Chilean craft. Bring home some buena suerte and lots of cuteness with one of these chanchitos! Alapocas Run

Kiara Florez:Temporary Exhibition

Thursday, June 8, 2023

8:00 AM

Kiara Florez's collection of abstract paintings explores spiritual thinking and imaginative worlds, using bold colors and wavy lines to express those concepts. She bases her paintings on her thoughts and feelings in the moment. This exhibit is on display June 1-June 24 during business hours from 8-4pm. Call the park office for more information, 302-577-7020.

Add to Calendar 6/8/2023 8:00:00 AM 6/8/2023 4:00:00 PM America/New_York Kiara Florez:Temporary Exhibition Kiara Florez's collection of abstract paintings explores spiritual thinking and imaginative worlds, using bold colors and wavy lines to express those concepts. She bases her paintings on her thoughts and feelings in the moment. This exhibit is on display June 1-June 24 during business hours from 8-4pm. Call the park office for more information, 302-577-7020. Alapocas Run

Nature On The Go: Heights and Flights at Can Do Playground

Tuesday, June 13, 2023

10:00 AM

Nature on the Go is a weekly program in which we explore the different aspects of our natural world, and provide take-home experiences that encourage further investigation of what's around us. This year's theme is Things with Wings. Tuesday programs meet at Can Do Playground.

Add to Calendar 6/13/2023 10:00:00 AM 6/13/2023 11:30:00 AM America/New_York Nature On The Go: Heights and Flights at Can Do Playground Nature on the Go is a weekly program in which we explore the different aspects of our natural world, and provide take-home experiences that encourage further investigation of what's around us. This year's theme is Things with Wings. Tuesday programs meet at Can Do Playground. Alapocas Run

Kiara Florez:Temporary Exhibition

Thursday, June 15, 2023

8:00 AM

Kiara Florez's collection of abstract paintings explores spiritual thinking and imaginative worlds, using bold colors and wavy lines to express those concepts. She bases her paintings on her thoughts and feelings in the moment. This exhibit is on display June 1-June 24 during business hours from 8-4pm. Call the park office for more information, 302-577-7020.

Add to Calendar 6/15/2023 8:00:00 AM 6/15/2023 4:00:00 PM America/New_York Kiara Florez:Temporary Exhibition Kiara Florez's collection of abstract paintings explores spiritual thinking and imaginative worlds, using bold colors and wavy lines to express those concepts. She bases her paintings on her thoughts and feelings in the moment. This exhibit is on display June 1-June 24 during business hours from 8-4pm. Call the park office for more information, 302-577-7020. Alapocas Run

Nature On The Go: Feathers Flying at Can Do Playground

Tuesday, June 20, 2023

10:00 AM

Nature on the Go is a weekly program in which we explore the different aspects of our natural world, and provide take-home experiences that encourage further investigation of what's around us. This year's theme is Things with Wings. Tuesday programs meet at Can Do Playground.

Add to Calendar 6/20/2023 10:00:00 AM 6/20/2023 11:30:00 AM America/New_York Nature On The Go: Feathers Flying at Can Do Playground Nature on the Go is a weekly program in which we explore the different aspects of our natural world, and provide take-home experiences that encourage further investigation of what's around us. This year's theme is Things with Wings. Tuesday programs meet at Can Do Playground. Alapocas Run

Story On The Go

Wednesday, June 21, 2023

10:00 AM

Drop by the Storybook Trail as the naturalist explores stories and nature with hands-on activities based on the month’s story.

Add to Calendar 6/21/2023 10:00:00 AM 6/21/2023 11:00:00 AM America/New_York Story On The Go Drop by the Storybook Trail as the naturalist explores stories and nature with hands-on activities based on the month’s story. Alapocas Run

Kiara Florez:Temporary Exhibition

Thursday, June 22, 2023

8:00 AM

Kiara Florez's collection of abstract paintings explores spiritual thinking and imaginative worlds, using bold colors and wavy lines to express those concepts. She bases her paintings on her thoughts and feelings in the moment. This exhibit is on display June 1-June 24 during business hours from 8-4pm. Call the park office for more information, 302-577-7020.

Add to Calendar 6/22/2023 8:00:00 AM 6/22/2023 4:00:00 PM America/New_York Kiara Florez:Temporary Exhibition Kiara Florez's collection of abstract paintings explores spiritual thinking and imaginative worlds, using bold colors and wavy lines to express those concepts. She bases her paintings on her thoughts and feelings in the moment. This exhibit is on display June 1-June 24 during business hours from 8-4pm. Call the park office for more information, 302-577-7020. Alapocas Run

Kiara Florez:Temporary Exhibition Closing

Saturday, June 24, 2023

8:00 AM

Kiara Florez's collection of abstract paintings explores spiritual thinking and imaginative worlds, using bold colors and wavy lines to express those concepts. She bases her paintings on her thoughts and feelings in the moment. This exhibit is on display June 1-June 24 during business hours from 8-4pm. Call the park office for more information, 302-577-7020.

Add to Calendar 6/24/2023 8:00:00 AM 6/24/2023 4:00:00 PM America/New_York Kiara Florez:Temporary Exhibition Closing Kiara Florez's collection of abstract paintings explores spiritual thinking and imaginative worlds, using bold colors and wavy lines to express those concepts. She bases her paintings on her thoughts and feelings in the moment. This exhibit is on display June 1-June 24 during business hours from 8-4pm. Call the park office for more information, 302-577-7020. Alapocas Run

Nature On The Go: Bird Nerds at Can Do Playground

Tuesday, June 27, 2023

10:00 AM

Nature on the Go is a weekly program in which we explore the different aspects of our natural world, and provide take-home experiences that encourage further investigation of what's around us. This year's theme is Things with Wings. Tuesday programs meet at Can Do Playground.

Add to Calendar 6/27/2023 10:00:00 AM 6/27/2023 11:30:00 AM America/New_York Nature On The Go: Bird Nerds at Can Do Playground Nature on the Go is a weekly program in which we explore the different aspects of our natural world, and provide take-home experiences that encourage further investigation of what's around us. This year's theme is Things with Wings. Tuesday programs meet at Can Do Playground. Alapocas Run

Bob Weston: Temporary Exhibition Opening

Saturday, July 1, 2023

8:00 AM

Robert Bruce Weston's love of wood comes from his 30-year career as a cabinet maker. He now makes wood inlay "paintings" that range from representational to abstract or surreal. This exhibit is on display July 1-July 31 during business hours from 8-4pm. Call the park office for more information, 302-577-7020.

Add to Calendar 7/1/2023 8:00:00 AM 7/1/2023 4:00:00 PM America/New_York Bob Weston: Temporary Exhibition Opening Robert Bruce Weston's love of wood comes from his 30-year career as a cabinet maker. He now makes wood inlay "paintings" that range from representational to abstract or surreal. This exhibit is on display July 1-July 31 during business hours from 8-4pm. Call the park office for more information, 302-577-7020. Alapocas Run

Bob Weston: Temporary Exhibition

Saturday, July 8, 2023

8:00 AM

Robert Bruce Weston's love of wood comes from his 30-year career as a cabinet maker. He now makes wood inlay "paintings" that range from representational to abstract or surreal. This exhibit is on display July 1-July 31 during business hours from 8-4pm. Call the park office for more information, 302-577-7020.

Add to Calendar 7/8/2023 8:00:00 AM 7/8/2023 4:00:00 PM America/New_York Bob Weston: Temporary Exhibition Robert Bruce Weston's love of wood comes from his 30-year career as a cabinet maker. He now makes wood inlay "paintings" that range from representational to abstract or surreal. This exhibit is on display July 1-July 31 during business hours from 8-4pm. Call the park office for more information, 302-577-7020. Alapocas Run

Nature On The Go: Fleeting Fish at Can Do Playground

Tuesday, July 11, 2023

10:00 AM

Nature on the Go is a weekly program in which we explore the different aspects of our natural world, and provide take-home experiences that encourage further investigation of what's around us. This year's theme is Things with Wings. Tuesday programs meet at Can Do Playground.

Add to Calendar 7/11/2023 10:00:00 AM 7/11/2023 11:30:00 AM America/New_York Nature On The Go: Fleeting Fish at Can Do Playground Nature on the Go is a weekly program in which we explore the different aspects of our natural world, and provide take-home experiences that encourage further investigation of what's around us. This year's theme is Things with Wings. Tuesday programs meet at Can Do Playground. Alapocas Run

Story On The Go

Wednesday, July 12, 2023

10:00 AM

Drop by the Storybook Trail as the naturalist explores stories and nature with hands-on activities based on the month’s story.

Add to Calendar 7/12/2023 10:00:00 AM 7/12/2023 11:00:00 AM America/New_York Story On The Go Drop by the Storybook Trail as the naturalist explores stories and nature with hands-on activities based on the month’s story. Alapocas Run

Art in Action: Papier Mache Sculptures

Wednesday, July 12, 2023

6:00 PM

In this workshop we'll use waste materials and objects from nature as a means of expression. Participants will learn to create papier-mâché three-dimensional representations that invite the use of different resources — most of them within our reach and at very low cost. So, while we enjoy creating beautiful objects; we contribute to improving our environment.

Register Online

Add to Calendar 7/12/2023 6:00:00 PM 7/12/2023 8:30:00 PM America/New_York Art in Action: Papier Mache Sculptures In this workshop we'll use waste materials and objects from nature as a means of expression. Participants will learn to create papier-mâché three-dimensional representations that invite the use of different resources — most of them within our reach and at very low cost. So, while we enjoy creating beautiful objects; we contribute to improving our environment. Alapocas Run

Bob Weston: Temporary Exhibition

Saturday, July 15, 2023

8:00 AM

Robert Bruce Weston's love of wood comes from his 30-year career as a cabinet maker. He now makes wood inlay "paintings" that range from representational to abstract or surreal. This exhibit is on display July 1-July 31 during business hours from 8-4pm. Call the park office for more information, 302-577-7020.

Add to Calendar 7/15/2023 8:00:00 AM 7/15/2023 4:00:00 PM America/New_York Bob Weston: Temporary Exhibition Robert Bruce Weston's love of wood comes from his 30-year career as a cabinet maker. He now makes wood inlay "paintings" that range from representational to abstract or surreal. This exhibit is on display July 1-July 31 during business hours from 8-4pm. Call the park office for more information, 302-577-7020. Alapocas Run

Nature On The Go: Bouncing Bugs at Can Do Playground

Tuesday, July 18, 2023

10:00 AM

Nature on the Go is a weekly program in which we explore the different aspects of our natural world, and provide take-home experiences that encourage further investigation of what's around us. This year's theme is Things with Wings. Tuesday programs meet at Can Do Playground.

Add to Calendar 7/18/2023 10:00:00 AM 7/18/2023 11:30:00 AM America/New_York Nature On The Go: Bouncing Bugs at Can Do Playground Nature on the Go is a weekly program in which we explore the different aspects of our natural world, and provide take-home experiences that encourage further investigation of what's around us. This year's theme is Things with Wings. Tuesday programs meet at Can Do Playground. Alapocas Run

Bob Weston: Temporary Exhibition

Saturday, July 22, 2023

8:00 AM

Robert Bruce Weston's love of wood comes from his 30-year career as a cabinet maker. He now makes wood inlay "paintings" that range from representational to abstract or surreal. This exhibit is on display July 1-July 31 during business hours from 8-4pm. Call the park office for more information, 302-577-7020.

Add to Calendar 7/22/2023 8:00:00 AM 7/22/2023 4:00:00 PM America/New_York Bob Weston: Temporary Exhibition Robert Bruce Weston's love of wood comes from his 30-year career as a cabinet maker. He now makes wood inlay "paintings" that range from representational to abstract or surreal. This exhibit is on display July 1-July 31 during business hours from 8-4pm. Call the park office for more information, 302-577-7020. Alapocas Run

Nature On The Go: Fluttering Butterflies at Can Do Playground

Tuesday, July 25, 2023

10:00 AM

Nature on the Go is a weekly program in which we explore the different aspects of our natural world, and provide take-home experiences that encourage further investigation of what's around us. This year's theme is Things with Wings. Tuesday programs meet at Can Do Playground.

Add to Calendar 7/25/2023 10:00:00 AM 7/25/2023 11:30:00 AM America/New_York Nature On The Go: Fluttering Butterflies at Can Do Playground Nature on the Go is a weekly program in which we explore the different aspects of our natural world, and provide take-home experiences that encourage further investigation of what's around us. This year's theme is Things with Wings. Tuesday programs meet at Can Do Playground. Alapocas Run

Nature On The Go: Leaping Lizards at Can Do Playground

Thursday, July 27, 2023

10:00 AM

Nature on the Go is a weekly program in which we explore the different aspects of our natural world, and provide take-home experiences that encourage further investigation of what's around us. This year's theme is Things with Wings. Tuesday programs meet at Can Do Playground.

Add to Calendar 7/27/2023 10:00:00 AM 7/27/2023 11:30:00 AM America/New_York Nature On The Go: Leaping Lizards at Can Do Playground Nature on the Go is a weekly program in which we explore the different aspects of our natural world, and provide take-home experiences that encourage further investigation of what's around us. This year's theme is Things with Wings. Tuesday programs meet at Can Do Playground. Alapocas Run

Bob Weston: Temporary Exhibition

Saturday, July 29, 2023

8:00 AM

Robert Bruce Weston's love of wood comes from his 30-year career as a cabinet maker. He now makes wood inlay "paintings" that range from representational to abstract or surreal. This exhibit is on display July 1-July 31 during business hours from 8-4pm. Call the park office for more information, 302-577-7020.

Add to Calendar 7/29/2023 8:00:00 AM 7/29/2023 4:00:00 PM America/New_York Bob Weston: Temporary Exhibition Robert Bruce Weston's love of wood comes from his 30-year career as a cabinet maker. He now makes wood inlay "paintings" that range from representational to abstract or surreal. This exhibit is on display July 1-July 31 during business hours from 8-4pm. Call the park office for more information, 302-577-7020. Alapocas Run

Bob Weston: Temporary Exhibition Closing

Monday, July 31, 2023

8:00 AM

Robert Bruce Weston's love of wood comes from his 30-year career as a cabinet maker. He now makes wood inlay "paintings" that range from representational to abstract or surreal. This exhibit is on display July 1-July 31 during business hours from 8-4pm. Call the park office for more information, 302-577-7020.

Add to Calendar 7/31/2023 8:00:00 AM 7/31/2023 4:00:00 PM America/New_York Bob Weston: Temporary Exhibition Closing Robert Bruce Weston's love of wood comes from his 30-year career as a cabinet maker. He now makes wood inlay "paintings" that range from representational to abstract or surreal. This exhibit is on display July 1-July 31 during business hours from 8-4pm. Call the park office for more information, 302-577-7020. Alapocas Run

Touch a Truck

Wednesday, August 2, 2023

10:00 AM

Join us at the Can-Do Playground to see and touch the machines and vehicles that the Delaware State Parks maintenance team uses to keep our parks beautiful.

Add to Calendar 8/2/2023 10:00:00 AM 8/2/2023 12:00:00 PM America/New_York Touch a Truck Join us at the Can-Do Playground to see and touch the machines and vehicles that the Delaware State Parks maintenance team uses to keep our parks beautiful. Alapocas Run

Nature On The Go: Flight at Night at Can Do Playground

Tuesday, August 8, 2023

10:00 AM

Nature on the Go is a weekly program in which we explore the different aspects of our natural world, and provide take-home experiences that encourage further investigation of what's around us. This year's theme is Things with Wings. Tuesday programs meet at Can Do Playground.

Add to Calendar 8/8/2023 10:00:00 AM 8/8/2023 11:30:00 AM America/New_York Nature On The Go: Flight at Night at Can Do Playground Nature on the Go is a weekly program in which we explore the different aspects of our natural world, and provide take-home experiences that encourage further investigation of what's around us. This year's theme is Things with Wings. Tuesday programs meet at Can Do Playground. Alapocas Run

Art in Action: Silhouttes

Wednesday, August 9, 2023

6:00 PM

Join artist, Lauren Muney as she demonstrates traditional silhouette portraiture. With only a pair of scissors and her paper, she creates a museum-worthy silhouette profile — without drawing first, tracing any shadows, or using any machine — using just her eye and scissors. Participants of this program will have a customized portrait created by Lauren. Limit 20 people.

Register Online

Add to Calendar 8/9/2023 6:00:00 PM 8/9/2023 8:00:00 PM America/New_York Art in Action: Silhouttes Join artist, Lauren Muney as she demonstrates traditional silhouette portraiture. With only a pair of scissors and her paper, she creates a museum-worthy silhouette profile — without drawing first, tracing any shadows, or using any machine — using just her eye and scissors. Participants of this program will have a customized portrait created by Lauren. Limit 20 people. Alapocas Run

Nature On The Go: Gliding and Hiding at Can Do Playground

Tuesday, August 15, 2023

10:00 AM

Nature on the Go is a weekly program in which we explore the different aspects of our natural world, and provide take-home experiences that encourage further investigation of what's around us. This year's theme is Things with Wings. Tuesday programs meet at Can Do Playground.

Add to Calendar 8/15/2023 10:00:00 AM 8/15/2023 11:30:00 AM America/New_York Nature On The Go: Gliding and Hiding at Can Do Playground Nature on the Go is a weekly program in which we explore the different aspects of our natural world, and provide take-home experiences that encourage further investigation of what's around us. This year's theme is Things with Wings. Tuesday programs meet at Can Do Playground. Alapocas Run