Brandywine Creek Nature Center

Brandywine Creek Nature Center


Brandywine Creek Nature Center

At the Brandywine Creek State Park Nature Center, you can meet Cornelius the corn snake, learn about the park and enjoy some of the best bird watching in the state all from the back porch, and see how you “measure up” to the birds of Brandywine Creek with a large wall display.

Virtual Nature Center Tour

Explore the park from anywhere! Dive into the Brandywine Creek Virtual Nature Center and discover new adventures or learn more about trails and topics that you already love. The Virtual Nature Center is home to a variety of self-guided activities from hikes to crafts to seasonal scavenger hunts. You can also explore blogs and articles written by the park naturalists.

Visit the Virtual Nature Center


Upcoming Events

Park Pals

Wednesday, July 17, 2024

9:30 AM

Calling all park loving 3-6 year olds! Join the naturalists for a fun new weekday morning program series. Each month we'll explore a different topic with a story, craft and (if the weather is good) an outdoor adventure! Register online, spaces limited, $5 per child.

Register Online

Add to Calendar 7/17/2024 9:30:00 AM 7/17/2024 10:15:00 AM America/New_York Park Pals Calling all park loving 3-6 year olds! Join the naturalists for a fun new weekday morning program series. Each month we'll explore a different topic with a story, craft and (if the weather is good) an outdoor adventure! Register online, spaces limited, $5 per child. Brandywine Creek

Park Pals

Wednesday, July 17, 2024

5:30 PM

Calling all park loving 3-6 year olds! Join the naturalists for a fun new weekday morning program series. Each month we'll explore a different topic with a story, craft and (if the weather is good) an outdoor adventure! Register online, spaces limited, $5 per child.

Register Online

Add to Calendar 7/17/2024 5:30:00 PM 7/17/2024 6:15:00 PM America/New_York Park Pals Calling all park loving 3-6 year olds! Join the naturalists for a fun new weekday morning program series. Each month we'll explore a different topic with a story, craft and (if the weather is good) an outdoor adventure! Register online, spaces limited, $5 per child. Brandywine Creek

Naturalist Guided Canoe Trip

Saturday, July 20, 2024

8:30 AM

Join our certified guides as they lead you down the Brandywine on a canoeing adventure. See the Brandywine Valley from a whole new perspective! Adults must accompany those age 15 and younger (same boat). Canoes hold up to 3 people. You and a partner will carry your canoe a short distance to the river. Equipment will be provided. Please bring drinking water, a snack, water shoes or old sneakers, and be prepared to get wet! Some canoeing experience recommended. Trip is typically 4-5 hours. Space is very limited; pre-registration and payment are required. Registration closes 24 hours before the program. Register online. $60 per canoe.

Register Online

Add to Calendar 7/20/2024 8:30:00 AM 7/20/2024 1:30:00 PM America/New_York Naturalist Guided Canoe Trip Join our certified guides as they lead you down the Brandywine on a canoeing adventure. See the Brandywine Valley from a whole new perspective! Adults must accompany those age 15 and younger (same boat). Canoes hold up to 3 people. You and a partner will carry your canoe a short distance to the river. Equipment will be provided. Please bring drinking water, a snack, water shoes or old sneakers, and be prepared to get wet! Some canoeing experience recommended. Trip is typically 4-5 hours. Space is very limited; pre-registration and payment are required. Registration closes 24 hours before the program. Register online. $60 per canoe. Brandywine Creek

Full Moon Hike

Sunday, July 21, 2024

9:30 PM

Join the park's naturalists for a hike under the wide open skies and look for the beautiful full moon. Learn a bit about the moon and some of the folklore that it stars in. Discover where the moon's nicknames come from. Online registration closes 24 hours before the program. $6 per person

Register Online

Add to Calendar 7/21/2024 9:30:00 PM 7/21/2024 10:30:00 PM America/New_York Full Moon Hike Join the park's naturalists for a hike under the wide open skies and look for the beautiful full moon. Learn a bit about the moon and some of the folklore that it stars in. Discover where the moon's nicknames come from. Online registration closes 24 hours before the program. $6 per person Brandywine Creek

Chorus of the Night

Friday, July 26, 2024

8:00 PM

Buzz, trill, chirp! Who’s that singing in the nighttime? When the sun goes down the nighttime bugs start up their chorus. Join the naturalists for this fun and informative program. We will explore the different nighttime bugs and what makes them unique, then head out on a hike to listen to the concert of the insects! $6 per person, register online.

Register Online

Add to Calendar 7/26/2024 8:00:00 PM 7/26/2024 9:00:00 PM America/New_York Chorus of the Night Buzz, trill, chirp! Who’s that singing in the nighttime? When the sun goes down the nighttime bugs start up their chorus. Join the naturalists for this fun and informative program. We will explore the different nighttime bugs and what makes them unique, then head out on a hike to listen to the concert of the insects! $6 per person, register online. Brandywine Creek

Monthly Bird Walk

Saturday, July 27, 2024

8:00 AM

The monthly bird walk is back on the last Saturday of every month! Bring your eyes, ears, and a comfortable pair of hiking boots. Our expert volunteer birder from the Delaware Ornithological Society will lead the group, provide tips and advice to all interested bird watchers. Register over the phone at (302)-655-5740 or via email at DNREC_brandywinecreekprograms@delaware.gov. Free, with paid park admission!

Add to Calendar 7/27/2024 8:00:00 AM 7/27/2024 11:00:00 AM America/New_York Monthly Bird Walk The monthly bird walk is back on the last Saturday of every month! Bring your eyes, ears, and a comfortable pair of hiking boots. Our expert volunteer birder from the Delaware Ornithological Society will lead the group, provide tips and advice to all interested bird watchers. Register over the phone at (302)-655-5740 or via email at DNREC_brandywinecreekprograms@delaware.gov. Free, with paid park admission! Brandywine Creek

Back Porch Birding

Saturday, July 27, 2024

12:00 PM

Birding is a rewarding activity, but may seem overwhelming to newcomers. Bring your lunch and join the naturalists on the back porch of the Nature Center to watch for birds and learn some tips about birding! Discover the ins and outs of bird feeders and their upkeep. This program will meet in the Nature Center. Register over the phone at (302)-655-5740 or via email at DNREC_brandywinecreekprograms@delaware.gov. Free, with paid park admission!

Add to Calendar 7/27/2024 12:00:00 PM 7/27/2024 1:00:00 PM America/New_York Back Porch Birding Birding is a rewarding activity, but may seem overwhelming to newcomers. Bring your lunch and join the naturalists on the back porch of the Nature Center to watch for birds and learn some tips about birding! Discover the ins and outs of bird feeders and their upkeep. This program will meet in the Nature Center. Register over the phone at (302)-655-5740 or via email at DNREC_brandywinecreekprograms@delaware.gov. Free, with paid park admission! Brandywine Creek

Fairies in the Pollinator Garden

Saturday, August 3, 2024

10:00 AM

Our pollinator garden has attracted something else besides insects - fairies! Explore the folklore of fairies and why they like flowers, then take a walk through the garden in search of the beautiful fairies hiding amongst the blooms. This scavenger hunt is great for all ages! Register over the phone at (302)-655-5740 or via email at DNREC_brandywinecreekprograms@delaware.gov. Free, with paid park admission!

Add to Calendar 8/3/2024 10:00:00 AM 8/3/2024 11:00:00 AM America/New_York Fairies in the Pollinator Garden Our pollinator garden has attracted something else besides insects - fairies! Explore the folklore of fairies and why they like flowers, then take a walk through the garden in search of the beautiful fairies hiding amongst the blooms. This scavenger hunt is great for all ages! Register over the phone at (302)-655-5740 or via email at DNREC_brandywinecreekprograms@delaware.gov. Free, with paid park admission! Brandywine Creek

Owl Prowl

Friday, August 9, 2024

8:00 PM

Following an introduction to the owls of Delaware, head out into the night to listen quietly for some of the park's resident owls. Bring your sense of adventure, but no flashlights please! Not recommended for children under 10. Pre-registration required, limited spaces available. $6 per person

Register Online

Add to Calendar 8/9/2024 8:00:00 PM 8/9/2024 9:00:00 PM America/New_York Owl Prowl Following an introduction to the owls of Delaware, head out into the night to listen quietly for some of the park's resident owls. Bring your sense of adventure, but no flashlights please! Not recommended for children under 10. Pre-registration required, limited spaces available. $6 per person Brandywine Creek

History and Ruins Hike: The Western Bank of the Brandywine

Saturday, August 10, 2024

9:00 AM

Meet at the Thompson’s Bridge Parking lot for this hike back through time. Explore the history of the river and visit the site of the old Rockland Mills. Learn how the Brandywine was influenced by the people who lived here, and discover how the creek came to be an important part of the Industrial Revolution. Pre-registration required, $6 per person.

Register Online

Add to Calendar 8/10/2024 9:00:00 AM 8/10/2024 11:00:00 AM America/New_York History and Ruins Hike: The Western Bank of the Brandywine Meet at the Thompson’s Bridge Parking lot for this hike back through time. Explore the history of the river and visit the site of the old Rockland Mills. Learn how the Brandywine was influenced by the people who lived here, and discover how the creek came to be an important part of the Industrial Revolution. Pre-registration required, $6 per person. Brandywine Creek

Perseid Viewing Experience

Saturday, August 10, 2024

9:00 PM

View the Perseid meteor shower from the park! Pre-Registration Required, registration closes 24 hours before the event. $10 per car.

Register Online

Add to Calendar 8/10/2024 9:00:00 PM 8/10/2024 11:00:00 PM America/New_York Perseid Viewing Experience View the Perseid meteor shower from the park! Pre-Registration Required, registration closes 24 hours before the event. $10 per car. Brandywine Creek

Park Pals

Wednesday, August 14, 2024

9:30 AM

Calling all park loving 3-6 year olds! Join the naturalists for a fun new weekday morning program series. Each month we'll explore a different topic with a story, craft and (if the weather is good) an outdoor adventure! Register online, spaces limited, $5 per child.

Register Online

Add to Calendar 8/14/2024 9:30:00 AM 8/14/2024 10:15:00 AM America/New_York Park Pals Calling all park loving 3-6 year olds! Join the naturalists for a fun new weekday morning program series. Each month we'll explore a different topic with a story, craft and (if the weather is good) an outdoor adventure! Register online, spaces limited, $5 per child. Brandywine Creek

Park Pals

Wednesday, August 14, 2024

5:30 PM

Calling all park loving 3-6 year olds! Join the naturalists for a fun new weekday morning program series. Each month we'll explore a different topic with a story, craft and (if the weather is good) an outdoor adventure! Register online, spaces limited, $5 per child.

Register Online

Add to Calendar 8/14/2024 5:30:00 PM 8/14/2024 6:15:00 PM America/New_York Park Pals Calling all park loving 3-6 year olds! Join the naturalists for a fun new weekday morning program series. Each month we'll explore a different topic with a story, craft and (if the weather is good) an outdoor adventure! Register online, spaces limited, $5 per child. Brandywine Creek

Naturalist Guided Canoe Trip

Saturday, August 17, 2024

8:30 AM

Join our certified guides as they lead you down the Brandywine on a canoeing adventure. See the Brandywine Valley from a whole new perspective! Adults must accompany those age 15 and younger (same boat). Canoes hold up to 3 people. You and a partner will carry your canoe a short distance to the river. Equipment will be provided. Please bring drinking water, a snack, water shoes or old sneakers, and be prepared to get wet! Some canoeing experience recommended. Trip is typically 4-5 hours. Space is very limited; pre-registration and payment are required. Registration closes 24 hours before the program. Register online. $60 per canoe.

Register Online

Add to Calendar 8/17/2024 8:30:00 AM 8/17/2024 1:30:00 PM America/New_York Naturalist Guided Canoe Trip Join our certified guides as they lead you down the Brandywine on a canoeing adventure. See the Brandywine Valley from a whole new perspective! Adults must accompany those age 15 and younger (same boat). Canoes hold up to 3 people. You and a partner will carry your canoe a short distance to the river. Equipment will be provided. Please bring drinking water, a snack, water shoes or old sneakers, and be prepared to get wet! Some canoeing experience recommended. Trip is typically 4-5 hours. Space is very limited; pre-registration and payment are required. Registration closes 24 hours before the program. Register online. $60 per canoe. Brandywine Creek

Full Moon Hike

Monday, August 19, 2024

8:00 PM

Join the park's naturalists for a hike under the wide open skies and look for the beautiful full moon. Learn a bit about the moon and some of the folklore that it stars in. Discover where the moon's nicknames come from. Online registration closes 24 hours before the program. $6 per person

Register Online

Add to Calendar 8/19/2024 8:00:00 PM 8/19/2024 9:00:00 PM America/New_York Full Moon Hike Join the park's naturalists for a hike under the wide open skies and look for the beautiful full moon. Learn a bit about the moon and some of the folklore that it stars in. Discover where the moon's nicknames come from. Online registration closes 24 hours before the program. $6 per person Brandywine Creek

Back Porch Birding

Saturday, August 24, 2024

12:00 PM

Birding is a rewarding activity, but may seem overwhelming to newcomers. Bring your lunch and join the naturalists on the back porch of the Nature Center to watch for birds and learn some tips about birding! Discover the ins and outs of bird feeders and their upkeep. This program will meet in the Nature Center. Register over the phone at (302)-655-5740 or via email at DNREC_brandywinecreekprograms@delaware.gov. Free, with paid park admission!

Add to Calendar 8/24/2024 12:00:00 PM 8/24/2024 1:00:00 PM America/New_York Back Porch Birding Birding is a rewarding activity, but may seem overwhelming to newcomers. Bring your lunch and join the naturalists on the back porch of the Nature Center to watch for birds and learn some tips about birding! Discover the ins and outs of bird feeders and their upkeep. This program will meet in the Nature Center. Register over the phone at (302)-655-5740 or via email at DNREC_brandywinecreekprograms@delaware.gov. Free, with paid park admission! Brandywine Creek

Monthly Bird Walk

Saturday, August 31, 2024

8:00 AM

The monthly bird walk is back on the last Saturday of every month! Bring your eyes, ears, and a comfortable pair of hiking boots. Our expert volunteer birder from the Delaware Ornithological Society will lead the group, provide tips and advice to all interested bird watchers. Register over the phone at (302)-655-5740 or via email at DNREC_brandywinecreekprograms@delaware.gov. Free, with paid park admission!

Add to Calendar 8/31/2024 8:00:00 AM 8/31/2024 11:00:00 AM America/New_York Monthly Bird Walk The monthly bird walk is back on the last Saturday of every month! Bring your eyes, ears, and a comfortable pair of hiking boots. Our expert volunteer birder from the Delaware Ornithological Society will lead the group, provide tips and advice to all interested bird watchers. Register over the phone at (302)-655-5740 or via email at DNREC_brandywinecreekprograms@delaware.gov. Free, with paid park admission! Brandywine Creek