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.

Virtual Tour

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: Calligraphy - CANCELED

Sunday, March 24, 2024

12:00 PM

This program has been cancelled, please check out some of the other programs we offer.

Register Online

Add to Calendar 3/24/2024 12:00:00 PM 3/24/2024 3:00:00 PM America/New_York Art in Action: Calligraphy - CANCELED This program has been cancelled, please check out some of the other programs we offer. Alapocas Run

The 2024 Young Brandywine Artists Exhibition

Wednesday, March 27, 2024

8:00 AM

The Young Brandywine Artists Exhibition runs from March 3rd to March 27th, and features outstanding artwork created by students in all schools within the Brandywine School District, from elementary through high school. Each year, many wonderful works are displayed, including paintings, drawings, photography, sculpture, and three dimensional pieces. Elementary Opening Night – March 4 & 5, 5:00-7:30 pm. Secondary Opening Night – March 18, 6-8 pm. No registration required.

Add to Calendar 3/27/2024 8:00:00 AM 3/27/2024 4:00:00 PM America/New_York The 2024 Young Brandywine Artists Exhibition The Young Brandywine Artists Exhibition runs from March 3rd to March 27th, and features outstanding artwork created by students in all schools within the Brandywine School District, from elementary through high school. Each year, many wonderful works are displayed, including paintings, drawings, photography, sculpture, and three dimensional pieces. Elementary Opening Night – March 4 & 5, 5:00-7:30 pm. Secondary Opening Night – March 18, 6-8 pm. No registration required. Alapocas Run

Basket Weaving

Saturday, April 6, 2024

9:00 AM

Learn traditional weaving techniques with master basket weaver, Joan Betzold. This backpack was designed for a forager. It has removable and adjustable strapping, handmade oak handle and students will be able to choose their strapping color. Colors are dark green, brown, black and royal blue.

Register Online

Add to Calendar 4/6/2024 9:00:00 AM 4/6/2024 3:00:00 PM America/New_York Basket Weaving Learn traditional weaving techniques with master basket weaver, Joan Betzold. This backpack was designed for a forager. It has removable and adjustable strapping, handmade oak handle and students will be able to choose their strapping color. Colors are dark green, brown, black and royal blue. Alapocas Run

Herpetology Hike

Friday, April 19, 2024

6:00 PM

If you love to look for reptiles and amphibians this is the guided hike for you! Join our park naturalist to search for and identify various types of critters around Alapocas Run. Program is free, pre-registration is required by April 18th at noon. Call the park office to register at 302.577.1164.

Add to Calendar 4/19/2024 6:00:00 PM 4/19/2024 7:00:00 PM America/New_York Herpetology Hike If you love to look for reptiles and amphibians this is the guided hike for you! Join our park naturalist to search for and identify various types of critters around Alapocas Run. Program is free, pre-registration is required by April 18th at noon. Call the park office to register at 302.577.1164. Alapocas Run

Pacem in Terris: Youth Peace Art Exhibition

Wednesday, April 24, 2024

8:00 AM

Pacem in Terris is a grassroots, non-partisan, interfaith, member-supported non-profit organization that brings together people of all ages, ethnic backgrounds and professions for the purpose of positive peaceful change on the local, national and global level. The Youth Peace Art Exhibition is where the art and words of young people can help us all see the world anew. “It is an opportunity for all of us to learn from our younger citizens what the world should be like.” No registration required. Pacem in Terris runs from April 1 to April 25.

Add to Calendar 4/24/2024 8:00:00 AM 4/24/2024 4:00:00 PM America/New_York Pacem in Terris: Youth Peace Art Exhibition Pacem in Terris is a grassroots, non-partisan, interfaith, member-supported non-profit organization that brings together people of all ages, ethnic backgrounds and professions for the purpose of positive peaceful change on the local, national and global level. The Youth Peace Art Exhibition is where the art and words of young people can help us all see the world anew. “It is an opportunity for all of us to learn from our younger citizens what the world should be like.” No registration required. Pacem in Terris runs from April 1 to April 25. Alapocas Run

Greenwillow: Rory Makem

Thursday, April 25, 2024

7:00 PM

A seasoned performer with over 34 years on the road, Rory has toured extensively with The Makem Brothers, and the Makem and Spain Brothers, and for 17 years played guitar with his father, Tommy Makem. At his best on stage, Rory captivates his audiences with charisma, passion for the songs, poetry, history, humor and skilled musicianship. For information on all these shows. visit www.greenwillow.org, email info@greenwillow.org, or call (610) 566-4932.

Add to Calendar 4/25/2024 7:00:00 PM 4/25/2024 10:00:00 PM America/New_York Greenwillow: Rory Makem A seasoned performer with over 34 years on the road, Rory has toured extensively with The Makem Brothers, and the Makem and Spain Brothers, and for 17 years played guitar with his father, Tommy Makem. At his best on stage, Rory captivates his audiences with charisma, passion for the songs, poetry, history, humor and skilled musicianship. For information on all these shows. visit www.greenwillow.org, email info@greenwillow.org, or call (610) 566-4932. Alapocas Run

Spring Hike with Alapocas and Nemours Estate -FULL

Saturday, April 27, 2024

9:30 AM

This program is full, please check out some of the other programs we offer.

Add to Calendar 4/27/2024 9:30:00 AM 4/27/2024 12:00:00 PM America/New_York Spring Hike with Alapocas and Nemours Estate -FULL This program is full, please check out some of the other programs we offer. Alapocas Run

Farm Day

Saturday, April 27, 2024

1:00 PM

Did you know that the Blue Ball Barn was once a dairy farm for the Nemours Estate? Join us for Farm Day as we explore our shared history with demonstrations.

Add to Calendar 4/27/2024 1:00:00 PM 4/27/2024 3:00:00 PM America/New_York Farm Day Did you know that the Blue Ball Barn was once a dairy farm for the Nemours Estate? Join us for Farm Day as we explore our shared history with demonstrations. Alapocas Run

Greenwillow: Máire Ní Chathasaigh & Chris Newman

Tuesday, April 30, 2024

7:00 PM

Máire Ní Chathasaigh has been described as the 'Doyenne of Irish Harpers', an artist of astonishing virtuosity and versatility. Her longtime partner, Chris Newman has been called 'one of the UK's most extraordinary and influential guitarists', a phenomenal instrumentalist. Maire and Chris have toured the world over, and this will mark their 4th appearance on our Green Willow stage since 1995. For information on all these shows. visit www.greenwillow.org, email info@greenwillow.org, or call (610) 566-4932

Add to Calendar 4/30/2024 7:00:00 PM 4/30/2024 10:00:00 PM America/New_York Greenwillow: Máire Ní Chathasaigh & Chris Newman Máire Ní Chathasaigh has been described as the 'Doyenne of Irish Harpers', an artist of astonishing virtuosity and versatility. Her longtime partner, Chris Newman has been called 'one of the UK's most extraordinary and influential guitarists', a phenomenal instrumentalist. Maire and Chris have toured the world over, and this will mark their 4th appearance on our Green Willow stage since 1995. For information on all these shows. visit www.greenwillow.org, email info@greenwillow.org, or call (610) 566-4932 Alapocas Run

Harmony Weaver Guild Exhibition Opening Day

Friday, May 3, 2024

8:00 AM

See the work of the Harmony Weavers Guild, a local collective of creative textile and fiber enthusiasts. Their work includes tapestries, wearables, and felted pieces from a variety of artists as well as fiber materials. Free, no registration required. This exhibition runs from May 4th to May 27th.

Add to Calendar 5/3/2024 8:00:00 AM 5/3/2024 4:00:00 PM America/New_York Harmony Weaver Guild Exhibition Opening Day See the work of the Harmony Weavers Guild, a local collective of creative textile and fiber enthusiasts. Their work includes tapestries, wearables, and felted pieces from a variety of artists as well as fiber materials. Free, no registration required. This exhibition runs from May 4th to May 27th. Alapocas Run

Introduction to Rock Climbing

Saturday, May 4, 2024

9:30 AM

Discover the basics of outdoor top rope climbing. Get harnessed up and climb on our natural rock wall, after a brief introduction of equipment, climbing and safety. Helmets, harness and ropes provided. Park staff will instruct, guide and belay all climbers. Ages 8 and up. Children under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian. Pre-registration with full payment required by noon Friday, the day before the program date. Register online; call 302-577-7020 with any questions. $30 per person

Register Online

Add to Calendar 5/4/2024 9:30:00 AM 5/4/2024 11:30:00 AM America/New_York Introduction to Rock Climbing Discover the basics of outdoor top rope climbing. Get harnessed up and climb on our natural rock wall, after a brief introduction of equipment, climbing and safety. Helmets, harness and ropes provided. Park staff will instruct, guide and belay all climbers. Ages 8 and up. Children under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian. Pre-registration with full payment required by noon Friday, the day before the program date. Register online; call 302-577-7020 with any questions. $30 per person Alapocas Run

Art in Action: Paper Bouquets

Sunday, May 5, 2024

1:00 PM

Join paper artist Linda Majewski to create a beautiful bouquet of paper flowers. In this two-hour workshop, Linda will instruct participants on how to craft an assortment of flowers from paper which can be taken home in a small glass vase. Perfect for decoration or to give as a gift! Ages 16+

Register Online

Add to Calendar 5/5/2024 1:00:00 PM 5/5/2024 3:00:00 PM America/New_York Art in Action: Paper Bouquets Join paper artist Linda Majewski to create a beautiful bouquet of paper flowers. In this two-hour workshop, Linda will instruct participants on how to craft an assortment of flowers from paper which can be taken home in a small glass vase. Perfect for decoration or to give as a gift! Ages 16+ Alapocas Run

Harmony Weaver Guild Exhibition

Friday, May 10, 2024

8:00 AM

See the work of the Harmony Weavers Guild, a local collective of creative textile and fiber enthusiasts. Their work includes tapestries, wearables, and felted pieces from a variety of artists as well as fiber materials. Free, no registration required. This exhibition runs from May 4th to May 27th.

Add to Calendar 5/10/2024 8:00:00 AM 5/10/2024 4:00:00 PM America/New_York Harmony Weaver Guild Exhibition See the work of the Harmony Weavers Guild, a local collective of creative textile and fiber enthusiasts. Their work includes tapestries, wearables, and felted pieces from a variety of artists as well as fiber materials. Free, no registration required. This exhibition runs from May 4th to May 27th. Alapocas Run

Harmony Weaver Guild Exhibition

Friday, May 17, 2024

8:00 AM

See the work of the Harmony Weavers Guild, a local collective of creative textile and fiber enthusiasts. Their work includes tapestries, wearables, and felted pieces from a variety of artists as well as fiber materials. Free, no registration required. This exhibition runs from May 4th to May 27th.

Add to Calendar 5/17/2024 8:00:00 AM 5/17/2024 4:00:00 PM America/New_York Harmony Weaver Guild Exhibition See the work of the Harmony Weavers Guild, a local collective of creative textile and fiber enthusiasts. Their work includes tapestries, wearables, and felted pieces from a variety of artists as well as fiber materials. Free, no registration required. This exhibition runs from May 4th to May 27th. Alapocas Run

Greenwillow: Kalos

Tuesday, May 21, 2024

7:00 PM

Kalos (Scottish fiddle champion Ryan McKasson, guitarist & vocalist Eric McDonald and accordion master Jeremiah McLane) are masters of tradition who purposefully explore the dark corners floating on its edges. The result is an alluring complexity, full of spontaneous musicality. An air of mystery and adventure pervades a sound compelling enough to transcend boundaries and appeal to music lovers of all stripes. For information on all these shows. visit www.greenwillow.org, email info@greenwillow.org, or call (610) 566-4932

Add to Calendar 5/21/2024 7:00:00 PM 5/21/2024 10:00:00 PM America/New_York Greenwillow: Kalos Kalos (Scottish fiddle champion Ryan McKasson, guitarist & vocalist Eric McDonald and accordion master Jeremiah McLane) are masters of tradition who purposefully explore the dark corners floating on its edges. The result is an alluring complexity, full of spontaneous musicality. An air of mystery and adventure pervades a sound compelling enough to transcend boundaries and appeal to music lovers of all stripes. For information on all these shows. visit www.greenwillow.org, email info@greenwillow.org, or call (610) 566-4932 Alapocas Run

Harmony Weaver Guild Exhibition

Friday, May 24, 2024

8:00 AM

See the work of the Harmony Weavers Guild, a local collective of creative textile and fiber enthusiasts. Their work includes tapestries, wearables, and felted pieces from a variety of artists as well as fiber materials. Free, no registration required. This exhibition runs from May 4th to May 27th.

Add to Calendar 5/24/2024 8:00:00 AM 5/24/2024 4:00:00 PM America/New_York Harmony Weaver Guild Exhibition See the work of the Harmony Weavers Guild, a local collective of creative textile and fiber enthusiasts. Their work includes tapestries, wearables, and felted pieces from a variety of artists as well as fiber materials. Free, no registration required. This exhibition runs from May 4th to May 27th. Alapocas Run

Introduction to Rock Climbing

Saturday, May 25, 2024

9:30 AM

Discover the basics of outdoor top rope climbing. Get harnessed up and climb on our natural rock wall, after a brief introduction of equipment, climbing and safety. Helmets, harness and ropes provided. Park staff will instruct, guide and belay all climbers. Ages 8 and up. Children under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian. Pre-registration with full payment required by noon Friday, the day before the program date. Register online; call 302-577-7020 with any questions. $30 per person

Register Online

Add to Calendar 5/25/2024 9:30:00 AM 5/25/2024 11:30:00 AM America/New_York Introduction to Rock Climbing Discover the basics of outdoor top rope climbing. Get harnessed up and climb on our natural rock wall, after a brief introduction of equipment, climbing and safety. Helmets, harness and ropes provided. Park staff will instruct, guide and belay all climbers. Ages 8 and up. Children under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian. Pre-registration with full payment required by noon Friday, the day before the program date. Register online; call 302-577-7020 with any questions. $30 per person Alapocas Run

Art in Action: Sculpture

Sunday, June 9, 2024

1:00 PM

Chanchitos y Gatitos: Join Miranda Blas to create sculptures using the Chilean Folk Art tradition of Chanchitos. Chanchito means little piggy and gatitos 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 6/9/2024 1:00:00 PM 6/9/2024 3:00:00 PM America/New_York Art in Action: Sculpture Chanchitos y Gatitos: Join Miranda Blas to create sculptures using the Chilean Folk Art tradition of Chanchitos. Chanchito means little piggy and gatitos 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