Picture of Wilmington State Parks

Wilmington State Parks


Rockford Park Vehicle Traffic Closure

The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control and the City of Wilmington announced that Rockford Park will be closed to vehicular traffic, for the installation of a new traffic pattern around the park. The project will improve safe bike and pedestrian access, and parking at the park, which has become an issue due to increased visitation.

The date for the start of the construction is still pending, and will be posted as soon as the work is scheduled to start.

The reroute map is available to download here.

Find Your Adventure at Wilmington State Parks

Rockford Tower at Wilmington State Parks offers great views of the city of Wilmington, DE

Explore Rockford Park

Climb to the top of 100-year-old Rockford Tower for a spectacular view of the city. Pack a picnic and relax on the lawn, or bring your dogs to enjoy the dog park.

The Brandywine River flows beneath a historic Wilmington bridge at Wilmington State Parks

Experience the Brandywine River

Walk the river’s edge in Brandywine Park, stop and smell the roses in the Jasper Crane Rose Garden, and enjoy views of the Wilmington skyline from the swinging bridge. You’ll witness the development of Wilmington State Parks as the recreational hub for the city of Wilmington.

African-American Medal of Honor Memorial at Wilmington State Parks

Witness History

Drive along the streets of Wilmington to appreciate the cultural history preserved in Wilmington State Parks. You can pay your respects at the African-American Medal of Honor Memorial, Vietnam War Memorial, or the Winged Victory Monument.

The Sugar Bowl at Wilmington State Parks

Visit the Sugar Bowl

The Sugar Bowl was constructed in 1902 on the edge of a cliff to offer picturesque views of the Brandywine River. Today, the observatory has been restored and is used for community events and free summer concerts. Stop by to see the view, watch migrating birds, or to enjoy a concert.

About the Park

Right in the heart of the city, Wilmington State Parks offer recreation along the Brandywine River. Brandywine, Rockford and H. Fletcher Brown parks along with Kentmere Parkway and the Hobbs Property lie under this state park umbrella. The centerpiece, Brandywine River runs through the park and serves as a source of drinking water and recreation for the city and spawning grounds for shad, which were once an important food source to the Lenapes and early European settlers. The Jasper Crane Rose Garden and Josephine Fountain offer gorgeous views within an urban setting. History lives on in Rockford Tower and the Sugar Bowl, as well as memorials that honor those who gave their lives in service to their country and monuments that serve as gathering places. Historic bridges connect the parks to the surrounding communities. Tennis courts, ball fields and fitness stations provide exercise opportunities, and the park also serves as the perfect place for festivals, concerts and picnics.

About Wilmington State Parks

Find recreation, history, education, and sports and community events right in the heart of Wilmington. These parks are the perfect place to relax, hike, picnic, or just enjoy the beauty of the Brandywine River.

The Van Buren Street bridge, built in 1906

While certain portions of Wilmington State Parks are owned by the City of Wilmington, Delaware State Park rules and regulations apply to all areas.

Wilmington State Parks Sites

Josephine fountain is located at Brandywine Park.

Brandywine Park

The park is home to the Brandywine Zoo. The iconic Sugar Bowl, constructed in 1902, was recently restored, thanks to efforts by Friends of Wilmington Parks. Brandywine Park was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.

Located on North Park Drive

Rockford Tower

Rockford Park

The 100-year-old Rockford Tower is the centerpiece of this park. The historic stone water tower is located amid rolling hills and vistas offering beautiful views of the city.

Located at 2000 Lookout Drive

race street bridge

H. Fletcher Brown

Meet a friend, eat lunch or stroll through this intimate park adjacent to Brandywine Park. An overlook provides scenic views of the Brandywine River and the historic millrace that provides much of Wilmington's water supply.

Located at the corner of South Park Drive and N. King St.

Upcoming Events

Olmsted Hike

Saturday, March 23, 2024

10:00 AM

This walking tour will celebrate Olmsted’s influence on Brandywine Park. Join our park naturalist as they will lead an invigorating walkthrough Brandywine Park highlighting specific sites that relate to Olmsted’s vision for greening urban areas. Free, pre-registration is required by March 22nd at noon. Call the park office to register at 302.577.1164

Add to Calendar 3/23/2024 10:00:00 AM 3/23/2024 12:00:00 PM America/New_York Olmsted Hike This walking tour will celebrate Olmsted’s influence on Brandywine Park. Join our park naturalist as they will lead an invigorating walkthrough Brandywine Park highlighting specific sites that relate to Olmsted’s vision for greening urban areas. Free, pre-registration is required by March 22nd at noon. Call the park office to register at 302.577.1164 Wilmington

Earth Day

Saturday, April 20, 2024

10:00 AM

In addition to being picturesque features in our parks, streams and ponds play an important part in the local ecosystem. This Earth Day join one of our programs to explore how the health of these waterways are monitored. Join Park naturalists to learn how to measure the health of the river with hands on activities. We will be along the banks of the Brandywine River, park in the Jasper Crane Rose Garden Parking lot. No registration required.

Add to Calendar 4/20/2024 10:00:00 AM 4/20/2024 12:00:00 PM America/New_York Earth Day In addition to being picturesque features in our parks, streams and ponds play an important part in the local ecosystem. This Earth Day join one of our programs to explore how the health of these waterways are monitored. Join Park naturalists to learn how to measure the health of the river with hands on activities. We will be along the banks of the Brandywine River, park in the Jasper Crane Rose Garden Parking lot. No registration required. Wilmington

Flower Market Rockford Tower Open

Thursday, May 9, 2024

10:00 AM

Rockford Tower opens for the season during the annual Flower Market, a spring tradition in Rockford Park. Climb this historic structure and see the Flower Market and the city of Wilmington.

Add to Calendar 5/9/2024 10:00:00 AM 5/9/2024 7:00:00 PM America/New_York Flower Market Rockford Tower Open Rockford Tower opens for the season during the annual Flower Market, a spring tradition in Rockford Park. Climb this historic structure and see the Flower Market and the city of Wilmington. Wilmington

Flower Market Rockford Tower Open

Friday, May 10, 2024

10:00 AM

Rockford Tower opens for the season during the annual Flower Market, a spring tradition in Rockford Park. Climb this historic structure and see the Flower Market and the city of Wilmington.

Add to Calendar 5/10/2024 10:00:00 AM 5/10/2024 7:00:00 PM America/New_York Flower Market Rockford Tower Open Rockford Tower opens for the season during the annual Flower Market, a spring tradition in Rockford Park. Climb this historic structure and see the Flower Market and the city of Wilmington. Wilmington

Flower Market Rockford Tower Open

Saturday, May 11, 2024

10:00 AM

Rockford Tower opens for the season during the annual Flower Market, a spring tradition in Rockford Park. Climb this historic structure and see the Flower Market and the city of Wilmington.

Add to Calendar 5/11/2024 10:00:00 AM 5/11/2024 7:00:00 PM America/New_York Flower Market Rockford Tower Open Rockford Tower opens for the season during the annual Flower Market, a spring tradition in Rockford Park. Climb this historic structure and see the Flower Market and the city of Wilmington. Wilmington

Monument Hike

Saturday, May 25, 2024

10:00 AM

In honor of Memorial Day, join park naturalists as we explore the multitude of monuments found throughout Brandywine Park! Learn more about the ways we show respect to those who have contributed to our community. Pre-registration required by noon, Thursday, May 23th by calling 302.577.1164. FREE

Add to Calendar 5/25/2024 10:00:00 AM 5/25/2024 11:30:00 AM America/New_York Monument Hike In honor of Memorial Day, join park naturalists as we explore the multitude of monuments found throughout Brandywine Park! Learn more about the ways we show respect to those who have contributed to our community. Pre-registration required by noon, Thursday, May 23th by calling 302.577.1164. FREE Wilmington

Photo of "The Apprentice" at H. Fletcher Brown park by Ethelred unraed [CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], from Wikimedia Commons