
Please visit the Auburn Valley Master Plan site for more information on the project displays, exhibits, and comment form.
Visit the Marshall Steam Museum on Steamin’ Days and learn about steam power and the role of water.
Visit this creek in April to catch freshly stocked trout, or take part in a children’s fishing program.
Enjoy a 1.1-mile hike as you explore the architecture of the local farmhouse and barn found here.
Hike or bike through the natural and cultural history of Yorklyn! Stop at historic overlooks to learn about the textile mills that once stood throughout the region.
This Queen Anne-style home, built in 1897, is a stellar example of Victorian style and decor. It includes many of the Marshall family's original furnishings, and remains today much as it did when three generations of the family lived there.
Check out the former Marshall Brothers Paper Mill for a glimpse of Delaware's industrial past. Be sure to bring your camera!
Nestled along the Red Clay Creek and home to the world’s largest operating collection of Stanley Steamer cars, Auburn Valley State Park highlights Yorklyn’s rich industrial history. The historic Marshall Brothers Paper Mill in its undisturbed condition complements the Queen Anne Mansion and surrounding estate, while transitional forest and remediated wetlands outside the former National Vulcanized Fiber site round out the park. Rare 19th century bridges from across the country are restored and brought to Auburn Valley to help tell the story of the industrial revolution. Outcroppings of Baltimore Gneiss dot the Red Clay Valley around the park, while hidden and historic twin ponds await hikers and anglers at the end of the Oversee Farm Trail. Steamin’ Days offer rides on the 1/8-scale Auburn Valley Railroad and in the park’s antique Stanley Steamer cars.
Nestled in the Piedmont’s Red Clay Valley, visitors to Auburn Valley State Park will discover the history of the Marshall Family, Yorklyn’s rich industrial history, and revitalization of this site. Previously known as Auburn Heights Preserve, Auburn Valley State Park features new hiking and paved biking trails, the historic Marshall Mansion completed in 1897, the Marshall Steam Museum, the Auburn Valley 1/8-scale railroad, and much more.
Special thanks go to Tom and Ruth Marshall for their generous donation of this Auburn Valley estate to Delaware State Parks.
Dating back to 1897, the Marshall mansion tells the story of the family that once called Auburn Valley State Park home. The mansion, with its antique furnishings, is open to the public on select dates and for private tours by appointment. Check the Upcoming Events schedule below for a complete listing of public events.
The Marshall Steam Museum houses the largest collection of operating steam cars in the world. The museum contains historic Stanley Steamers, and gives guests the opportunity to experience life at the dawn of the automotive age first-hand. The museum is open to the public on select dates and for private tours by appointment. Check the Upcoming Events schedule below for a complete listing of public events.
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Appreciate the beauty of Auburn Valley State Park by exploring Red Clay Creek. Discover the critical role of water in the industrial development of Yorklyn and the revitalization of the surrounding community.
One of the best ways to experience Auburn Valley State Park is by joining us for Steamin Days. Taking place monthly, park guests have the opportunity to tour the Marshall Mansion and discover what it would have been like to live there. The Marshall Steam Museum opens for tours on these days, and guests may enjoy rides on the miniature trains and steam cars that circle the property.
Tours of Auburn Heights, the Marshall family mansion, and the Marshall Steam Museum are available by appointment for groups of eight or more on non-event days. Tour tickets are $8 per person for either the mansion or museum tour, or $14 for both. Call (302) 239-5687 for information or to schedule a tour. Schedule tours at least one week in advance.
This timeless estate is a unique location for events ranging from weddings and rehearsal dinners to retirement parties and business meetings. Visit our Celebrations and Meetings page for more information.
Sunday, September 24, 2023
12:30 PM
Advance Tickets: $22 age 14 & up; $15 13 & under ($27 at the gate). This annual fundraiser features a selection of exceptional motor cars from the dawn of the automotive age through 1969. In addition to the display and included with admission, guests can tour the Auburn Heights Mansion, explore the Marshall Steam Museum, takes rides on the Auburn Valley Railroad and take their chance at a silent auction. Additionally, enjoy delicious fare from On the Roll food truck and Woodside Farm Creamery, craft beer from Dew Point Brewing and wine from Total Wine.The event benefits the Joseph Boxler Education Fund, which supports educational programming by the Marshall Steam Museum, and is held rain or shine.
Tuesday, September 26, 2023
10:00 AM
Join Auburn Valley's superintendent for this free leisurely hike through the 1.1-mile Oversee Farm Trail. Enjoy one of the park's most scenic trails as you chat and learn about new developments at Auburn Valley State Park. Meet at the Oversee Farm Trail parking lot at 1516 Snuff Mill Road. Free
Thursday, September 28, 2023
1:00 PM
Come explore one of the best examples of a Queen Anne style Victorian mansion that Delaware has to offer with a one-hour tour, at 1 p.m. every Thursday and Friday. The mansion is the former home of the Marshall family whose history and legacy of industry and innovation filled the home with the antiques and furnishings you will see there today. You will get to explore two floors of Auburn Heights with a small group (maximum 10 people). $8 per adult $4 per child. Tours of the Marshall Steam Museum are available as well with Joint Tour Tickets discounted to $14 for adults and $7 for children. Parking is available in the event lot on Creek Road across from the mansion. Walk-up tours accepted. To register in advance, call 302-729-4280.
Thursday, September 28, 2023
1:00 PM
Come explore one of the best examples of a Queen Anne style Victorian mansion that Delaware has to offer with a one-hour tour, at 1 p.m. every Thursday and Friday. The mansion is the former home of the Marshall family whose history and legacy of industry and innovation filled the home with the antiques and furnishings you will see there today. You will get to explore two floors of Auburn Heights with a small group (maximum 10 people). $8 per adult $4 per child. Tours of the Marshall Steam Museum are available as well with Joint Tour Tickets discounted to $14 for adults and $7 for children. Parking is available in the event lot on Creek Road across from the mansion. Walk-up tours accepted. To register in advance, call 302-729-4280.
Friday, September 29, 2023
1:00 PM
Come explore one of the best examples of a Queen Anne style Victorian mansion that Delaware has to offer with a one-hour tour, at 1 p.m. every Thursday and Friday. The mansion is the former home of the Marshall family whose history and legacy of industry and innovation filled the home with the antiques and furnishings you will see there today. You will get to explore two floors of Auburn Heights with a small group (maximum 10 people). $8 per adult $4 per child. Tours of the Marshall Steam Museum are available as well with Joint Tour Tickets discounted to $14 for adults and $7 for children. Parking is available in the event lot on Creek Road across from the mansion. Walk-up tours accepted. To register in advance, call 302-729-4280.
Friday, September 29, 2023
1:00 PM
Come explore one of the best examples of a Queen Anne style Victorian mansion that Delaware has to offer with a one-hour tour, at 1 p.m. every Thursday and Friday. The mansion is the former home of the Marshall family whose history and legacy of industry and innovation filled the home with the antiques and furnishings you will see there today. You will get to explore two floors of Auburn Heights with a small group (maximum 10 people). $8 per adult $4 per child. Tours of the Marshall Steam Museum are available as well with Joint Tour Tickets discounted to $14 for adults and $7 for children. Parking is available in the event lot on Creek Road across from the mansion. Walk-up tours accepted. To register in advance, call 302-729-4280.
Friday, September 29, 2023
5:00 PM
Join the park interpreter for a cool autumn evening at the Oversee Farm Trail. This rural and remote location is perfect for avoiding excess light pollution that hides the glory of the night sky. You'll learn some facts about the moon, listen to and learn about the nocturnal creatures that come out at night. A firepit is lit after the hike to roast some smores and enjoy the sounds of a spring evening.
Sunday, October 1, 2023
12:30 PM
The best way to experience Auburn Heights is to attend a monthly Steamin’ Day! Climb into an antique automobile, board one of our trains, and experience what it was like to travel at the turn of the 20th century. Included with all admission options: rides on the Auburn Valley Railroad (1/8-scale steam and diesel trains) and in our antique autos, steam popped popcorn from our vintage popper, entry into the Marshall Steam Museum with children’s activities and a working vintage Lionel train layout, a firing up demonstration of our steam cars and more! For an additional fee, tour the magnificent 1897 mansion that was home to three generations of the Marshall family.Please visit www.auburnheights.org for more information.
Wednesday, October 4, 2023
10:00 AM
Join Auburn Valley's superintendent for this free leisurely hike through the 1.1-mile Oversee Farm Trail. Enjoy one of the park's most scenic trails as you chat and learn about new developments at Auburn Valley State Park. Meet at the Oversee Farm Trail parking lot at 1516 Snuff Mill Road. Free
Thursday, October 5, 2023
1:00 PM
Come explore one of the best examples of a Queen Anne style Victorian mansion that Delaware has to offer with a one-hour tour, at 1 p.m. every Thursday and Friday. The mansion is the former home of the Marshall family whose history and legacy of industry and innovation filled the home with the antiques and furnishings you will see there today. You will get to explore two floors of Auburn Heights with a small group (maximum 10 people). $8 per adult $4 per child. Tours of the Marshall Steam Museum are available as well with Joint Tour Tickets discounted to $14 for adults and $7 for children. Parking is available in the event lot on Creek Road across from the mansion. Walk-up tours accepted. To register in advance, call 302-729-4280.
Friday, October 6, 2023
1:00 PM
Come explore one of the best examples of a Queen Anne style Victorian mansion that Delaware has to offer with a one-hour tour, at 1 p.m. every Thursday and Friday. The mansion is the former home of the Marshall family whose history and legacy of industry and innovation filled the home with the antiques and furnishings you will see there today. You will get to explore two floors of Auburn Heights with a small group (maximum 10 people). $8 per adult $4 per child. Tours of the Marshall Steam Museum are available as well with Joint Tour Tickets discounted to $14 for adults and $7 for children. Parking is available in the event lot on Creek Road across from the mansion. Walk-up tours accepted. To register in advance, call 302-729-4280.
Thursday, October 12, 2023
1:00 PM
Come explore one of the best examples of a Queen Anne style Victorian mansion that Delaware has to offer with a one-hour tour, at 1 p.m. every Thursday and Friday. The mansion is the former home of the Marshall family whose history and legacy of industry and innovation filled the home with the antiques and furnishings you will see there today. You will get to explore two floors of Auburn Heights with a small group (maximum 10 people). $8 per adult $4 per child. Tours of the Marshall Steam Museum are available as well with Joint Tour Tickets discounted to $14 for adults and $7 for children. Parking is available in the event lot on Creek Road across from the mansion. Walk-up tours accepted. To register in advance, call 302-729-4280.
Friday, October 13, 2023
1:00 PM
Come explore one of the best examples of a Queen Anne style Victorian mansion that Delaware has to offer with a one-hour tour, at 1 p.m. every Thursday and Friday. The mansion is the former home of the Marshall family whose history and legacy of industry and innovation filled the home with the antiques and furnishings you will see there today. You will get to explore two floors of Auburn Heights with a small group (maximum 10 people). $8 per adult $4 per child. Tours of the Marshall Steam Museum are available as well with Joint Tour Tickets discounted to $14 for adults and $7 for children. Parking is available in the event lot on Creek Road across from the mansion. Walk-up tours accepted. To register in advance, call 302-729-4280.
Thursday, October 19, 2023
1:00 PM
Come explore one of the best examples of a Queen Anne style Victorian mansion that Delaware has to offer with a one-hour tour, at 1 p.m. every Thursday and Friday. The mansion is the former home of the Marshall family whose history and legacy of industry and innovation filled the home with the antiques and furnishings you will see there today. You will get to explore two floors of Auburn Heights with a small group (maximum 10 people). $8 per adult $4 per child. Tours of the Marshall Steam Museum are available as well with Joint Tour Tickets discounted to $14 for adults and $7 for children. Parking is available in the event lot on Creek Road across from the mansion. Walk-up tours accepted. To register in advance, call 302-729-4280.
Friday, October 20, 2023
1:00 PM
Come explore one of the best examples of a Queen Anne style Victorian mansion that Delaware has to offer with a one-hour tour, at 1 p.m. every Thursday and Friday. The mansion is the former home of the Marshall family whose history and legacy of industry and innovation filled the home with the antiques and furnishings you will see there today. You will get to explore two floors of Auburn Heights with a small group (maximum 10 people). $8 per adult $4 per child. Tours of the Marshall Steam Museum are available as well with Joint Tour Tickets discounted to $14 for adults and $7 for children. Parking is available in the event lot on Creek Road across from the mansion. Walk-up tours accepted. To register in advance, call 302-729-4280.
Saturday, October 21, 2023
1:00 PM
Join us for an exclusive look inside the historic paper mill located on Benge Road. This industrial site made paper from 1890 to the 2000s and is in a rare undisturbed condition. This is a wonderful opportunity for visitors to photograph a rustic industrial site and see the state of the Marshall Bros. Mill before it's rehabilitated into a museum space! Must be 14 years or older. Call the park office to register at 302-729-4280. $10 per person
Saturday, October 21, 2023
3:00 PM
Join us for an exclusive look inside the historic paper mill located on Benge Road. This industrial site made paper from 1890 to the 2000s and is in a rare undisturbed condition. This is a wonderful opportunity for visitors to photograph a rustic industrial site and see the state of the Marshall Bros. Mill before it's rehabilitated into a museum space! Must be 14 years or older. Call the park office to register at 302-729-4280. $10 per person
Thursday, October 26, 2023
1:00 PM
Come explore one of the best examples of a Queen Anne style Victorian mansion that Delaware has to offer with a one-hour tour, at 1 p.m. every Thursday and Friday. The mansion is the former home of the Marshall family whose history and legacy of industry and innovation filled the home with the antiques and furnishings you will see there today. You will get to explore two floors of Auburn Heights with a small group (maximum 10 people). $8 per adult $4 per child. Tours of the Marshall Steam Museum are available as well with Joint Tour Tickets discounted to $14 for adults and $7 for children. Parking is available in the event lot on Creek Road across from the mansion. Walk-up tours accepted. To register in advance, call 302-729-4280.
Friday, October 27, 2023
1:00 PM
Come explore one of the best examples of a Queen Anne style Victorian mansion that Delaware has to offer with a one-hour tour, at 1 p.m. every Thursday and Friday. The mansion is the former home of the Marshall family whose history and legacy of industry and innovation filled the home with the antiques and furnishings you will see there today. You will get to explore two floors of Auburn Heights with a small group (maximum 10 people). $8 per adult $4 per child. Tours of the Marshall Steam Museum are available as well with Joint Tour Tickets discounted to $14 for adults and $7 for children. Parking is available in the event lot on Creek Road across from the mansion. Walk-up tours accepted. To register in advance, call 302-729-4280.
Thursday, November 2, 2023
1:00 PM
Come explore one of the best examples of a Queen Anne style Victorian mansion that Delaware has to offer with a one-hour tour, at 1 p.m. every Thursday and Friday. The mansion is the former home of the Marshall family whose history and legacy of industry and innovation filled the home with the antiques and furnishings you will see there today. You will get to explore two floors of Auburn Heights with a small group (maximum 10 people). $8 per adult $4 per child. Tours of the Marshall Steam Museum are available as well with Joint Tour Tickets discounted to $14 for adults and $7 for children. Parking is available in the event lot on Creek Road across from the mansion. Walk-up tours accepted. To register in advance, call 302-729-4280.
Friday, November 3, 2023
1:00 PM
Come explore one of the best examples of a Queen Anne style Victorian mansion that Delaware has to offer with a one-hour tour, at 1 p.m. every Thursday and Friday. The mansion is the former home of the Marshall family whose history and legacy of industry and innovation filled the home with the antiques and furnishings you will see there today. You will get to explore two floors of Auburn Heights with a small group (maximum 10 people). $8 per adult $4 per child. Tours of the Marshall Steam Museum are available as well with Joint Tour Tickets discounted to $14 for adults and $7 for children. Parking is available in the event lot on Creek Road across from the mansion. Walk-up tours accepted. To register in advance, call 302-729-4280.
Saturday, November 4, 2023
10:00 AM
Join Auburn Valley's superintendent for this free leisurely hike through the 1.1-mile Oversee Farm Trail. Enjoy one of the park's most scenic trails as you chat and learn about new developments at Auburn Valley State Park. Meet at the Oversee Farm Trail parking lot at 1516 Snuff Mill Road. Free
Sunday, November 5, 2023
12:30 PM
The best way to experience Auburn Heights is to attend a monthly Steamin’ Day! Climb into an antique automobile, board one of our trains, and experience what it was like to travel at the turn of the 20th century. Included with all admission options: rides on the Auburn Valley Railroad (1/8-scale steam and diesel trains) and in our antique autos, steam popped popcorn from our vintage popper, entry into the Marshall Steam Museum with children’s activities and a working vintage Lionel train layout, a firing up demonstration of our steam cars and more! For an additional fee, tour the magnificent 1897 mansion that was home to three generations of the Marshall family.Please visit www.auburnheights.org for more information.
Thursday, November 9, 2023
1:00 PM
Come explore one of the best examples of a Queen Anne style Victorian mansion that Delaware has to offer with a one-hour tour, at 1 p.m. every Thursday and Friday. The mansion is the former home of the Marshall family whose history and legacy of industry and innovation filled the home with the antiques and furnishings you will see there today. You will get to explore two floors of Auburn Heights with a small group (maximum 10 people). $8 per adult $4 per child. Tours of the Marshall Steam Museum are available as well with Joint Tour Tickets discounted to $14 for adults and $7 for children. Parking is available in the event lot on Creek Road across from the mansion. Walk-up tours accepted. To register in advance, call 302-729-4280.
Saturday, November 11, 2023
6:00 PM
You've been invited to a dance with danger at Auburn Heights. It is the 1920s and a night of ragtime music and kicking heels has come to a disastrous end. Ordered to remain on the estate until the police arrive, can you solve the mystery and prevent a killer from escaping into the night? The event includes light refreshments. Costumes welcomed but not required! $30 register online.
Sunday, November 12, 2023
6:00 PM
You've been invited to a dance with danger at Auburn Heights. It is the 1920s and a night of ragtime music and kicking heels has come to a disastrous end. Ordered to remain on the estate until the police arrive, can you solve the mystery and prevent a killer from escaping into the night? The event includes light refreshments. Costumes welcomed but not required! $30 register online.
Wednesday, November 15, 2023
1:00 PM
Come outside and explore Auburn Valley State Park's new geocaches in this free outdoor experience. When most outdoor hobbies come to a screeching halt with winter weather, Geocaching is always on! Park employees will explain the essentials of Geocaching, how it works, and what to bring, then you'll search for your very first cache out on the trails. Auburn Valley's new caches contain ciphers and puzzles to find the next one, so it is a perfect brain teaser for the puzzle lover among you. Caches often contain small trade items or trinkets. The rule of geocaching is that if you take something from the cache, you must replace it with something of equal or greater value. So, pack an assortment of trinkets for trading. Visitors should wear good outdoor shoes and clothes, bring water and a hand held GPS per family. Meet at the event lot across from the mansion. No preregistration necessary but call 302-729-4280 if you would like to register or request more information. Free
Thursday, November 16, 2023
1:00 PM
Come explore one of the best examples of a Queen Anne style Victorian mansion that Delaware has to offer with a one-hour tour, at 1 p.m. every Thursday and Friday. The mansion is the former home of the Marshall family whose history and legacy of industry and innovation filled the home with the antiques and furnishings you will see there today. You will get to explore two floors of Auburn Heights with a small group (maximum 10 people). $8 per adult $4 per child. Tours of the Marshall Steam Museum are available as well with Joint Tour Tickets discounted to $14 for adults and $7 for children. Parking is available in the event lot on Creek Road across from the mansion. Walk-up tours accepted. To register in advance, call 302-729-4280.
Friday, November 17, 2023
1:00 PM
Come explore one of the best examples of a Queen Anne style Victorian mansion that Delaware has to offer with a one-hour tour, at 1 p.m. every Thursday and Friday. The mansion is the former home of the Marshall family whose history and legacy of industry and innovation filled the home with the antiques and furnishings you will see there today. You will get to explore two floors of Auburn Heights with a small group (maximum 10 people). $8 per adult $4 per child. Tours of the Marshall Steam Museum are available as well with Joint Tour Tickets discounted to $14 for adults and $7 for children. Parking is available in the event lot on Creek Road across from the mansion. Walk-up tours accepted. To register in advance, call 302-729-4280.
Monday, November 27, 2023
5:00 PM
Join the park interpreter for a cool autumn evening at the Oversee Farm Trail. This rural and remote location is perfect for avoiding excess light pollution that hides the glory of the night sky. You'll learn some facts about the moon, listen to and learn about the nocturnal creatures that come out at night. A firepit is lit after the hike to roast some smores and enjoy the sounds of a spring evening.
Thursday, November 30, 2023
1:00 PM
Come explore one of the best examples of a Queen Anne style Victorian mansion that Delaware has to offer with a one-hour tour, at 1 p.m. every Thursday and Friday. The mansion is the former home of the Marshall family whose history and legacy of industry and innovation filled the home with the antiques and furnishings you will see there today. You will get to explore two floors of Auburn Heights with a small group (maximum 10 people). $8 per adult $4 per child. Tours of the Marshall Steam Museum are available as well with Joint Tour Tickets discounted to $14 for adults and $7 for children. Parking is available in the event lot on Creek Road across from the mansion. Walk-up tours accepted. To register in advance, call 302-729-4280.
Tuesday, December 19, 2023
12:00 PM
Come help make Victorian decorations for christmas that will festoon Auburn Heights throughout the holiday season. Activity stations throughout the house and estate provide ample opportunity to learn about Victorian decor, and the historical tradition of Christmas decorations in the 1800s. Its like a time capsule back to your great grandmother's house as you weave garland and wreaths, make clove oranges and cranberry trees and more! Make a victorian ornament to take home, to bring the holiday historical spirit into your home as well. Register online.