	Half-Hourly Rate	Hourly Rate	Daily Rate
Canoe	N/A	$8	$40
Pedal Boat	$6	$10	$50
Single Kayak	N/A	$9	$45
Tandem Kayak	N/A	$11	$55
Paddle Board*	N/A	$8 Trap Pond/$15 Lums Pond	N/A
Pontoon Boat**, Adults	N/A	$6/person, per ride	N/A
Pontoon Boat**, 12 and under	N/A	$3/person, Per ride	N/A

Attention Visitors

Pea Patch Island is only open to visitors on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through the end of September, 2021.

Find Your Adventure at Fort Delaware

Blacksmith working at Fort Delaware State Park

Experience Life During the Civil War

Travel back in time with a first-person interpreter dressed in period clothing and experience what we think life was like during the Civil War. Meet park staff members dressed as soldiers, commanders, the fort blacksmith, and others who may have lived in the fort during the war.

Interpreters at Fort Delaware waiting to fire the Colombiad cannon

Watch the Columbiad Firing Demonstration

View the island from the ramparts at the top of the Fort and watch the Columbiad cannon fire. Park staff tell the story of the gun and how it was loaded and fired. You'll feel the percussion from the firing and smell the burnt black powder during this engaging program!

A snowy egret cruises the marsh at Fort Delaware State Park

Walk the Prison Camp Trail

The island where Fort Delaware is located is also home to the Pea Patch Island Nature Preserve. This nature preserve contains a heronry where herons, ibises, and egrets nest. Hike the Prison Camp Trail to see the heronry, and climb the Heronry Overlook to see birds in the trees across the marsh.

View the Fort from a Different Angle

Take a walk around the exterior of the fort to see the structure’s unique design and construction from all angles. Every part of Fort Delaware was built for a specific purpose.

About the Park

Situated on Pea Patch Island in the middle of the Delaware River, Fort Delaware was initially constructed in the mid-1800s to protect Wilmington and Philadelphia from enemy attack. Fort Delaware served that role through WWI. The fort was among the most state-of-the-art in the nation when it was completed and housed prisoners of war during the Civil War due to its relative isolation. Within the walls of Fort Delaware, visitors can also see Battery Torbert. Along the Prison Camp Trail lies the entrance to the mine casemate that controlled the mines that were deployed in the river in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The Pea Patch Heronry is one of the largest mixed species nest colony for herons, egrets, and ibis in the eastern United States. Other nesters that can be found on the island include osprey and bald eagles. Paranormal tours are offered in the fall and living history interpretation is offered year-round.

Park History

The State of Delaware deeded Pea Patch Island, located in the Delaware River between Delaware and New Jersey, to the U.S. government in 1813, and construction of Fort Delaware was completed around 1859.

Arriving at Pea Patch Island

Originally built to protect the ports of Wilmington and Philadelphia, Pea Patch Island also became a Union prison camp during the Civil War, housing up to as many as 12,595 Confederate prisoners of war at one time. Manned only briefly during World Wars I and II, the island and fort were finally abandoned and declared surplus property in 1944, when ownership was transferred back to the State of Delaware. Fort Delaware became a state park in 1951.

Fort Delaware Today

Today, costumed interpreters take you back to the summer of 1864 -- tour the parade ground, officers' quarters, barracks, kitchen, blacksmith shop and ordnance room, hear stories of great escapes, and watch as the Fort's Columbiad cannon fires a live gunpowder charge! Engage with fort historians dressed in period clothing, and hear stories of those who lived at the fort in 1864. Fort Delaware is well-known for “ghostly” activity and has been featured on Ghost Hunters and other television shows. Paranormal tours are offered in the fall.

The Heronry

Pea Patch Island is a summer home to nine different species of herons, egrets, and ibis. The remote marshes provide an outstanding habitat for one of the largest wading bird nesting areas on the East Coast. A hiking trail and its observation platform provide opportunities for photography and nature study. The Prison Camp Trail traverses part of this area and features a bird observation tower along the trail.

Planning Your Visit

Access to Pea Patch Island and Fort Delaware is by ferry only. The ticket office and ferry dock are located at 45 Clinton Street in Delaware City.
Advance ferry tickets are available online. Click here to reserve your tickets.
Same day tickets may be purchased on a first-come, first-served basis at our ticket office. Call (302) 834-7941 for availability.
Visitors under the age of 16 must be accompanied by someone 18 or older during their visit to Fort Delaware.
Leave pets and alcoholic beverages at home.
Be sure to wear closed-toe shoes -- the ground on the island is uneven in places, and you will also be asked to step onto wet biomats to prevent spreading of spores. White-Nose Syndrome, a fungal disease that does not affect humans but is deadly to bats. Bats are vitally important to our ecology; they help to control pests and are important pollinators. White-Nose Syndrome has been confirmed at Fort Delaware.
Private boats including kayaks and canoes, are not permitted to dock on Pea Patch Island.

Upcoming Events

Pea Patch Island River Cruise

Thursday, June 24, 2021

5:00 PM

Participants will get the chance to view historic Fort Delaware and Pea Patch Island. Being on the river gives a very enlightening perspective to how Fort Delaware, Fort Mott, and Fort DuPont worked together to protect the river passage to Wilmington and Philadelphia from enemy navies. In addition, Pea Patch Island is home to an impressive heron rookery. Nine different species of herons, egrets, and ibis can be seen in and around the herony so we should see a wide variety of wading birds, as well as the chance at some osprey and bald eagles. Masks are required on the ferry at all times. Food and beverages are permitted on the ferry, but please leave pets and alcoholic beverages at home. For more information, contact the Fort Delaware State Park office at 302-834-7941. $15 per person

Add to Calendar 6/24/2021 5:00:00 PM 6/24/2021 6:00:00 PM America/New_York Pea Patch Island River Cruise Participants will get the chance to view historic Fort Delaware and Pea Patch Island. Being on the river gives a very enlightening perspective to how Fort Delaware, Fort Mott, and Fort DuPont worked together to protect the river passage to Wilmington and Philadelphia from enemy navies. In addition, Pea Patch Island is home to an impressive heron rookery. Nine different species of herons, egrets, and ibis can be seen in and around the herony so we should see a wide variety of wading birds, as well as the chance at some osprey and bald eagles. Masks are required on the ferry at all times. Food and beverages are permitted on the ferry, but please leave pets and alcoholic beverages at home. For more information, contact the Fort Delaware State Park office at 302-834-7941. $15 per person Fort Delaware State Park

Pea Patch Island River Cruise

Thursday, June 24, 2021

6:15 PM

Add to Calendar 6/24/2021 6:15:00 PM 6/24/2021 7:15:00 PM America/New_York Pea Patch Island River Cruise Participants will get the chance to view historic Fort Delaware and Pea Patch Island. Being on the river gives a very enlightening perspective to how Fort Delaware, Fort Mott, and Fort DuPont worked together to protect the river passage to Wilmington and Philadelphia from enemy navies. In addition, Pea Patch Island is home to an impressive heron rookery. Nine different species of herons, egrets, and ibis can be seen in and around the herony so we should see a wide variety of wading birds, as well as the chance at some osprey and bald eagles. Masks are required on the ferry at all times. Food and beverages are permitted on the ferry, but please leave pets and alcoholic beverages at home. For more information, contact the Fort Delaware State Park office at 302-834-7941. $15 per person Fort Delaware State Park

Sunset River Cruise

Thursday, June 24, 2021

7:30 PM

Participants will get the chance to view historic Fort Delaware and Pea Patch Island. Being on the river gives a very enlightening perspective to how Fort Delaware, Fort Mott, and Fort DuPont worked together to protect the river passage to Wilmington and Philadelphia from enemy navies. In addition, Pea Patch Island is home to an impressive heron rookery. Nine different species of herons, egrets, and ibis can be seen in and around the herony so we should see a wide variety of wading birds, as well as the chance at some osprey and bald eagles. The cruise offers a beautiful view of the sunset over the Delaware River. Masks are required on the ferry at all times. Food and beverages are permitted on the ferry, but please leave pets and alcoholic beverages at home. For more information, contact the Fort Delaware State Park office at 302-834-7941. $25 per person

Add to Calendar 6/24/2021 7:30:00 PM 6/24/2021 9:00:00 PM America/New_York Sunset River Cruise Participants will get the chance to view historic Fort Delaware and Pea Patch Island. Being on the river gives a very enlightening perspective to how Fort Delaware, Fort Mott, and Fort DuPont worked together to protect the river passage to Wilmington and Philadelphia from enemy navies. In addition, Pea Patch Island is home to an impressive heron rookery. Nine different species of herons, egrets, and ibis can be seen in and around the herony so we should see a wide variety of wading birds, as well as the chance at some osprey and bald eagles. The cruise offers a beautiful view of the sunset over the Delaware River. Masks are required on the ferry at all times. Food and beverages are permitted on the ferry, but please leave pets and alcoholic beverages at home. For more information, contact the Fort Delaware State Park office at 302-834-7941. $25 per person Fort Delaware State Park

Pea Patch History Tour

Friday, June 25, 2021

11:15 AM

Did you know there were other forts on the same location before Fort Delaware? Come learn about them and how Fort Delaware was developed with our Pea Patch History Tour. This tour is a great starting place for the rest of our programs! This program runs all season: Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. Free

Add to Calendar 6/25/2021 11:15:00 AM 6/25/2021 12:15:00 PM America/New_York Pea Patch History Tour Did you know there were other forts on the same location before Fort Delaware? Come learn about them and how Fort Delaware was developed with our Pea Patch History Tour. This tour is a great starting place for the rest of our programs! This program runs all season: Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. Free Fort Delaware State Park

Musketry Demonstration

Friday, June 25, 2021

2:15 PM

The weapons of the Civil War were much more effective than in America's previous wars. Come to this program if you want to know why (or if you just like the smell of gunpowder)! This program runs all season: Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. Free

Add to Calendar 6/25/2021 2:15:00 PM 6/25/2021 3:15:00 PM America/New_York Musketry Demonstration The weapons of the Civil War were much more effective than in America's previous wars. Come to this program if you want to know why (or if you just like the smell of gunpowder)! This program runs all season: Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. Free Fort Delaware State Park

Pea Patch History Tour

Saturday, June 26, 2021

11:15 AM

Add to Calendar 6/26/2021 11:15:00 AM 6/26/2021 12:15:00 PM America/New_York Pea Patch History Tour Did you know there were other forts on the same location before Fort Delaware? Come learn about them and how Fort Delaware was developed with our Pea Patch History Tour. This tour is a great starting place for the rest of our programs! This program runs all season: Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. Free Fort Delaware State Park

Heavy Artillery Demonstration

Sunset River Cruise

Add to Calendar 7/22/2021 7:30:00 PM 7/22/2021 9:00:00 PM America/New_York Sunset River Cruise Participants will get the chance to view historic Fort Delaware and Pea Patch Island. Being on the river gives a very enlightening perspective to how Fort Delaware, Fort Mott, and Fort DuPont worked together to protect the river passage to Wilmington and Philadelphia from enemy navies. In addition, Pea Patch Island is home to an impressive heron rookery. Nine different species of herons, egrets, and ibis can be seen in and around the herony so we should see a wide variety of wading birds, as well as the chance at some osprey and bald eagles. The cruise offers a beautiful view of the sunset over the Delaware River. Masks are required on the ferry at all times. Food and beverages are permitted on the ferry, but please leave pets and alcoholic beverages at home. For more information, contact the Fort Delaware State Park office at 302-834-7941. $25 per person Fort Delaware State Park

Pea Patch History Tour

Friday, July 23, 2021

11:15 AM

Add to Calendar 7/23/2021 11:15:00 AM 7/23/2021 12:15:00 PM America/New_York Pea Patch History Tour Did you know there were other forts on the same location before Fort Delaware? Come learn about them and how Fort Delaware was developed with our Pea Patch History Tour. This tour is a great starting place for the rest of our programs! This program runs all season: Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. Free Fort Delaware State Park

Musketry Demonstration

Friday, July 23, 2021

2:15 PM

Add to Calendar 7/23/2021 2:15:00 PM 7/23/2021 3:15:00 PM America/New_York Musketry Demonstration The weapons of the Civil War were much more effective than in America's previous wars. Come to this program if you want to know why (or if you just like the smell of gunpowder)! This program runs all season: Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. Free Fort Delaware State Park

3rd Regiment USCT Reenactors at Fort Delaware

Saturday, July 24, 2021

Musketry Demonstration

Friday, August 13, 2021

2:15 PM

Add to Calendar 8/13/2021 2:15:00 PM 8/13/2021 3:15:00 PM America/New_York Musketry Demonstration The weapons of the Civil War were much more effective than in America's previous wars. Come to this program if you want to know why (or if you just like the smell of gunpowder)! This program runs all season: Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. Free Fort Delaware State Park

Carson Hudson Concert at Fort Delaware

Thursday, August 26, 2021

5:30 PM

Add to Calendar 8/26/2021 5:30:00 PM 8/26/2021 6:30:00 PM America/New_York Pea Patch Island River Cruise Participants will get the chance to view historic Fort Delaware and Pea Patch Island. Being on the river gives a very enlightening perspective to how Fort Delaware, Fort Mott, and Fort DuPont worked together to protect the river passage to Wilmington and Philadelphia from enemy navies. In addition, Pea Patch Island is home to an impressive heron rookery. Nine different species of herons, egrets, and ibis can be seen in and around the herony so we should see a wide variety of wading birds, as well as the chance at some osprey and bald eagles. Masks are required on the ferry at all times. Food and beverages are permitted on the ferry, but please leave pets and alcoholic beverages at home. For more information, contact the Fort Delaware State Park office at 302-834-7941. $15 per person Fort Delaware State Park

Sunset River Cruise

Musketry Demonstration

Monday, September 6, 2021

2:15 PM

Add to Calendar 9/6/2021 2:15:00 PM 9/6/2021 3:15:00 PM America/New_York Musketry Demonstration The weapons of the Civil War were much more effective than in America's previous wars. Come to this program if you want to know why (or if you just like the smell of gunpowder)! This program runs all season: Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. Free Fort Delaware State Park

Fort Delaware State Park

Adults (13 and over)	$12
Children Ages 2 - 12	$7
Children under 2	Free
Seniors (62 +) and Military	$11
Adult groups (most age 13+)	$11
Youth groups (most under age 13)	$7