Welcome to the 2021 Passport Program!
Join us in our mission to connect families and friends to the resources of Delaware State Parks has to offer. From natural rock walls at Alapocas State Park to the sandy beaches of Cape Henlopen, Delaware has something for everyone. The discoveries are endless when taking part in our Passport Program. Win prizes and make memories to last a lifetime.
Plan your hike, beach day, or historical tour, and while you're at the park take a photo of yourself at the passport photo location. Track the places you have visited. Upload your pictures and cool stories using the form on this page to share your adventures. Complete all 20 photo locations to win awesome Delaware State Parks gear and an annual pass for the next calendar year, while supplies last!
All photos must be taken this calendar year at the passport location and be submitted by November 30, 2021. Limited to one annual pass per household. Participant must be in every submitted photo, but family, friends, and pets are encouraged to join in on the fun!
Passport photo locations are listed below, and shown on the following interactive map.
Alapocas Run State Park
Nestled in a garden of native plants, the Storybook Trail combines books with the outdoors. Read a story as you stroll along the path. Ana Wik, Assistant Professor of Landscape Architecture at University of Delaware, and Olivia Kirkpatrick, UD Class of 2018, created a whimsical landscape plan that incorporated native plants with elements appealing to children. With the Wilmington Area Rotary Club securing financial support through Discover Card, volunteers and park staff were able to transform the once underutilized piece of land into a literary adventure. The stories on the trail change to coincide with a park program called Story on the Go, which is a combination of short online videos, the story pages of the trail, and park explorer kits.
Park address: 4351 Weldin Rd, Wilmington, DE 19803
Passport photo: Storybook Trail
Trail/directions: Shared-Use Pathway
GPS coordinates: 39.778669, -75.540227
Auburn Valley State Park
The Oversee farm's S.M Green farmhouse was commissioned for construction by Thomas Kitchen in 1800, and the stone bank barn in sometime in the next 17 years. Unlike the farmhouse and spring house, which are built of local fieldstone, the stone barnwas made using stone quarried elsewhere and brought to the farm for its construction. The stone barn is an outstanding Delaware example of a Bank Barn, a form usually seen in Pennsylvania. It has three floors, a first floor stable, second floor granary, and a third floor for threshing. The exterior of the barn remains largely unchanged since 1800, but the interior was adapted for dairy cows in the mid nineteenth century. The stone barn is a rare Delaware example of a Bank Barn, which are more commonly seen in Pennsylvnia. The farm is also significant because it was a part of the the American Country House movement and Agricultural Tenancy period of Delaware history (1770-1900).
Park address: 1499 Snuff Mill Rd,, Wilmington, DE 19807
Passport photo: Oversee Farm Barn
Trail/directions: Oversee Farm Trail
GPS coordinates: 39.806395, -75.660301
Bellevue State Park
Bellevue State Park offers many opportunities for recreation including hiking trails, tennis courts, and cycling paths. This bridge crosses over a catch-and-release fishing pond. The pond is stocked with bass, catfish, and sunfish.
Park address: 800 Carr Rd., Wilmington, DE 19809
Passport photo: Bridge over Pond
Trail/directions: Unpaved trail around pond (off of Fitness Track)
GPS coordinates: 39.776750, -75.499587
Brandywine Creek State Park
When you visit Brandywine Creek State Park you don’t want to miss the Hawk Watch Overlook! With it’s sweeping vistas, this is a great place to experience the rolling meadows, rock walls, and to watch for hawks and other raptors during their spring and fall migrations. From March through early May, look for northbound migrants. From September through November, you can see them flying south. Although mid-morning and late afternoon offer good chances to see hawks, migration patterns depend on the species and weather conditions.
Park address: 41 Adams Dam Rd, Wilmington, DE 19807
Passport photo: Hawk Watch
Trail/directions: No Trail
GPS coordinates: 39.804724, -75.577425
Brandywine Zoo
Check out the Zoo’s newest Madagascar-themed habitat featuring species from the Great Red Island! View three species of lemurs, radiated tortoises, and guinea fowl and learn more about the conservation efforts working to save some of the Earth’s most unique species.
Park address: 1001 N Park Dr, Wilmington, DE 19802
Passport photo: Madagascar Exhibit
Trail/directions: No Trail
GPS coordinates: 39.754697, -75.548360
Cape Henlopen State Park
The lookout at Herring Point offers a picturesque view of the Atlantic Ocean coastline. You can take a path down to the beach or sit on the benches at Herring Point and look out over the water. This is a great place to watch the sunrise or look for dolphinsduring the summer. Bring your smart phone and take a picture to track the changes to our coastline as part of CoastSnap.
Park address: 15099 Cape Henlopen Dr., Lewes, DE 19958
Passport photo: Herring Point Overlook
Trail/directions: No Trail
GPS coordinates: 38.765937, -75.082579
Delaware Seashore State Park
Take the short trail down to the bay at Savages Ditch. This area overlooks some of the best marsh habitat around. Off to the northwest is the only colony of nesting Laughing gulls in the whole state (nesting season in late spring, early summer)! The marsh creeks are packed with marine life such as diamondback terrapins, Atlantic blue crabs, and horseshoe crabs. The hunting shack on the privately-owned island also gives a glimpse into the rich waterfowl heritage of Sussex county.
Park address: 39415 Inlet Road, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
Passport photo: Savages Ditch Waterfront
Trail/directions: No Trail
GPS coordinates: 38.629158, -75.071789
Fenwick Island State Park
Before this area became a park, the forces of nature constantly changed the narrow strip of barrier dunes between the Atlantic Ocean and Little Assawoman Bay. This area remained largely undisturbed as the towns of Bethany Beach and Fenwick Island grew around it. With an unobstructed view, this is one of the best places in Delaware to watch sunsets and sea birds dipping and diving into the Bay.
Park address: 36859 Coastal Highway, Fenwick Island, DE 19944
Passport photo: Assawoman Recreation Area
Trail/directions: No Trail
GPS coordinates: 38.497572, -75.056080
First State Heritage Park
Built in the 1760s, the John Bell House is the oldest documented timber-frame structure on The Green and is considered today to be an exceptionally rare example of an 18th-century workshop. Since the heady days of the American Revolution, the John Bell House has stood witness to a number of important moments in Delaware and national history, including the movement of the state capital to Dover under threat of British invasion, Delaware becoming the “First State” as its delegates ratified the U.S. Constitution in the nearby Golden Fleece Tavern, the upheaval of the Civil War, the push for Women’s Suffrage, and the march towards Civil Rights. Today, it still sits near the heart of governance in the Delaware State. The uses of the John Bell House have varied over the years and are still under archaeological study. Today the structure proudly serves as the interpretive center for First State Heritage Park: the focal point for three centuries of storytelling and the exploration of Delaware’s capital city. Check online for updates about open hours.
Park address: 43 The Green, Dover, DE 19901
Passport photo: John Bell House
Trail/directions: The Green
GPS coordinates: 39.156032, -75.523076
Fort Delaware State Park
Fort Delaware was full of cannons like this one, which were important for national defense. This gun could fire a 65-pound ball up to 2.25 miles! From up here you can also see all of Pea Patch Island, the Delaware River, and the shores of Delaware and New Jersey. During the Civil War, the island would not have looked as bare as it does today, it would have been packed with buildings and people. Fort Delaware is open seasonally and only accessible by boat. *If you are unable to take the ferry to Fort Delaware, you may submit your photo from Delaware City, either in front of the ticket office or along the riverfront with Pea Patch Island in the background.
Park address: 45 Clinton St,, Delaware City, DE 19706
Passport photo: Columbiad cannon
Trail/directions: No Trail
GPS coordinates: 39.589919, -75.568109
Fort Dupont State Park
This incinerator was built prior to 1941 as a support building for the Army. This is where they disposed of anything that could be burned. The observation platform on top of the incinerator offers a great platform to check out the many species of migratory birds in this area, such as Great Blue Herons, Great Egrets, Glossy Ibis, Cattle Egrets, and Night Herons. You can also see Fort Delaware, and consider how these two forts worked together to protect the river in the early 1900s.
Park address: Sussex Ave (between New Castle Ave and Exchange Rd), Middletown, DE 19709
Passport photo: Incinerator
Trail/directions: Riverview Trail
GPS coordinates: 39.570748, -75.578330
Fort Miles Historical Area and Museum at Cape Henlopen State Park
Fort Miles was built during World War II to defend the Delaware Bay and River. Make your way to the new Great Dune Overlook to experience Battery 519, Cape May, the Atlantic Ocean, and the mouth of the bay all from one spot.
Park address: 15099 Cape Henlopen Dr., Lewes, DE 19958
Passport photo: Great Dune Overlook
Trail/directions: Bike Loop
GPS coordinates: 38.777735, -75.087160
Fox Point State Park
Fox Point was not actually named after the animal—if was named after S. Marston Fox, who spent the last 25 years of his life working to protect the land that the park sits on today. Featuring a playground, picnic pavilions, and a trail along the river, it is a great gathering space for families and groups. Fox Point State Park offers excellent views of the Philadelphia skyline, the Delaware River, and local water traffic.
Park address: Lighthouse Rd, Wilmington, DE 19809
Passport photo: Flag Pole
Trail/directions: Riverview Trail
GPS coordinates: 39.758701, -75.487717
Holts Landing State Park
The new marsh boardwalk on the Sea Hawk Trail was completed in early 2020. The previous trail followed the shoreline of Indian River Bay, but due to erosion, the trail needed to be re-routed across the marsh. This marsh creek is tidal and the water level will rise and fall throughout the day. It is great habitat for small fish such as mummichogs, as well as Eastern mud snails, small diamondback terrapins, and Atlantic blue crabs. The surrounding marsh and mud flats are great habitat for fiddler crabs. Keep your eyes out for these small crabs scurrying around the marsh as you cross the boardwalk.
Park address: 27046 Holts Landing Rd,, Dagsboro DE 19939
Passport photo: Marsh Boardwalk
Trail/directions: Sea Hawk Trail
GPS coordinates: 38.590694, -75.130028
Killens Pond State Park
The Killens Pond State Park Nature Center, built in 2008, is a LEED Silver certified building. Some of the green features of the nature center include a geothermal heating and cooling system, a composting toilet system, and a rainwater retention system. The building has two large, covered decks that overlook the 66-acre mill pond. The pond is human-made and once was only another section of the Murderkill River. Can you imagine how the land has changed over time and the many ways people have used it?
Park address: 5025 Killens Pond Rd, Felton, DE 19943
Passport photo: Nature Center Deck
Trail/directions: Optional: Pondside Nature Trail
GPS coordinates: 38.983660, -75.532573
Lums Pond State Park
Artist Dan Gotel created these two murals for the nature center in 2015. Capturing a day on the pond, these murals allow you to get up close to wildlife found around the park. If you want to learn more about the wildlife found in the mural, head into the nature center. Check online for updates to open hours.
Park address: 1068 Howell School Road, Bear, DE 19701
Passport photo: Nature Center Mural
Trail/directions: Optional: Whale Wallow Loop
GPS coordinates: 39.563201, -75.729244
Port Penn Interpretive Center
During the spring, when the shad run was on, fishermen from Port Penn would want to spend as much time on the river as possible. Floating cabins like these could be towed out with a boat and anchored at a specific spot, so that fishermen would not miss a moment of the action. These cabins usually had a kind of tank or outlet to keep caught fish alive until the cabin was hauled back into shore. This cabin contains a bed, a small cupboard, a stove for warmth, and a small table.
Park address: 5 Port Penn Rd, Middletown, DE 19709
Passport photo: Floating Cabin
Trail/directions: Wetlands Trail
GPS coordinates: 39.518840, -75.578249
Trap Pond State Park
Get ideas for your own backyard pollinator garden at the Trap Pond’s Birds, Bees, and Butterflies demonstration garden. Located next to the Baldcypress Nature Center at Trap Pond State Park, the garden highlights native plants and the insects and birds that depend on them.
Park address: 33587 Baldcypress Lane, Laurel, DE 19956
Passport photo: Birds, Bees, and Butterflies Garden
Trail/directions: American Holly Trail
GPS coordinates: 38.524905, -75.480145
White Clay Creek State Park
Built around 1820 by Joseph Chambers, this house is built from locally quarried rock, just like the ones seen near the creek. After 1841, the house changed hands many times until distant relatives of the original owners bought it. In 1959, the house and land were sold to E.I. DuPont de Nemours & Company which planned to build a dam on White Clay Creek. When public protests stopped construction of the dam, the property was donated to the State of Delaware. Today the Chambers House is the nature center for White Clay Creek State Park.
Park address: 1475 Creek Road, Newark, DE 19711
Passport photo: Chambers House Nature Center
Trail/directions: Optional: Mason Dixon or Nature Preserve Trails
GPS coordinates: 39.727193, -75.768134
Wilmington State Parks
The Josephine Fountain is a memorial of J. Ernest Smith's love for his wife Josephine Tatnall Smith. During their 54 years of marriage, they would often stroll along the banks of the Brandywine. When Josephine passed, Smith donated the marble fountain to be placed in the grove of flowering cherry trees. The Fountain was modeled after a 16th-century fountain created for the Medici family and has a figure of a woman holding a cornucopia at the top.
Park address: Lookout Dr, Wilmington DE 19806
Passport photo: Josephine Fountain
Trail/directions: Shared-Use Pathway
GPS coordinates: 39.755596, -75.550356
Some trails may be challenging for those with limited mobility. If you cannot reach the photo location, please take your selfie from as close as you safely can.
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Brandywine Zoo and Wilmington State Parks
