Introduction
The 2022 Passport Program will challenge you to explore the great opportunities and diverse experiences that Delaware State Parks have to offer! Participants can accomplish any 25 of the 30 total challenges from the two sections below to complete the program and qualify for a free 2023 annual park pass among other prizes. Download the checklist from the top of the blue side bar to help you and your family keep track of the ways you have stamped your passport.
All photos and additional required information must be submitted by November 30, 2022. 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!
Check out the new Total Parks Experience challenges!
These 11 tasks will challenge you and your group to get involved in the diverse opportunities that the parks offer. When submitting make sure to state the park name, date, and if applicable, the program name in the notes section of the passport submission form along with a picture of yourself during the program or visit.
1. Go on a guided hike
Go on a guided hike through any of our parks. Find hikes on our programming webpage by searching "Hikes" in the Choose a Category drop down function.
When submitting make sure to state the park name, program and date in the notes section of the passport submission form along with a picture of yourself during the program.
2. Visit a historical museum
Visit a historical museum, interpretive center or tour a historic site. Some historic tours can be found on our programming webpage by searching "History" in the Choose a Category drop down function.
Required picture of yourself must be taken inside the museum, interpretive center, or during a historic tour.*
3. Volunteer at a park
Check out opportunities on our volunteering webpage where the volunteer calendar can point you to a variety of meaningful and enjoyable projects that you, your family and friends can be a part of. Most projects last as little as an hour or two and Family Volunteer Days are great for families with small children who all want to get involved.
When submitting make sure to state the park name, volunteer program and date along with a picture of yourself during the program.
4. Visit a nature center
Visit one of our many Nature Centers in the parks and enjoy information and exhibits about the rich natural resources of the area.
When submitting make sure to state what nature center you visited along with a picture of yourself inside the center during the visit.
5. Attend a park concert or arts program
Look for concerts at different parks on our concerts webpage or attend an arts program by searching the "Art Programs" or "Crafts + DIY" categories on our programming webpage.
When submitting make sure to state the park name, program and date in the notes section of the passport submission form along with a picture of yourself during the program.
6. Attend a lantern tour or evening program
Find these programs by searching the "Evening Programs" or "Star-Gazing" categories on our programming webpage.
When submitting make sure to state the park name, program and date in the notes section of the passport submission form along with a picture of yourself during the program.
7. Go rock climbing at Alapocas Run State Park
Turn the adventure up a notch and go rock climbing at Alapocas Run State Park. Find available programs listed on our rock climbing page.
When submitting make sure to state the program and date in the notes section of the passport submission form along with a picture of yourself during the program.
8. Attend a program on the water
Attend a program on the water. These programs can be found all across the state and include kayaking, canoeing, or a ferry ride out to Fort Delaware. Find these programs by searching for the "Kayaking + Canoeing" category on our programming webpage or by visiting our canoe, kayak and paddle webpage.
When submitting make sure to state the park name, program and date in the notes section of the passport submission form along with a picture of yourself during the program.
9. Join a fishing program
Go Fish! Join a fishing program at one of our parks. These programs can be found by searching the "Fishing" category on our programming webpage or by checking out our fishing webpage.
When submitting make sure to state the park name, program and date in the notes section of the passport submission form along with a picture of yourself during the program.
10. Participate in a special seasonal activity
Attend a park-run special seasonal event or activity such as hayrides and holiday programs. Some of these programs can be found by searching for the "Special Events + Festivals" category on our programming webpage. Hayride programs can be found on our hayrides webpage.
When submitting make sure to state the park name, program and date in the notes section of the passport submission form along with a picture of yourself during the program.
11. Visit a Delaware state-dedicated Nature Preserve
Check out one of the many important nature preserves found around our state. Some are more easily accessible than others, and they have specific rules to follow when visiting, so take a look at this blog post that will help guide you to one of your region's protected areas: Nature Preserves to Hike in Delaware | destateparks.blog
Discover incredible landscapes and significant sites listed below! These 19 tasks will challenge you to visit specific park locations across the state and take a picture of yourself or your group at the designated landmarks.
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 barn was 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 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: 1516 Snuff Mill Road, Hockessin, DE 19707
Passport photo: Oversee Farm Barn
Trail/directions: Oversee Farm Trail
GPS coordinates: 39.806395, -75.660301
Bellevue State Park
At Bellevue State Park, historical sites seamlessly blend with the natural beauty, like the 1830 Mount Pleasant schoolhouse, one of the first public schools in Delaware. It has survived nearly 200 years and current projects are working to restore and further preserve it for future generations to enjoy.
Park address: 800 Carr Rd., Wilmington, DE 19809
Passport photo: Mount Pleasant Schoolhouse
Trail/directions: From the main parking lot, head towards the Wellspring Farms stables and turn left onto the paved path. Follow the path until you come to the stone 1830 Schoolhouse on your left.
GPS coordinates: 39.775274, -75.496067
Brandywine Creek State Park
The Rocky Run bridge can be reached via the Thompson’s Bridge parking lot. You will enter on the Brandywine Trail and follow it approximately 1/3 of a mile to the bridge. The original Rocky Run bridge was part of the first roadway in this area, that bridge was destroyed by flooding and replaced with the bridge you see today in 2015. Enjoy beautiful views and the tranquil sound of the creek.
Park address: 4001 Thompson Bridge Road, Wilmington, DE 19807
Passport photo: Rocky Run Bridge
Trail/directions: Park at the Thompson Bridge road parking lot and hike approximately 0.3 miles on a flat trail to the bridge.
GPS coordinates: 39.81197216145809, -75.56628896411439
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
Gain a new perspective of the park’s natural and cultural landscapes by visiting overlook at The Point, where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean.
Park address: 15099 Cape Henlopen Dr., Lewes, DE 19958
Passport photo: The Point
Trail/directions: Park at the Point parking lot at the northernt most section of the park.
GPS coordinates: 38.794929020565036, -75.09172516620795
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
The beach is what Fenwick Island State Park is known for! Amidst the surrounding development of resort towns, it is a 3-mile oasis of wild coastline for both residents and visitors to enjoy. The beach in front of the bathhouse is also the original site of the 1891 Fenwick Island Life-Saving Station, which no longer stands today.
Park address: DE-1, Fenwick Island, DE 19944
Passport photo: Fenwick Island Beachfront View
Trail/directions: No Trail
GPS coordinates: 38.4710898772995, -75.0504765886693
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
The best way to experience Fort Delaware is to talk to the people that inhabit it! Make sure you ask each of our costumed interpreters about life on Pea Patch Island and snap a photo with them in the background.
Park address: 45 Clinton St,, Delaware City, DE 19706
Passport photo: Take a photo with one of Fort Delaware's costumed historical interpreters either with you/your group or in the background of your adventure at the Fort.
Trail/directions: No Trail
GPS coordinates: 39.589340223024664, -75.56723996646433
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 Rd, Area 5 parking lot, Bear, DE 19701
Passport photo: Nature Center Mural
Trail/directions: Optional: Whale Wallow Loop
GPS coordinates: 39.563201, -75.729244
Port Penn Interpretive Center
The Waterman is a chainsaw carving commissioned in 2007 by the Port Penn Area Historical Society, and created by Jacquin Smolens. The statue represents several aspects of the seasonal economy that was so important to Port Penners in the late 19th and early 20 centuries. The waterman is clothed in the traditional rubber boots and raincoat, a sturgeon at the base represents the fishing industry, and a turtle next to the waterman, represents the connection to the surrounding wetlands.
Park address: 5 Port Penn Rd, Middletown, DE 19709
Passport photo: Waterman Statue
Trail/directions: No Trail
GPS coordinates: 39.51741740156213, -75.57942979586511
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
This "Nine-Foot Road" was built in 1928—part of a short-lived campaign to build low-cost roads. It is designed to be only half paved. The original concrete lane is nine feet wide while the other lane is intentionally left as dirt. One of only a few in New Castle County, the primary purpose of this road was to give isolated farmers a way to transport their goods to market. This road connects you to our newest trail in the park, the accessible Tri-Valley trail.
Park address: 70 Nine Foot Road Parking Lot, Newark, DE 19711
Passport photo: The hiking trail section of the Nine Foot Road
Trail/directions: This spot is part of the Tri-Valley Trail
GPS coordinates: 39.725142, -75.742994
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
