View of Auburn Heights Mansion at Auburn Valley State Park

Auburn Valley State Park


Auburn Valley Master Plan Updates

Please visit the Auburn Valley Master Plan site for more information on the project displays, exhibits, and comment form.

Find Your Adventure at Auburn Valley

Steam car tour at Auburn Valley State Park

Ride a Vintage Steam Car

Visit the Marshall Steam Museum on Steamin’ Days and learn about steam power and the role of water.

The Red Clay Creek at Auburn Valley is socked with trout each spring

Fish the Red Clay Creek

Visit this creek in April to catch freshly stocked trout, or take part in a children’s fishing program.

The Oversee Farm Trail leads to a local farmhouse and barn

Hike the Oversee Farm Trail

Enjoy a 1.1-mile hike as you explore the architecture of the local farmhouse and barn found here.

The Marshall Family bridge is an 1883 bowstring truss bridge from Iowa. It was salvaged and brought to Auburn Valley State Park in 2018.

Watch a Sunset from the Marshall Family Bridge

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.

Auburn Heights mansion retains many original Victorian furnishings

Tour Auburn Heights Mansion

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.

The former Marshall Brothers Paper Mill is a glimpse into Delaware's industrial past

Superintendent’s Pick: Tour the Paper Mill

Check out the former Marshall Brothers Paper Mill for a glimpse of Delaware's industrial past. Be sure to bring your camera!

About the Park

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.

Delaware’s Newest State Park

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.

Tour the Historic Marshall Mansion

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.

Discover the Power of Steam at The Marshall Steam Museum

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.

Explore the Park’s Rich Natural Resources

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.

Join us for Steamin’ Days

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.

Schedule Private Tours and Events

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) 729-4280 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.


Upcoming Events

Auburn Heights Mansion Tour

Thursday, November 7, 2024

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. and 3p.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). A discounted joint tour to the Marshall Steam Museum and Mansion is only available by paying day of for your tour. If you pre-book you will not get the dollar off each tour discount.

Register Online

Add to Calendar 11/7/2024 1:00:00 PM 11/7/2024 4:00:00 PM America/New_York Auburn Heights Mansion Tour 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. and 3p.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). A discounted joint tour to the Marshall Steam Museum and Mansion is only available by paying day of for your tour. If you pre-book you will not get the dollar off each tour discount. Auburn Valley

Auburn Heights Mansion Tour

Friday, November 8, 2024

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. and 3p.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). A discounted joint tour to the Marshall Steam Museum and Mansion is only available by paying day of for your tour. If you pre-book you will not get the dollar off each tour discount.

Register Online

Add to Calendar 11/8/2024 1:00:00 PM 11/8/2024 2:00:00 PM America/New_York Auburn Heights Mansion Tour 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. and 3p.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). A discounted joint tour to the Marshall Steam Museum and Mansion is only available by paying day of for your tour. If you pre-book you will not get the dollar off each tour discount. Auburn Valley

Auburn Heights Mansion Tour

Friday, November 8, 2024

3:00 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. and 3p.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). A discounted joint tour to the Marshall Steam Museum and Mansion is only available by paying day of for your tour. If you pre-book you will not get the dollar off each tour discount.

Register Online

Add to Calendar 11/8/2024 3:00:00 PM 11/8/2024 4:00:00 PM America/New_York Auburn Heights Mansion Tour 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. and 3p.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). A discounted joint tour to the Marshall Steam Museum and Mansion is only available by paying day of for your tour. If you pre-book you will not get the dollar off each tour discount. Auburn Valley

Private Hayrides at Oversee Farm

Sunday, November 10, 2024

1:00 PM

Come enjoy the first private hayrides ever at the Oversee farm trail enjoying the stunning fall foliage as you travel through the meadows on a wagon! Reserve a wagon for your family, school, work, church group or birthday party! You'll enjoy a fun-filled hayride around the park followed by a cozy one hour campfire. Bring a blanket, food and beverages (non-alcoholic) and settle in for a relaxing 30-minute trip; rides leave on time. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required by noon on the day before the hayride. Ticket cost is $150 for the whole wagon (up to 20 adults/children).

Register Online

Add to Calendar 11/10/2024 1:00:00 PM 11/10/2024 3:00:00 PM America/New_York Private Hayrides at Oversee Farm Come enjoy the first private hayrides ever at the Oversee farm trail enjoying the stunning fall foliage as you travel through the meadows on a wagon! Reserve a wagon for your family, school, work, church group or birthday party! You'll enjoy a fun-filled hayride around the park followed by a cozy one hour campfire. Bring a blanket, food and beverages (non-alcoholic) and settle in for a relaxing 30-minute trip; rides leave on time. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required by noon on the day before the hayride. Ticket cost is $150 for the whole wagon (up to 20 adults/children). Auburn Valley

Spill the Tea: Victorian Book Club

Tuesday, November 12, 2024

7:00 PM

Discuss Victorian and Edwardian literature, life, culture and conflict while sipping on tea in the gorgeous Marshall Mansion, built in 1897. In addition to classic works by the Bronte's, Stevenson, Dickens, Poe and others we will read selections and poetry from rare and out of print books of local or specific interest including books by Delaware and Pennsylvania natives. This is the perfect opportunity to meet new people and get involved in your local history lovers community! The book club meets on a Tuesday evening bi-monthly. (Sometimes a 2nd meeting for a book will be scheduled for the registered list of book club members on alternating months) For more information and to register to be on the email list, call 302-729-4280. Free!

Add to Calendar 11/12/2024 7:00:00 PM 11/12/2024 9:00:00 PM America/New_York Spill the Tea: Victorian Book Club Discuss Victorian and Edwardian literature, life, culture and conflict while sipping on tea in the gorgeous Marshall Mansion, built in 1897. In addition to classic works by the Bronte's, Stevenson, Dickens, Poe and others we will read selections and poetry from rare and out of print books of local or specific interest including books by Delaware and Pennsylvania natives. This is the perfect opportunity to meet new people and get involved in your local history lovers community! The book club meets on a Tuesday evening bi-monthly. (Sometimes a 2nd meeting for a book will be scheduled for the registered list of book club members on alternating months) For more information and to register to be on the email list, call 302-729-4280. Free! Auburn Valley

Auburn Heights Mansion Tour

Thursday, November 14, 2024

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. and 3p.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). A discounted joint tour to the Marshall Steam Museum and Mansion is only available by paying day of for your tour. If you pre-book you will not get the dollar off each tour discount.

Register Online

Add to Calendar 11/14/2024 1:00:00 PM 11/14/2024 2:00:00 PM America/New_York Auburn Heights Mansion Tour 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. and 3p.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). A discounted joint tour to the Marshall Steam Museum and Mansion is only available by paying day of for your tour. If you pre-book you will not get the dollar off each tour discount. Auburn Valley

Auburn Heights Mansion Tour

Thursday, November 14, 2024

3:00 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. and 3p.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). A discounted joint tour to the Marshall Steam Museum and Mansion is only available by paying day of for your tour. If you pre-book you will not get the dollar off each tour discount.

Register Online

Add to Calendar 11/14/2024 3:00:00 PM 11/14/2024 4:00:00 PM America/New_York Auburn Heights Mansion Tour 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. and 3p.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). A discounted joint tour to the Marshall Steam Museum and Mansion is only available by paying day of for your tour. If you pre-book you will not get the dollar off each tour discount. Auburn Valley

Auburn Heights Mansion Tour

Friday, November 15, 2024

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. and 3p.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). A discounted joint tour to the Marshall Steam Museum and Mansion is only available by paying day of for your tour. If you pre-book you will not get the dollar off each tour discount.

Register Online

Add to Calendar 11/15/2024 1:00:00 PM 11/15/2024 4:00:00 PM America/New_York Auburn Heights Mansion Tour 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. and 3p.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). A discounted joint tour to the Marshall Steam Museum and Mansion is only available by paying day of for your tour. If you pre-book you will not get the dollar off each tour discount. Auburn Valley

Murder at Auburn Heights

Friday, November 15, 2024

6:30 PM

It could be anyone but the butler, in this strange course of events where the only suspects of a tragic death are the the estate groundskeepers, servants, maids and chauffeurs. Butler Simon Sylver was found dead in the garage. An accident with a car left running? Or something more malicious? It is up to you to figure it out and catch the killer before the evening is up. Light refreshments, coffee and dessert will be served as part of the evening. Space is limited so preregister early. Call 302-729-4280 for more information. The event will be held at the Auburn Heights estate at 3000 creek road, Yorklyn de 19736.

Register Online

Add to Calendar 11/15/2024 6:30:00 PM 11/15/2024 8:30:00 PM America/New_York Murder at Auburn Heights It could be anyone but the butler, in this strange course of events where the only suspects of a tragic death are the the estate groundskeepers, servants, maids and chauffeurs. Butler Simon Sylver was found dead in the garage. An accident with a car left running? Or something more malicious? It is up to you to figure it out and catch the killer before the evening is up. Light refreshments, coffee and dessert will be served as part of the evening. Space is limited so preregister early. Call 302-729-4280 for more information. The event will be held at the Auburn Heights estate at 3000 creek road, Yorklyn de 19736. Auburn Valley

Behind the Scenes Mill Tours

Saturday, November 16, 2024

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

Register Online

Add to Calendar 11/16/2024 1:00:00 PM 11/16/2024 4:00:00 PM America/New_York Behind the Scenes Mill Tours 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 Auburn Valley

Murder at Auburn Heights

Saturday, November 16, 2024

6:30 PM

It could be anyone but the butler, in this strange course of events where the only suspects of a tragic death are the the estate groundskeepers, servants, maids and chauffeurs. Butler Simon Sylver was found dead in the garage. An accident with a car left running? Or something more malicious? It is up to you to figure it out and catch the killer before the evening is up. Light refreshments, coffee and dessert will be served as part of the evening. Space is limited so preregister early. Call 302-729-4280 for more information. The event will be held at the Auburn Heights estate at 3000 creek road, Yorklyn de 19736.

Register Online

Add to Calendar 11/16/2024 6:30:00 PM 11/16/2024 8:30:00 PM America/New_York Murder at Auburn Heights It could be anyone but the butler, in this strange course of events where the only suspects of a tragic death are the the estate groundskeepers, servants, maids and chauffeurs. Butler Simon Sylver was found dead in the garage. An accident with a car left running? Or something more malicious? It is up to you to figure it out and catch the killer before the evening is up. Light refreshments, coffee and dessert will be served as part of the evening. Space is limited so preregister early. Call 302-729-4280 for more information. The event will be held at the Auburn Heights estate at 3000 creek road, Yorklyn de 19736. Auburn Valley

Private Hayrides at Oversee Farm

Sunday, November 17, 2024

1:00 PM

Come enjoy the first private hayrides ever at the Oversee farm trail enjoying the stunning fall foliage as you travel through the meadows on a wagon! Reserve a wagon for your family, school, work, church group or birthday party! You'll enjoy a fun-filled hayride around the park followed by a cozy one hour campfire. Bring a blanket, food and beverages (non-alcoholic) and settle in for a relaxing 30-minute trip; rides leave on time. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required by noon on the day before the hayride. Ticket cost is $150 for the whole wagon (up to 20 adults/children).

Register Online

Add to Calendar 11/17/2024 1:00:00 PM 11/17/2024 3:00:00 PM America/New_York Private Hayrides at Oversee Farm Come enjoy the first private hayrides ever at the Oversee farm trail enjoying the stunning fall foliage as you travel through the meadows on a wagon! Reserve a wagon for your family, school, work, church group or birthday party! You'll enjoy a fun-filled hayride around the park followed by a cozy one hour campfire. Bring a blanket, food and beverages (non-alcoholic) and settle in for a relaxing 30-minute trip; rides leave on time. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required by noon on the day before the hayride. Ticket cost is $150 for the whole wagon (up to 20 adults/children). Auburn Valley

Auburn Heights Mansion Tour

Thursday, November 21, 2024

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. and 3p.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). A discounted joint tour to the Marshall Steam Museum and Mansion is only available by paying day of for your tour. If you pre-book you will not get the dollar off each tour discount.

Register Online

Add to Calendar 11/21/2024 1:00:00 PM 11/21/2024 4:00:00 PM America/New_York Auburn Heights Mansion Tour 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. and 3p.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). A discounted joint tour to the Marshall Steam Museum and Mansion is only available by paying day of for your tour. If you pre-book you will not get the dollar off each tour discount. Auburn Valley

Auburn Heights Mansion Tour

Friday, November 22, 2024

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. and 3p.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). A discounted joint tour to the Marshall Steam Museum and Mansion is only available by paying day of for your tour. If you pre-book you will not get the dollar off each tour discount.

Register Online

Add to Calendar 11/22/2024 1:00:00 PM 11/22/2024 4:00:00 PM America/New_York Auburn Heights Mansion Tour 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. and 3p.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). A discounted joint tour to the Marshall Steam Museum and Mansion is only available by paying day of for your tour. If you pre-book you will not get the dollar off each tour discount. Auburn Valley

Holiday Trains at Auburn Heights

Saturday, December 7, 2024

4:00 PM

All aboard for holiday cheer! View operating model train layouts, take a ride on our 1/8-scale Auburn Valley Railroad, enjoy caroling by UD's renowned 'Vocal Point' a capella group and partake in delicious festive fare from food trucks, hot chocolate station and wine & beer from Dew Point Brewing. Advance ticket sales begin November 1. Register by calling 302-729-4280.

Add to Calendar 12/7/2024 4:00:00 PM 12/7/2024 9:00:00 PM America/New_York Holiday Trains at Auburn Heights All aboard for holiday cheer! View operating model train layouts, take a ride on our 1/8-scale Auburn Valley Railroad, enjoy caroling by UD's renowned 'Vocal Point' a capella group and partake in delicious festive fare from food trucks, hot chocolate station and wine & beer from Dew Point Brewing. Advance ticket sales begin November 1. Register by calling 302-729-4280. Auburn Valley