
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.
Thursday, July 7, 2022
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, July 8, 2022
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, July 9, 2022
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, July 9, 2022
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
Sunday, July 10, 2022
11:00 AM
Bees are important to the natural environment, but keeping full-sized beehives can be an intimidating project. Start small and learn how to make a small beebox from invasive bamboo! The program includes one kit to make your beebox, help constructing it and a small jar of local honey! Each kit includes tips to attract solitary bees to your beebox and a packet of pollinator-friendly plant seeds from a local nursery. Limited kits available; please call 302-729-4280 to make your reservation. $25 per child
Thursday, July 14, 2022
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, July 15, 2022
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, July 21, 2022
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, July 21, 2022
5:00 PM
Join us for scenic views, craft brews and games to amuse! Explore our picturesque grounds after hours with a different food truck, featured exhibiting group and other fun activities. Join us this month for antique motorcycles! View a special display by the Antique Motorcycle Club of America outside and explore inside the Marshall Steam Museum. Admission is $6 age 13 & up; $3 age 6-12, Members & children under 5 free. Food available from Mama Mia Continental Fusion food truck a la carte or part of a "Dinner and Drink Special" and beer from Dew Point Brewing. Learn more at auburnheights.org.
Friday, July 22, 2022
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, July 23, 2022
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, July 23, 2022
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
Sunday, July 24, 2022
10:00 AM
Come enjoy the cool spring weather and the beautiful outdoors on this one-hour hike. Learn about the cross-continental journey of Auburn Valley’s new bridges, how they typify the industrial revolution which gives Yorklyn its flavor, and the planned arrival of new bridges in the future. Meet in the Paper Mill Parking Lot on Benge Road. Space is limited, and pre-registration is required. Book your spot by calling 302-239-5687. Free
Sunday, July 24, 2022
5:00 PM
Join park interpreters in this outdoor experience for families. Visitors will get their toes wet as they wade into the Red Clay Creek using dip nets and buckets to find wildlife and identify the various forms of life which find their home here. This program will be free as a special gift to families looking to get out of doors and experience something new together. Expect to get wet; wear clothes you don’t mind getting soaked in and pack a fresh pair of dry socks and shoes for after the wading portion. Space is limited, and pre-registration is required. Book your spot by calling 302-239-5687. Free
Thursday, July 28, 2022
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, July 29, 2022
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, August 4, 2022
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, August 5, 2022
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, August 6, 2022
10:00 AM
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
Saturday, August 6, 2022
6:30 PM
For the first time, we'll be offering a limited size fishing workshop for children and teens. We'll fish for Largemouth bass in Oversee Pond from the Oversee Farm Trail. The two-hour program includes a lesson in safety and casting, 45 minutes of supervised fishing and a lesson on the fish in Delaware's ecosystem. Through the catch and release fishing activity, children will learn how conservation practices and recreational activities play a vital part in protecting Delaware's aquatic ecosystem. Limited availability; call the park office to reserve your space at 302-729-4280. Fishing rods and tackle are provided, but families may bring their own. The activity is meant for children, but parents and guardians are encouraged to watch and participate to help make fishing a family activity! $20 per child
Sunday, August 7, 2022
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 the 1/8-scale trains, enjoy fresh steam-popped popcorn and experience what it was like to travel at the turn of the 20th century. Tour the magnificent 1897 mansion that was home to three generations of the Marshall family or view their incredible collection of Stanley steam cars inside the Marshall Steam Museum. You'll find something for everyone, age 2 to 92! Admission is $12 age 13 & up; $8 age 12 & under (infants free). with an option to add mansion tours for $8 age 13 & up; $4 age 12 & under (infants free). Learn more at auburnheights.org.
Thursday, August 11, 2022
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, August 12, 2022
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, August 13, 2022
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, August 13, 2022
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
Sunday, August 14, 2022
10:00 AM
Come enjoy the cool spring weather and the beautiful outdoors on this one-hour hike. Learn about the cross-continental journey of Auburn Valley’s new bridges, how they typify the industrial revolution which gives Yorklyn its flavor, and the planned arrival of new bridges in the future. Meet in the Paper Mill Parking Lot on Benge Road. Space is limited, and pre-registration is required. Book your spot by calling 302-239-5687. Free
Sunday, August 14, 2022
5:00 PM
Join park interpreters in this outdoor experience for families. Visitors will get their toes wet as they wade into the Red Clay Creek using dip nets and buckets to find wildlife and identify the various forms of life which find their home here. This program will be free as a special gift to families looking to get out of doors and experience something new together. Expect to get wet; wear clothes you don’t mind getting soaked in and pack a fresh pair of dry socks and shoes for after the wading portion. Space is limited, and pre-registration is required. Book your spot by calling 302-239-5687. Free
Thursday, August 18, 2022
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, August 19, 2022
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, August 25, 2022
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, August 26, 2022
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, August 27, 2022
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, August 27, 2022
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
Sunday, September 18, 2022
5:00 PM
Join us for scenic views, craft brews and games to amuse! Explore our picturesque grounds after hours with a different food truck, featured exhibiting group and other fun activities. Join us this month for the dog days of summer! The Dog Training Center of Chester County will have outdoor dog training demonstrations plus other fun activities for our furry, four-legged friends. Admission is $6 age 13 & up; $3 age 6-12, Members & children under 5 free. Food available from the Munchy Machine food truck a la carte or part of a "Dinner and Drink Special" and beer from Dew Point Brewing. Learn more at auburnheights.org.