![Picture of Fort Delaware](/wwwroot/images/parks/fortDE/FortDelaware-HERO.jpg)
Fort Delaware State Park is now closed for the season with the exception of our October weekend-only, evening paranormal tours.We are still accepting school group field trip requests for October 2023.
We will reopen for our living history programs on Saturday, April 27, 2024.
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.
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!
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.
Plan your next family reunion, corporate outing or other special event at our new pavilion! Fully enclosed, handicap accessible and with electric available, this one-of-a-kind venue is the perfect place to make an impression. Learn more on our reservations page
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Saturday, August 31, 2024
10:00 AM
Come out and visit the greatest Civil War site in Delaware! We have several programs going on daily, including artillery and musketry demonstrations, tours and interactive activities. You can also visit with our costumed interpreters, who can show you what we believe life was like in the 1860s. Fort Delaware is a great experience for visitors of all ages. Cost is $12 for adults, $7 for kids and $11 for seniors and military.
Sunday, September 1, 2024
10:00 AM
Come out and visit the greatest Civil War site in Delaware! We have several programs going on daily, including artillery and musketry demonstrations, tours and interactive activities. You can also visit with our costumed interpreters, who can show you what we believe life was like in the 1860s. Fort Delaware is a great experience for visitors of all ages. Cost is $12 for adults, $7 for kids and $11 for seniors and military.
Monday, September 2, 2024
10:00 AM
Come out and visit the greatest Civil War site in Delaware! We have several programs going on daily, including artillery and musketry demonstrations, tours and interactive activities. You can also visit with our costumed interpreters, who can show you what we believe life was like in the 1860s. Fort Delaware is a great experience for visitors of all ages. Cost is $12 for adults, $7 for kids and $11 for seniors and military.
Friday, September 6, 2024
6:00 PM
Join us for an hour and a half-long cruise up the Delaware River onboard the Delafort Ferry to experience the unique natural and historical resources along the Delaware River. 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 heronry, so we should see a wide variety of wading birds, and perhaps some osprey and bald eagles. This cruise offers a beautiful view of the setting sun.
Saturday, September 7, 2024
10:00 AM
Come out and visit the greatest Civil War site in Delaware! We have several programs going on daily, including artillery and musketry demonstrations, tours and interactive activities. You can also visit with our costumed interpreters, who can show you what we believe life was like in the 1860s. Fort Delaware is a great experience for visitors of all ages. Cost is $12 for adults, $7 for kids and $11 for seniors and military.
Saturday, September 7, 2024
5:00 PM
You have been arrested on the presumption of committing some disloyal act. Can you use the resources available to you to get out of Fort Delaware successfully? Come find out in this unique take on an escape room! Cost: $50 per person. Call the park to register 302-834-7941.
Sunday, September 8, 2024
10:00 AM
Come out and visit the greatest Civil War site in Delaware! We have several programs going on daily, including artillery and musketry demonstrations, tours and interactive activities. You can also visit with our costumed interpreters, who can show you what we believe life was like in the 1860s. Fort Delaware is a great experience for visitors of all ages. Cost is $12 for adults, $7 for kids and $11 for seniors and military.
Friday, September 13, 2024
6:00 PM
Join us for an hour and a half-long cruise up the Delaware River onboard the Delafort Ferry to experience the unique natural and historical resources along the Delaware River. 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 heronry, so we should see a wide variety of wading birds, and perhaps some osprey and bald eagles. This cruise offers a beautiful view of the setting sun.
Saturday, September 14, 2024
10:00 AM
Come out and visit the greatest Civil War site in Delaware! We have several programs going on daily, including artillery and musketry demonstrations, tours and interactive activities. You can also visit with our costumed interpreters, who can show you what we believe life was like in the 1860s. Fort Delaware is a great experience for visitors of all ages. Cost is $12 for adults, $7 for kids and $11 for seniors and military.
Saturday, September 14, 2024
10:00 AM
Join us for this special event when we will be joined by reenactors from the US Engineers! In addition to our regular programming, we will have engineers, craftsmen, a guest blacksmith, and other special opportunities to learn about Fort Delaware and other forts like it! No registration required. Free, with paid park admission!
Sunday, September 15, 2024
10:00 AM
Come out and visit the greatest Civil War site in Delaware! We have several programs going on daily, including artillery and musketry demonstrations, tours and interactive activities. You can also visit with our costumed interpreters, who can show you what we believe life was like in the 1860s. Fort Delaware is a great experience for visitors of all ages. Cost is $12 for adults, $7 for kids and $11 for seniors and military.
Sunday, September 15, 2024
10:00 AM
Join us for this special event when we will be joined by reenactors from the US Engineers! In addition to our regular programming, we will have engineers, craftsmen, a guest blacksmith, and other special opportunities to learn about Fort Delaware and other forts like it! No registration required. Free, with paid park admission!
Friday, September 20, 2024
6:00 PM
Join us for an hour and a half-long cruise up the Delaware River onboard the Delafort Ferry to experience the unique natural and historical resources along the Delaware River. 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 heronry, so we should see a wide variety of wading birds, and perhaps some osprey and bald eagles. This cruise offers a beautiful view of the setting sun.
Saturday, September 21, 2024
10:00 AM
Come out and visit the greatest Civil War site in Delaware! We have several programs going on daily, including artillery and musketry demonstrations, tours and interactive activities. You can also visit with our costumed interpreters, who can show you what we believe life was like in the 1860s. Fort Delaware is a great experience for visitors of all ages. Cost is $12 for adults, $7 for kids and $11 for seniors and military.
Saturday, September 21, 2024
5:00 PM
Join us as the fort opens late for a special night of weapons demonstrations. We will be looking at how weapons changed during the 19th century, doing hands-on tactical demonstrations, and finishing the night with our 8-inch firing at dusk. We will also have our furnished areas open for touring. This is a great chance to see the fort in the evening for a different perspective! Cost: $25 per person.
Saturday, September 21, 2024
5:00 PM
Join us as the fort opens late for a special night of weapons demonstrations. We will be looking at how weapons changed during the 19th century, doing hands-on tactical demonstrations, and finishing the night with our 8-inch firing at dusk. We will also have our furnished areas open for touring. This is a great chance to see the fort in the evening for a different perspective! Registration required, $25 per person.
Sunday, September 22, 2024
10:00 AM
Come out and visit the greatest Civil War site in Delaware! We have several programs going on daily, including artillery and musketry demonstrations, tours and interactive activities. You can also visit with our costumed interpreters, who can show you what we believe life was like in the 1860s. Fort Delaware is a great experience for visitors of all ages. Cost is $12 for adults, $7 for kids and $11 for seniors and military.
Friday, September 27, 2024
6:00 PM
Join us for an hour and a half-long cruise up the Delaware River onboard the Delafort Ferry to experience the unique natural and historical resources along the Delaware River. 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 heronry, so we should see a wide variety of wading birds, and perhaps some osprey and bald eagles. This cruise offers a beautiful view of the setting sun.
Saturday, September 28, 2024
10:00 AM
Come out and visit the greatest Civil War site in Delaware! We have several programs going on daily, including artillery and musketry demonstrations, tours and interactive activities. You can also visit with our costumed interpreters, who can show you what we believe life was like in the 1860s. Fort Delaware is a great experience for visitors of all ages. Cost is $12 for adults, $7 for kids and $11 for seniors and military.
Saturday, September 28, 2024
5:00 PM
Join us on September 28th, for a unique overnight family camping experience on Pea Patch Island. This program is designed for the whole family to explore Fort Delaware in a special event. Participants will have the opportunity to camp on the fort's parade ground, cook dinner over an open fire, interact with state parks staff, enjoy a lantern tour of the fort and s'mores around the campfire, and more! Reservations for this one-of-a-kind experience are limited. Participants should pack lightly and backpack-type tents are recommended. Call the park office at 302-834-7941 for details and to sign up. Cost: $80/family of four, $10 for each additional family member.
Sunday, September 29, 2024
10:00 AM
Come out and visit the greatest Civil War site in Delaware! We have several programs going on daily, including artillery and musketry demonstrations, tours and interactive activities. You can also visit with our costumed interpreters, who can show you what we believe life was like in the 1860s. Fort Delaware is a great experience for visitors of all ages. Cost is $12 for adults, $7 for kids and $11 for seniors and military.
Saturday, October 5, 2024
7:00 PM
Come celebrate Delaware City Day with a fireworks cruise on the river! This event marks our 1st Annual Delaware City Day Fireworks River Cruise. Join us on the ferry to take in the exciting views of the celebratory fireworks from the water rather than the shore. Registration is required, and tickets are $30 per person. Limited availability!