Background

Lums Pond State Park, The Wilmington Metropolitan Area Travel Guide

Search across countries, cities, destinations, landmarks, attractions, restaurants, bars, hotels and more.
Please tell us what you're looking for
4.7 (3129)

Explore Delaware's largest freshwater pond with hiking, ziplining, boating, and camping at Lums Pond State Park in Bear, Delaware.

Lums Pond State Park, surrounding Delaware's largest freshwater pond, offers diverse recreational activities and habitats. Originally created in the early 1700s by damming St. Georges Creek, the park now features woodlands, wetlands, and a wide array of outdoor pursuits, from paddlesports to ziplining.

A brief summary to Lums Pond State Park

Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Lums Pond State Park.

  • Bring binoculars for birdwatching; the park is home to herons and ospreys.
  • Consider visiting between March and November to avoid the vehicle entrance fee.
  • Check the park's website for seasonal hayrides and cultural/nature programs.
  • Reserve picnic pavilions in advance, especially if you need water and electricity.
  • Bring your handheld GPS device to enjoy geocaching in the park's scenic outdoors.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Delaware Children's Museum

Delaware Children's Museum

Delaware Museum of Nature & Science

Delaware Museum of Nature & Science

Wilmington State Parks

Wilmington State Parks

Rodney Square

Rodney Square

Fort Delaware State Park

Fort Delaware State Park

Explore Lums Pond State Park on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Lums Pond State Park, mapped for you.

Unlock the Best of Lums Pond State Park

Buy tickets

  • No tickets available

Book tours with entry

  • No tours available

Book tours without entry

  • No tours available

Getting There

  • Driving

    Lums Pond State Park is located near Bear, Delaware. From I-95, take Exit 1A for DE-896 South. Continue for about 8 miles, then turn left onto Route 71/301. The campground entrance will be on the left in about a mile. Note that a park entrance fee is charged from March 1 to November 30; it's $3 for Delaware residents and $6 for out-of-state vehicles. Parking is available throughout the park.

  • Public Transport

    While there's no direct public transportation to Lums Pond State Park, you can take DART bus routes to nearby Bear. From Wilmington, the Route 40 bus takes approximately 45 minutes to reach stops near the park. From there, rideshare services like Uber or Lyft can connect you to the park entrance; expect to pay around $10-$25 depending on the distance and availability. A DART bus fare costs $2-$3.

Discover more about Lums Pond State Park

Lums Pond State Park, a sprawling 1,790-acre haven near Bear, Delaware, is a testament to the state's commitment to outdoor recreation and natural preservation. The park's centerpiece, Lums Pond, is the largest freshwater pond in Delaware, covering approximately 200 acres.Originally formed in the early 1800s when St. Georges Creek was dammed to support local milling operations and the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal, Lums Pond has evolved from an industrial water source to a beloved recreational destination. The canal company purchased the pond to supply water to fill the canal's locks. In 1963, the state acquired the area, opening Lums Pond State Park to the public.Today, Lums Pond State Park offers a wide range of activities. Visitors can explore over 10 miles of trails perfect for hiking, biking, and equestrian activities. The park also features athletic fields for football, soccer, cricket, tennis, basketball, and volleyball, as well as a disc golf course and playgrounds. Water enthusiasts can enjoy boating, kayaking, canoeing, and fishing on Lums Pond. Boat rentals are available, and a boat launch provides easy access to the water. Anglers can try their luck catching carp, pickerel, crappie, catfish, and largemouth bass. For thrill-seekers, Go Ape Zipline & Adventure Park offers a unique treetop experience with ziplines, bridges, and aerial obstacles. The park also has a nature center and offers educational programs.The park's campground provides spacious sites with hookups for RVs and tent sites, making it an ideal destination for family camping. The newly-renovated campground is open year-round. Picnicking is also popular, with several picnic pavilions and grounds available. Lums Pond State Park is a diverse and engaging destination, offering something for every outdoor enthusiast.

More to explore near Lums Pond State Park

Mobile App

Your all‑in‑one travel companion app

Explore expert travel guides, compare and book tours, experiences, hotels, and more—all from the palm of your hand. Download now for seamless trip planning wherever your wanderlust takes you.



Explore More of The Wilmington Metropolitan Area

File:SUNKEN GARDEN AT NEMOURS MANSION, DELAWARE.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

Looking beyond Lums Pond State Park? Discover The Wilmington Metropolitan Area for broader travel guides, local hot-spots, and regional highlights.

Explore The Wilmington Metropolitan Area
Attraction

Discover the beauty and rich history of Maryland's waterways with Chesapeake Water Tours, where every cruise is a captivating adventure on the Chesapeake Bay.

Chesapeake Water Tours
Attraction

Explore Delaware's largest freshwater pond with trails, water activities, ziplining, and camping at Lums Pond State Park in Bear.

Lums Pond State Park

Select Currency