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Rockwood Park & Museum: A Glimpse into 19th-Century Life

Step back in time at this enchanting English-style country estate, featuring a Gothic Revival mansion, historic gardens, and captivating museum.

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Rockwood Park & Museum, located in Wilmington, Delaware, is a captivating step back in time. This 72-acre estate features a Rural Gothic mansion, once the home of banker Joseph Shipley and later his great-nephew Edward Bringhurst Jr. Explore the historic house museum, stroll through the gardens, and discover a blend of history, architecture, and natural beauty.

A brief summary to Rockwood Park & Museum

  • Thursday 10 am-4 pm
  • Friday 10 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-4 pm
  • Sunday 12 pm-4 pm

Local tips

  • Check the New Castle County website for upcoming events, including seasonal festivals and holiday programs.
  • New Castle County residents receive a discount on museum admission with a valid ID.
  • Explore the walking trails that connect to the Northern Delaware Greenway for a longer hike.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From downtown Wilmington, take DART First State bus route 24 from the Wilmington Transit Center. Ride the bus to the stop at Washington Street Extension and Rockwood Park. From there, it's a short walk to the park entrance at 4651 Washington Street Extension. A single fare is approximately $2.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    A taxi or ride-share from downtown Wilmington to Rockwood Park & Museum takes about 15 minutes, depending on traffic. Expect to pay between $15 and $25 for the ride.

  • Driving

    From I-95, take exit 7 for I-495 North towards New Castle. Continue on I-495 and take exit 1B for Route 202 North. Follow Route 202 to the intersection with Washington Street Extension. Turn left onto Washington Street Extension and continue for about 1 mile. Rockwood Park & Museum will be on your right. Parking is available on-site.

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Discover more about Rockwood Park & Museum

Rockwood Park & Museum offers a unique window into 19th-century life. Built between 1851 and 1854 by Joseph Shipley, a wealthy merchant banker, the estate was designed to reflect the beauty of an English country estate. The mansion itself is an excellent example of Rural Gothic Revival architecture, a style that favored simplicity and naturalness. After Shipley's death, the estate passed to his great-nephew, Edward Bringhurst Jr., in 1891. The museum reflects the way the Bringhurst family lived during the turn of the 20th century. Visitors can explore the mansion's parlors, view family fashions, and admire the diverse art collections. The grounds encompass 72 acres of serene parkland, including a six-acre historic garden designed in the Gardenesque style. Here, winding trails lead past exotic trees and flowering shrubs. The park also features a picnic grove, festival grounds, and an urban wildlife habitat. Rockwood offers a variety of programs and events throughout the year, including ghost tours, family programs, and the Delaware Shakespeare Festival.

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