Sugar Bowl Pavilion: A Picturesque Landmark
Discover the historic Sugar Bowl Pavilion in Wilmington's Brandywine Park, offering scenic views and a tranquil escape.
Located within Brandywine Park, the Sugar Bowl Pavilion is a charming historical landmark with a rich past. Constructed in 1902, this gazebo was designed to provide picturesque views of the Brandywine River. Its domed roof, resembling the lid of a sugar bowl, gave the structure its distinctive name. For decades, the Sugar Bowl served as a central hub for the community. It hosted meetings, concerts, church services, and various patriotic programs. The site even marked the original entrance to the Brandywine Zoo. However, over time, the pavilion fell into disrepair, leading to the removal of its roof in 1949. In 2006, the Friends of Wilmington Parks undertook a restoration project to revive the Sugar Bowl. The restoration was completed in 2016 with the installation of a new fiberglass roof. Today, the Sugar Bowl Pavilion stands as a testament to the community's commitment to preserving its history, offering visitors a beautiful space to enjoy nature and attend community events.
Local tips
- Visit during the summer for free concerts and community events held at the pavilion.
- Take a stroll along the Brandywine River and enjoy the picturesque views from the Sugar Bowl.
- Combine your visit with a trip to the Brandywine Zoo, located nearby in Brandywine Park.
A brief summary to Sugar Bowl Pavilion
- Brandywine Park, Sugar Bowl Pavilion, Baynard Blvd, Wilmington, Delaware, 19802, US
- +1302-577-7020
- Visit website
- Monday 8 am-9 pm
- Tuesday 8 am-9 pm
- Wednesday 8 am-9 pm
- Thursday 8 am-9 pm
- Friday 8 am-9 pm
- Saturday 8 am-9 pm
- Sunday 8 am-9 pm
Getting There
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Walking
From downtown Wilmington, the Sugar Bowl Pavilion is accessible via a pleasant walk through Brandywine Park. Start near the Hotel DuPont and head north on N. Park Drive. Follow the road along the Brandywine River; the Sugar Bowl Pavilion will be visible on a small hill to your left. The walk is approximately 1 mile and should take about 20 minutes. No costs are associated with walking.
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Public Transport
DART First State bus routes 2, 11, and 35 serve Brandywine Park. From the Wilmington Transit Center, take any of these routes and disembark at the Brandywine Zoo stop. From there, walk north along N. Park Drive for approximately 5 minutes. The Sugar Bowl Pavilion will be on your left. A single ride on DART First State costs $2.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
From Wilmington Amtrak Station, a taxi or ride-share (Uber/Lyft) to the Sugar Bowl Pavilion is a convenient option. The ride is approximately 2 miles and should take about 10 minutes. Expect to pay around $17-$24 for a one-way trip.
