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Sugar Bowl Pavilion: A Picturesque Landmark

Discover the historic Sugar Bowl Pavilion in Wilmington's Brandywine Park, offering scenic views and a tranquil escape.

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The Sugar Bowl Pavilion, nestled in Wilmington's Brandywine Park, is a restored early 20th-century gazebo offering scenic views of the Brandywine River. Originally built in 1902, it served as a community gathering place before falling into disrepair. Today, it hosts events and concerts, providing a tranquil escape with historical charm.

A brief summary to Sugar Bowl Pavilion

  • 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

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.
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Getting There

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

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Discover more about Sugar Bowl Pavilion

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.

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