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Alapocas Run State Park: Wilmington's Natural and Historic Gem

Discover nature, history, and recreation at Alapocas Run State Park in Wilmington, Delaware. Hiking, rock climbing, and folk art await!

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Alapocas Run State Park in Wilmington, Delaware, offers a blend of natural beauty and historical significance. Once a city park, it now features mature woodlands, the Brandywine River, a unique rock-climbing wall in a former quarry, and the Blue Ball Barn, home to the Delaware Folk Art Collection.

A brief summary to Alapocas Run State Park

  • Monday 8 am-8 pm
  • Tuesday 8 am-8 pm
  • Wednesday 8 am-8 pm
  • Thursday 8 am-8 pm
  • Friday 8 am-8 pm
  • Saturday 8 am-8 pm
  • Sunday 8 am-8 pm

Local tips

  • Check out Folk Art Fridays at the Blue Ball Barn for art, music, and food trucks (June-October).
  • Hike or bike the Northern Delaware Greenway Trail for scenic overlooks and historical insights.
  • Visit the Can-Do Playground, designed to be accessible for children of all abilities.
  • Experienced climbers can obtain a permit for the rock climbing wall.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the intersection of Concord Pike (US-202) and Foulk Road (DE-141), head north on Foulk Road. Turn left onto W Park Dr. and follow the road to the park entrance. The walk is approximately 15 minutes and relatively flat.

  • Public Transport

    The DART First State bus Route 10 stops near Alapocas Run State Park. From the bus stop at Concord Pike and Talley Road, walk west on Talley Road, then turn left onto W Park Dr. The park entrance will be on your right. A single ride on DART First State costs $2.00.

  • Driving

    Alapocas Run State Park is located at 1914 W Park Dr, Wilmington, DE 19803. From I-95, take exit 8 for US-202 N/Concord Pike. Follow Concord Pike to W Park Dr and turn left. Parking is available within the park. Entrance fees are in effect from March 1 through November 30: $4/day for DE registered vehicles, $8/day for non-DE registered vehicles.

Unlock the Best of Alapocas Run State Park

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Discover more about Alapocas Run State Park

Alapocas Run State Park, nestled in the heart of Wilmington, Delaware, is a 415-acre oasis where nature and history intertwine. Originally established as Alapocas Woods in the early 1900s, thanks to the vision of William Poole Bancroft, the park has evolved into a multifaceted destination for recreation and cultural enrichment. The park's landscape is defined by mature woodlands and the scenic Brandywine Creek, offering a tranquil escape from the urban surroundings. Hiking and biking trails wind through the park, including the Northern Delaware Greenway Trail, a National Recreation Trail. One of the park's unique features is its rock-climbing wall, set in a former granite quarry that supplied stone for local landmarks like the Brandywine Park walls and Rockford Tower. Alapocas Run is also home to the Blue Ball Barn, a historic dairy barn built in 1914 by Alfred I. du Pont. Named after a nearby inn and meeting house, the barn now houses the Delaware Folk Art Collection and hosts events. The Can-Do Playground, designed to be accessible to children of all abilities, adds to the park's appeal as a family-friendly destination. Visitors can explore the park's diverse attractions, from the Alapocas Woods Trail to the Brandywine River, and discover the unique blend of natural resources and industrial heritage that defines Alapocas Run State Park.

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