Rockford Park: A Historic Green Oasis
Discover history and recreation at Rockford Park in Wilmington, DE. Enjoy scenic views, walking trails, and community events in this urban oasis.
Rockford Park, a sprawling 104-acre park in Wilmington's Highlands neighborhood, offers a blend of history, recreation, and natural beauty. Founded in 1889, the park's centerpiece is the iconic Rockford Tower, a 100-year-old stone water tower offering panoramic city views. Enjoy open green spaces, wooded paths, and a popular off-leash dog park.
A brief summary to Rockford Park
- Lookout Dr, Wilmington, Highlands, Delaware, 19806, US
- +1302-577-7020
- Visit website
- Monday 7 am-6 pm
- Tuesday 7 am-6 pm
- Wednesday 7 am-6 pm
- Thursday 7 am-6 pm
- Friday 7 am-6 pm
- Saturday 7 am-6 pm
- Sunday 7 am-6 pm
Local tips
- Visit the Rockford Tower on a Sunday afternoon during the summer for a free tour and panoramic views of Wilmington.
- Bring your dog to the off-leash dog park, a popular spot for local dog lovers.
- Enjoy a picnic on the open green spaces, surrounded by beautiful wooded areas.
- Explore the walking trails, but be prepared for some challenging inclines.
- Check the Friends of Wilmington Parks website for upcoming events, such as summer concerts and community programming.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From downtown Wilmington, take DART First State bus route 33 from the stop at 2nd and King Street. Ride for 15-20 minutes to the Lookout Drive stop. From there, it's a 5-minute uphill walk to Rockford Park. The bus fare is approximately $2.
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Walking
If you're in the Highlands neighborhood, you can walk to Rockford Park. From the intersection of Delaware Avenue and Washington Boulevard, head east on Delaware Avenue, then turn left onto Lookout Drive. Continue walking straight for about 10-15 minutes to reach the park.
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Car
From downtown Wilmington, head northwest on Market Street, which merges into Pennsylvania Avenue. After approximately 1 mile, turn left onto Lookout Drive. Rockford Park will be on your right. Free parking is available in the park.
Discover more about Rockford Park
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Gibraltar (Hugh Rodney Sharp Mansion)
0.8 km
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Eleutherian Mills
0.9 km
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Delaware Children's Theatre
2.3 km
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George Washington Witness Tree of Delaware No.2
2.8 km
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William McKinley Coffee Break Monument
2.8 km
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Greater Wilmington Convention and Visitors Bureau
3.2 km
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HOTEL DU PONT
3.2 km
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Quaker Hill Historic Preservation Foundation
3.2 km
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The Playhouse on Rodney Square
3.2 km
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Rockland Mill Village
3.2 km
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Grave of Continental Congressman John Dickinson
3.2 km
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Makers Alley
3.3 km
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F. W. Woolworth Building (Wilmington, Delaware)
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Stitch House Brewery
3.3 km
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Wilmington Savings Fund Society Building
3.3 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Rockford Tower
0.2 km
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Delaware Art Museum
0.6 km
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Copeland Sculpture Garden
0.7 km
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Marian Coffin Gardens at Gibraltar
0.8 km
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Hagley Museum
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Alapocas Run State Park
1.3 km
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Water Lily Lane
1.4 km
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Nemours Estate
1.5 km
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The Gumball Machine
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Wilmington State Parks
1.9 km
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Brandywine Park
2.0 km
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Josephine Fountain
2.3 km
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Brandywine Zoo
2.3 km
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Blue Ball Barn
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Sugar Bowl Pavilion
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Essential places to dine
Columbus Inn
1.2 km
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Kid Shelleen's - Trolley Square
1.3 km
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Gallucio's Restaurant
1.3 km
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Santa Fe Mexican Grill - Wilmington
1.3 km
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Trolley Square Oyster House
1.3 km
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Grain Craft Bar + Kitchen
1.3 km
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The Brandywine Restaurant
1.3 km
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Goobers Diner
1.4 km
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Eclipse Bistro
1.5 km
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Walter's Steakhouse
1.8 km
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Park Café
1.9 km
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Dead Presidents Pub & Restaurant
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Mrs. Robino's Restaurant
2.0 km
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Luigi Vitrone's Pastabilities
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Carmen's Kitchen
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Trolley Square
1.5 km
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Trolley Square Market
1.5 km
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SqueezeBox Records
1.5 km
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Sensual things collection
2.1 km
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Somethings Unique
2.2 km
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Bloom
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Whimsy Boutique
2.3 km
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Obatala's Gift Shop
2.3 km
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Self Care Holistic
2.4 km
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Books & Bagels
2.5 km
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Wilmington Country Store
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Boutique Twenty Two
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Luxury Hardware
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Exceptional Bride
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LuxsOne
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Kelly's Logan House
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Catherine Rooney's
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Trolley Tap House
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Hummingbird to Mars
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Union Street Pub
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ICONZ Bar and Venue
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The Carriage House Bar + Lounge
2.1 km
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The Copper Dram
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Comegy's Pub
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BBC Tavern and Grill
2.7 km
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Torbert Street Social
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Fairfax Tavern
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The Nomad Bar
3.2 km
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Simmer Down
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