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

Discover history and natural beauty at Rockwood Park & Museum, a captivating English-style country estate in Wilmington, Delaware.

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Rockwood Park & Museum, a picturesque 72-acre estate just two miles from downtown Wilmington, Delaware, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue. Built in the 1850s, this English-style country estate features a Rural Gothic Revival mansion, a six-acre historic garden, and scenic walking paths, providing visitors with a captivating journey back in time.

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 and programs at Rockwood Park & Museum.
  • New Castle County residents receive discounted admission to the museum with a valid ID.
  • Explore the park's walking trails, which connect to the Northern Delaware Greenway for longer hikes.
  • Consider visiting on a "Free First Sunday" for free access to the museum's self-guided tour.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From downtown Wilmington, take DART First State bus route 18 or 24 from the Wilmington Transit Center. Ride the bus to the stop near Washington Street Extension. From there, walk east on Washington Street Extension for about 15 minutes to reach the museum entrance at 4651 Washington Street Extension. A single ride on DART First State costs $2.00.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Take a taxi or ride-share service from downtown Wilmington to Rockwood Park & Museum. Use the address '4651 Washington Street Extension, Wilmington, DE 19809' in your ride-share app. The drive typically takes about 15 minutes, depending on traffic, and costs approximately $15 to $25.

  • Driving

    From I-95, take exit 8 for DE-202 N toward Greenville. Keep right at the fork, follow signs for DE-202 N and merge onto DE-202 N. Continue on DE-202 N for about 1.5 miles. Turn left onto Washington Street Extension. After about 0.5 miles, you'll see Rockwood Park & Museum on your left at 4651 Washington Street Extension. Free parking is available on-site.

Unlock the Best of Rockwood Park & Museum

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Discover more about Rockwood Park & Museum

Step back in time at Rockwood Park & Museum, a captivating destination that seamlessly blends history, architecture, and natural beauty. Conceived and built by Joseph Shipley in the 1850s, Rockwood reflects his passion for horticulture, fine arts, and English gardens. The estate, a prime example of Rural Gothic Revival architecture, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. The centerpiece of the estate is the Rockwood Mansion, designed by George Williams, inspired by Shipley's English country house, Wyncote. The museum within the mansion showcases the lives of the Shipley, Bringhurst, and Hargraves families who resided here for over 120 years. Visitors can explore the Victorian house museum with its original furnishings from the 19th and 20th centuries, offering a glimpse into the lives of an upper-class family during that era. Beyond the mansion, Rockwood Park offers 72 acres of serene parkland to explore. Stroll through the six-acre historic garden, admire the diverse botanical collections, or wander along the walking paths that link to the Northern Delaware Greenway. The park also features a picnic grove, festival grounds, and an urban wildlife habitat, making it a perfect destination for a day of outdoor recreation. Throughout the year, Rockwood Park & Museum hosts a variety of events and programs, including signature festivals, wellness activities, fine art exhibitions, and performing arts events. From ghost tours to holiday open houses, there's always something new to discover at this enchanting estate.

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