Alapocas Run State Park, New Castle County Travel Guide

4.7 (186)

Explore nature, history, and recreation at Alapocas Run State Park, Wilmington's urban escape with trails, rock climbing, and the Blue Ball Barn.

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Alapocas Run State Park

Alapocas Run State Park is a 415-acre urban oasis in Wilmington, Delaware, blending natural beauty with industrial history. Once a city park established in the early 1900s, it features mature woodlands, the Brandywine River, and remnants of a historic granite quarry. The park's unique attractions include the Blue Ball Barn, the Can-Do Playground, and Delaware's only public rock climbing wall.

A brief summary to Alapocas Run State Park

1914 W Park Dr, Wilmington, Delaware, 19803, US
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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

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Alapocas Run State Park.

Visit the Blue Ball Barn to explore the Delaware Folk Art Collection and learn about the area's agricultural history.
Hike or bike the Northern Delaware Greenway Trail for scenic overlooks and a glimpse into Wilmington's industrial past.
Try rock climbing on Delaware's only public rock climbing wall.
Bring children to the Can-Do Playground, designed to be accessible to children of all abilities.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

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Explore Alapocas Run State Park on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Alapocas Run State Park, mapped for you.

Getting There

Public Transport

From the Wilmington Transit Center, DART First State buses provide access to the vicinity of Alapocas Run State Park. Check DART's website or app for specific routes and schedules. A one-way bus fare is $2. Exact change is required.
Taxi/Ride-Share

Taxi and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Wilmington. A short trip from downtown Wilmington to Alapocas Run State Park typically costs between $17 and $28, depending on the distance and service. Prices may vary based on demand and traffic.
Driving

Alapocas Run State Park is located at 1914 W Park Dr, Wilmington, DE 19803. From I-95, take the exit for Route 202 North (Concord Pike). Follow signs for DE-141 S. Turn left onto DE-141 S (Foulk Rd). Turn left at the 1st cross street onto W Park Dr. Parking is available in the park. Entrance fees are in effect from March 1 through November 30. For DE registered vehicles, the fee is $4/day.

Discover more about Alapocas Run State Park

Alapocas Run State Park offers a unique blend of natural resources and cultural history in the heart of Wilmington. Originally created as Alapocas Woods in the early 1900s, the park has grown into a 415-acre haven featuring mature woodlands, the Brandywine River, and traces of its industrial past.Visitors can explore the park's diverse attractions, including the Blue Ball Barn, a historic dairy barn built in 1914 that now houses the Delaware Folk Art Collection. The Can-Do Playground provides a space for children of all abilities to play, while the Northern Delaware Greenway Trail offers scenic pathways for hiking and biking. For thrill-seekers, Delaware's only public rock climbing wall awaits, set against the backdrop of the park's blue granite cliffs.The park's history is deeply intertwined with the industrial era, as it encompasses the remains of a granite quarry that operated from 1870 to 1938. Stone from this quarry was used to construct local landmarks such as the Brandywine Park walls and Rockford Tower. Today, Alapocas Run State Park serves as a reminder of the region's rich heritage and a place where nature and history converge.