Auburn Valley State Park, New Castle County Travel Guide

4.6 (179)

Explore industrial history and natural beauty at Auburn Valley State Park in Yorklyn, Delaware, with trails, a mansion, and steam cars.

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Auburn Valley State Park

Auburn Valley State Park in Yorklyn, Delaware, offers a blend of natural beauty and industrial history. Once the estate of the Marshall family, the park features trails, a Victorian mansion, and the Marshall Steam Museum, home to the world's largest operating collection of Stanley Steamers.

A brief summary to Auburn Valley State Park

3000 Creek Rd, Hockessin, Yorklyn, Delaware, 19707, US
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Monday 8 am-4 pm
Tuesday 8 am-4 pm
Wednesday 8 am-4 pm
Thursday 8 am-4 pm
Friday 8 am-4 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

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

Visit on a 'Steamin' Day' to see the Marshall Steam Museum in action and take a ride in a vintage steam car.
Check the park's event calendar for special tours and programs, including mansion tours and behind-the-scenes mill tours.
Bring comfortable shoes for hiking the trails, and consider trekking poles for the Auburn Valley Trail's slope.
Pack a picnic to enjoy at the park's picnic areas.

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Explore Auburn Valley State Park on the Map

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

Getting There

Driving

Auburn Valley State Park is located at 3000 Creek Rd, Hockessin, DE 19707. From Wilmington, take Route 48 (Lancaster Pike) or Route 41 (Newport Gap Pike) to Hockessin. At the main traffic light in Hockessin, turn right onto Yorklyn Rd and go about 2 miles until you reach the bridge across Red Clay Creek. Follow the brown 'Auburn Heights Preserve' sign to make a sharp left onto Creek Road as soon as you cross the bridge. Auburn Heights is 1/4 mile ahead. Parking is available in the field on the right. Daily entrance fees are charged from March 1 to November 30: $4 for Delaware residents and $8 for out-of-state residents. Annual passes are available.
Public Transport

To reach Auburn Valley State Park via public transport from Middletown, begin at the Middletown Transit Center. Take the DART First State bus route 63 towards Wilmington. Get off at the Hockessin Park & Ride stop. Transfer to the DART bus route 25 towards Wilmington and alight at the stop near Creek Road. Walk approximately 10 minutes west on Creek Road to reach the entrance of Auburn Valley State Park. A single fare on DART First State is $2.

Discover more about Auburn Valley State Park

Nestled in the Red Clay Valley, Auburn Valley State Park is a 471-acre haven that showcases the rich industrial heritage of the region. The park preserves the former home and estate of the Marshall family, prominent industrialists in the 19th century, along with portions of their mills along the Red Clay Creek.Visitors can explore the Auburn Heights Mansion, a stunning example of Victorian architecture completed in 1897. The mansion offers a glimpse into the life of the Marshall family, with its antique furnishings and preserved interiors. The Marshall Steam Museum houses the world's largest operating collection of Stanley Steamers, offering a unique look at the dawn of the automotive age. A miniature coal-powered train provides rides on tracks encircling the estate.The park also offers a variety of outdoor activities. Hiking and biking trails wind through the scenic landscape, including a 1.2-mile paved loop. The Auburn Valley Trail, a 1.3-mile multi-use loop, offers views of the Red Clay Creek and surrounding meadows. Fishing is permitted in the Red Clay Creek, which has undergone significant ecological restoration.Auburn Valley State Park is a destination that combines history, nature, and recreation. It's a place where visitors can step back in time, explore the beauty of the Red Clay Valley, and enjoy a variety of outdoor activities.