Blue Ball Barn, New Castle County Travel Guide

4.6 (29)

Explore Delaware's folk art in a beautifully restored historic barn, perfect for events and cultural enrichment.

The Blue Ball Barn, located in Wilmington's Alapocas Run State Park, is a beautifully restored dairy barn built in 1914 by Alfred I. duPont. Named after a historic tavern, it now houses the Delaware Folk Art Collection and serves as a unique event space.

A brief summary to Blue Ball Barn

1914 W Park Dr, Wilmington, Delaware, 19803, 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
Saturday 8 am-4 pm
Sunday 8 am-4 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Blue Ball Barn.

Check the Alapocas Run State Park website for upcoming events, including art exhibitions, workshops, and Folk Art Fridays.
Consider visiting the nearby Can-Do Playground for a family-friendly outing.
Explore the Northern Delaware Greenway Trail, accessible from the park, for a scenic hike or bike ride.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

New Castle Battery Park

First State National Historical Park

Packet Alley

Dutch House Museum

New Castle Visitor Center at The Arsenal

Explore Blue Ball Barn on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Blue Ball Barn, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

From I-95, take US-202 North (Concord Pike). Follow signs for DE-141 S. Turn left onto DE-141 S (Foulk Rd). Turn left at the first cross street onto W Park Dr. Parking is available at the top of the hill on the left. Parking is free. Limited parking may be available during peak event times.
Public Transport

The DART First State bus system serves the area. Check the DART website for the most up-to-date routes and schedules to the Blue Ball Barn. From the bus stop, follow W Park Dr to the destination. A single ride fare is $2.00 [https://www.dartfirststate.com/fares/].
Walking

From the intersection of US-202 and W Park Dr, head east on W Park Dr. Continue straight, following W Park Dr to the Blue Ball Barn, which will be on your left. The walk is approximately 0.5 miles.

Discover more about Blue Ball Barn

The Blue Ball Barn, a unique landmark in Wilmington, Delaware, seamlessly blends history, art, and community. Originally constructed in 1914 by Alfred I. duPont as a dairy barn for his Nemours Estate, it's named after the Blue Ball Tavern, a former inn and meeting house that once stood nearby. The tavern used a blue ball on a pole to signal waiting stagecoach passengers.After falling into disuse, the barn was carefully restored in 2007 and transformed into a multi-functional space. Today, it serves as the home of the Delaware Folk Art Collection, showcasing the state's rich cultural heritage through a diverse array of народное творчество. The collection includes over 200 works, from paintings and sculptures to posters and dioramas, created by self-taught artists. These pieces offer unique perspectives and reflect elements of daily life and cultural traditions.The Blue Ball Barn also functions as a conference and event center, hosting meetings, weddings, and other special occasions. Its galleries provide spacious reception and meeting rooms, complemented by a large banquet room and a secluded courtyard. The barn's architecture and LEED certification highlight its commitment to environmental sustainability. Visitors can explore permanent and rotating art exhibits, as well as displays detailing the barn's history and the surrounding landscape. The site connects Delaware's past and present, offering a glimpse into both its agricultural roots and its vibrant contemporary culture.