Rockwood Park & Museum: A Gothic Revival Gem
Explore a 19th-century English country estate with Gothic Revival architecture, historic gardens, and museum in Wilmington, Delaware.
Rockwood Park & Museum, located in Wilmington, Delaware, is a captivating destination that seamlessly blends history, architecture, and natural beauty. Built between 1851 and 1854 by Joseph Shipley, a Quaker merchant banker, the estate reflects the charm of an English country estate. The mansion, designed in the Rural Gothic Revival style by George Williams, showcases a unique architectural aesthetic inspired by rural domestic buildings. Visitors can explore the historic Rockwood Mansion, a Victorian house museum showcasing furnishings from the 19th and 20th centuries. The museum offers guided and self-guided tours, providing insights into the lives of the Shipley and Bringhurst families who resided there. The 72-acre park surrounding the mansion features picturesque walking trails, a heritage garden with plants collected between 1851 and 1920, and scenic picnic groves. Rockwood Park & Museum hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including the Delaware Shakespeare Summer Festival, ghost tours, yoga sessions, and family programs. The Carriage House at Rockwood Park provides a unique setting for private events such as weddings and parties. The park's combination of historical significance, architectural beauty, and natural landscapes makes it a must-see destination for tourists seeking a unique and enriching experience.
Local tips
- Check the New Castle County website for upcoming events, including ghost tours, yoga, and the Delaware Shakespeare Festival.
- Explore the park's walking trails, which connect to the Northern Delaware Greenway System, for a scenic outdoor experience.
- Visit the Rockwood Museum for a glimpse into Victorian life, with guided tours available on select days.
A brief summary to Rockwood Park & Museum
- 4651 Washington Street Extension, Wilmington, Delaware, 19809, US
- +1302-761-4340
- Visit website
- Thursday 10 am-4 pm
- Friday 10 am-4 pm
- Saturday 10 am-4 pm
- Sunday 12 pm-4 pm
Getting There
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Public Transport
From downtown Wilmington, take DART First State bus route 18 or 24 from the Wilmington Transit Center. Route 18 takes approximately 25 minutes, while Route 24's duration may vary. Get off at the stop near Washington Street Extension, from where it is about a 15-minute walk to the museum entrance at 4651 Washington Street Extension. Single fares for DART First State buses typically cost $2.
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Taxi/RideShare
From downtown Wilmington, a taxi or rideshare (Uber/Lyft) to Rockwood Park & Museum takes about 15 minutes. Simply enter 'Rockwood Park & Museum' or the address '4651 Washington Street Extension, Wilmington, DE 19809' in the app. Expect to pay around $15 to $25, depending on traffic.
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Car
If 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. Parking is free and plentiful.
