Fort Delaware State Park: A Civil War Fortress on Pea Patch Island

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Explore a historic Civil War fortress and natural bird sanctuary on Pea Patch Island, accessible by ferry from Delaware City.

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Fort Delaware State Park

Journey to Fort Delaware State Park, a historic Civil War-era fortress on Pea Patch Island in the Delaware River. Accessible only by ferry, the park offers a unique blend of history and nature, featuring living history reenactments and a significant bird rookery. Explore the well-preserved fort and immerse yourself in the past.

A brief summary to Fort Delaware State Park

45 Clinton St, Delaware City, Delaware, 19706, US
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Click to display

Saturday 9:30 am-4:30 pm
Sunday 9:30 am-4:30 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

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

Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes as the ground on Pea Patch Island can be uneven.
Bring sunscreen and bug spray to protect yourself from the elements.
Check the ferry schedule in advance, as it varies seasonally.
Consider bringing a picnic lunch to enjoy in the designated picnic area.
Purchase ferry tickets online in advance to guarantee access, especially during peak season.

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Getting There

Ferry

To reach Fort Delaware, you must take a ferry from the Delaware City Ferry Dock located at 45 Clinton St, Delaware City, DE 19706. Purchase tickets at the ticket office. The ferry ride is approximately a half-mile to Pea Patch Island. Upon arrival to the island, a tram is available to transport visitors to the fort. As of July 2025, ferry tickets cost $15 for adults (ages 13+), $8 for children (ages 2-12), and $14 for seniors (62+) and military personnel. Children under 2 ride free. Parking fees are separate and subject to Delaware City fees.

Discover more about Fort Delaware State Park

Fort Delaware State Park, situated on Pea Patch Island in the Delaware River, is a captivating destination that combines history and natural beauty. The park's centerpiece, Fort Delaware, was initially constructed in the mid-1800s to safeguard the harbors of Wilmington and Philadelphia. During the Civil War, it served as a Union prison camp, housing thousands of Confederate prisoners. Today, visitors can explore the meticulously preserved fort, stepping back in time to experience life in the 1860s. Costumed interpreters bring history to life with reenactments and demonstrations, such as blacksmithing and cannon firings. Explore the parade ground, officers' quarters, barracks, and more. Beyond its historical significance, Pea Patch Island is also a haven for wildlife. The island's nature preserve is home to a large heronry, providing a nesting site for herons, ibises, and egrets. Birdwatchers can observe these magnificent birds from the heronry observation platform. To reach Fort Delaware State Park, visitors must take a ferry from Delaware City. The ferry ride offers scenic views of the Delaware River and the surrounding landscape. Once on the island, a tram provides transportation from the dock to the fort.