Fort Christina Park: Birthplace of New Sweden
Explore the site of the first Swedish settlement in America, where history and nature converge in Wilmington's Fort Christina Park.
Visit Fort Christina Park in Wilmington, Delaware, the site of the first Swedish settlement in North America. Explore the historical grounds, see the Carl Milles monument, and learn about the area's rich history, including its role in the Underground Railroad.
A brief summary to Fort Christina Park
- 1110 E 7th St, Wilmington, Delaware, 19801, US
- +1302-429-7447
- Visit website
- Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
- Thursday 10 am-4 pm
- Friday 10 am-4 pm
- Saturday 10 am-4 pm
- Sunday 10 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Take advantage of the free guided tours offered to gain deeper insights into the park's history.
- Visit between Memorial Day and Labor Day for staffed tours and activities.
- Check out the nearby Kalmar Nyckel Museum and Shipyard to learn more about the ship that brought the first settlers.
Getting There
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Walking
From the Wilmington Transit Center, head east on W 8th St, turn left onto N Market St, then turn right onto E 7th St. Continue for about 0.5 miles. Fort Christina Park will be on your right at 1110 E 7th St. This is about a 15-minute walk.
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Public Transport
Take a DART First State bus route that services Wilmington to the Wilmington Transit Center. From there, follow the walking directions to Fort Christina Park. Check the DART First State website for schedules and fares. A single ride typically costs $2.
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Car
From I-95 N, take exit 6 toward DE-7 N, then merge onto DE-7 N. Continue on DE-7 N for about 2 miles. Turn left onto E 7th St. Fort Christina Park will be on your right at 1110 E 7th St, Wilmington, DE 19801. Free parking is available across the road and down one gate in the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation's parking lot at 1124 East 7th Street.
Discover more about Fort Christina Park
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Wilmington Historic Trail Marker
0.9 km
Discover the rich history of Wilmington, Delaware, at the Historic Trail Marker, your gateway to exploring the city's vibrant past and culture.
The Queen
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Discover Wilmington's vibrant music scene at The Queen, a historic venue offering exceptional live performances and versatile event spaces.
Wilmington Savings Fund Society Building
1.2 km
Explore the Wilmington Savings Fund Society Building, a historical landmark showcasing stunning Neoclassical architecture and Wilmington's rich financial heritage.
Stitch House Brewery
1.2 km
Experience the finest craft beers and delectable dishes at Stitch House Brewery, Wilmington's premier brewery destination.
F. W. Woolworth Building (Wilmington, Delaware)
1.2 km
Explore the iconic F. W. Woolworth Building in Wilmington, Delaware, where history and architectural beauty come together to narrate a unique story of American retail.
Makers Alley
1.3 km
Explore Makers Alley in Wilmington, DE—where craft beer meets culinary excellence in a vibrant and inviting beer garden setting.
The Playhouse on Rodney Square
1.3 km
Experience the magic of live performances at The Playhouse on Rodney Square, Wilmington's premier destination for arts and entertainment.
Downtown Visions
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HOTEL DU PONT
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Greater Wilmington Convention and Visitors Bureau
1.3 km
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Quaker Hill Historic Preservation Foundation
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Grave of Continental Congressman John Dickinson
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William McKinley Coffee Break Monument
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Delaware Children's Theatre
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The Old Smoke Stack
2.3 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Kalmar Nyckel Foundation
0.1 km
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Old Swedes Historic Site
0.3 km
Discover the legacy of New Sweden at Wilmington's Old Swedes Historic Site, featuring a historic church, burial ground, and the Hendrickson House.
Hendrickson House Museum
0.3 km
Explore Swedish colonial history at the Hendrickson House Museum, one of the oldest Swedish-American homes in the U.S.
Old Town Hall
1.1 km
Explore Wilmington's history at the Old Town Hall, a beautifully preserved Federal-style building that once served as the heart of the city's civic life.
Delaware History Museum and Mitchell Center for African American Heritage
1.1 km
Discover Delaware's stories at the History Museum & Mitchell Center: Explore exhibits, heritage, and the African American journey to freedom.
The Grand Opera House
1.2 km
Experience the grandeur of Wilmington's historic Grand Opera House, a premier performing arts venue with a rich history and diverse entertainment.
Delaware Historical Society and Research Library
1.2 km
Explore Delaware's past through extensive collections of documents, photographs, and artifacts at the Delaware Historical Society Research Library.
Tubman Garrett Riverfront Park
1.2 km
A scenic Wilmington park honoring Underground Railroad heroes Harriet Tubman and Thomas Garrett, offering reflection and community events.
Rodney Square
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Clifford Brown Listening Garden
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A peaceful Wilmington park honoring jazz legend Clifford Brown with music, art, and a tranquil atmosphere for all to enjoy.
Southbridge Wilmington Wetlands Park (West Entrance)
1.3 km
A revitalized wetland in Wilmington offering flood control, habitat restoration, and community recreation.
Brown-Burton Winchester Park
1.6 km
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River Walk
1.6 km
Explore Wilmington's scenic Riverwalk: a vibrant hub of attractions, dining, and natural beauty along the Christina River.
Constitution Yards
1.8 km
Wilmington's seasonal beer garden on the Riverfront: craft beers, American fare, live music, games, and axe throwing in a dog-friendly space.
Justison Landing Park
1.8 km
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Essential places to dine
Terra Cafe & Grill
1.1 km
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Bardea Steak
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Bardea Food & Drink
1.1 km
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Merchant Bar
1.2 km
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Green Box Kitchen
1.2 km
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The Quoin Restaurant
1.2 km
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La Fia Bistro
1.2 km
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Farmer & The Cow
1.2 km
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Wilma's
1.2 km
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Chelsea Tavern
1.2 km
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Lena’s and Ant'Bumpy's Eatery Soulfood
1.2 km
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Le Corridor
1.3 km
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Le Cavalier
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DECO Wilmington
1.4 km
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Urban Cafe
1.4 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Novelty Gifts Store
0.7 km
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essem JAC
1.1 km
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Katlego Boutique
1.1 km
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Cherne Altovise
1.2 km
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Huxley & Hiro Booksellers
1.2 km
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SNEAKER CITY
1.2 km
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Fndrskeeprs
1.2 km
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Panadiane's Expression Gifts
1.3 km
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CHRISSYS BRIDAL BOUTIQUE “& SKIP2 PHILLY STYLES SHOES “MOVING TO A NEW LOCATION ““
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Mecca Perfumes & Books Store
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mQueen of Sheeba Oasis
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bestshop4u.tc.llc
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Morgan's of Delaware
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LuxsOne
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
DARNELL'S CAS BAR
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The Knight's Bar
1.1 km
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Simmer Down
1.2 km
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The Nomad Bar
1.3 km
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Suite 4 Eleven
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Torbert Street Social
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Hak's Bar
2.3 km
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Sweet Daddy's Bar And Grill
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The Carriage House Bar + Lounge
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Trolley Tap House
3.1 km
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Hummingbird to Mars
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Catherine Rooney's
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Kelly's Logan House
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Crow Bar
3.2 km
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Comegy's Pub
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