Alapocas Run State Park: Wilmington's Natural and Historic Gem

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Explore nature, history, and recreation at Alapocas Run State Park in Wilmington, Delaware.

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Alapocas Run State Park

Alapocas Run State Park in Wilmington, Delaware, blends natural beauty with industrial history. Once part of William Bancroft's preserved lands and Alfred I. du Pont's Nemours estate, the park features woodlands, Brandywine Creek, and the historic Blue Ball Barn, offering a unique recreational and cultural experience.

A brief summary to Alapocas Run State Park

1914 W Park Dr, Wilmington, Delaware, 19803, US
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Monday 8 am-8 pm
Tuesday 8 am-8 pm
Wednesday 8 am-8 pm
Thursday 8 am-8 pm
Friday 8 am-8 pm
Saturday 8 am-8 pm
Sunday 8 am-8 pm

Local tips

Visit the Blue Ball Barn to explore the Delaware Folk Art Collection and learn about the area's agricultural history.
Hike or bike the Northern Delaware Greenway Trail, which offers scenic views and connects to other parks.
Bring children to the Can-Do Playground, designed to be accessible for kids of all abilities.
Obtain a permit to experience rock climbing on Delaware's only publicly accessible rock climbing wall.

Other nearby places you may find interesting

Nemours Estate

Discover the Serenity of Nemours Estate

Copeland Sculpture Garden

Discover Artistic Serenity at the Copeland Sculpture Garden

Delaware Art Museum

Delaware Art Museum: A Brandywine Valley Gem

Getting There

Driving

From I-95, take the Concord Pike/Route 202 exit. Head north on Concord Pike. Turn onto West Park Drive. Continue on West Park Drive to reach the park entrance. Parking is available in designated lots. Daily entrance fees are $4 for Delaware registered vehicles and $8 for non-Delaware registered vehicles, in effect from March 1 to November 30. Annual passes are available for $35 (DE residents) and $70 (non-DE residents).
Public Transport

The DART First State bus system provides access to Alapocas Run State Park. Check the DART website for the most up-to-date routes and schedules. From the bus stop, follow West Park Drive to the park entrance. A single bus fare is typically around $2 [N/A]. Exact fare may vary depending on the distance.
Walking

From the intersection of Concord Pike and West Park Drive, head east on West Park Drive. Follow West Park Drive to the park entrance. The walk is approximately 0.5 miles. Sidewalks are available along the route. Walking is free.

Discover more about Alapocas Run State Park

Alapocas Run State Park, a 359-acre oasis in Wilmington, Delaware, offers a blend of natural resources and rich history. Originally preserved by William Poole Bancroft in the early 1900s, the park expanded to include land from Alfred I. du Pont's Nemours estate. This park showcases mature woodlands and the scenic Brandywine Creek. Key attractions include the Blue Ball Barn, built in 1914 as a state-of-the-art dairy barn by Alfred I. du Pont. Today, the LEED-certified barn houses the Delaware Folk Art Collection and serves as an event venue. The Can-Do Playground, Delaware's first 'boundless playground', offers accessible play for children of all abilities. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy Delaware's only public rock climbing wall and the Northern Delaware Greenway Trail, part of the East Coast Greenway. This trail connects to other parks and offers scenic overlooks and insights into the area's industrial past. Visitors can explore the remains of a granite quarry, which operated from 1870 to 1938, and discover local landmarks built with its stone. The park also boasts North America's largest native fruit-bearing tree, the Paw-Paw. Alapocas Run State Park provides a diverse experience, combining recreation, history, and natural beauty in the heart of Wilmington.