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Wilmington River Walk: A Waterfront Renaissance

Explore Wilmington's revitalized River Walk: a scenic path blending history, nature, and entertainment along the Christina River. Open daily from dawn to dusk.

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The Wilmington River Walk, a scenic 1.3-mile path along the Christina River, offers a revitalized urban experience with access to attractions, dining, and natural beauty. Once an industrial area, it's now a vibrant hub for recreation and entertainment.

A brief summary to River Walk

  • Wilmington, Riverfront, Delaware, 19801, US
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Enjoy a relaxing stroll or bike ride along the well-maintained, 1.3-mile River Walk.
  • Visit the Hare Pavilion for a scenic rest or to attend a community event.
  • Explore nearby attractions like the Delaware Children's Museum and the Kalmar Nyckel Shipyard.
  • Take advantage of the River Taxi for a unique perspective of the Riverfront from the water.
  • Check the Riverfront Wilmington website for upcoming events, including concerts and festivals.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Wilmington Amtrak/SEPTA Station, head south on French Street towards the riverfront. Turn left onto Rosa Parks Drive, and walk east for two blocks. The River Walk begins at Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park. This is a free and direct way to access the River Walk from the train station.

  • Public Transport

    DART First State buses serve the Riverfront area. Check the DART website for the most up-to-date routes and schedules. Bus Route 32 makes several stops throughout the Riverfront Development. A single ride fare is $2.00.

  • Driving

    From I-95, take Exit 6 for Maryland Avenue. Follow the signs to the Riverfront, turning right onto Justison Street. Metered and hourly parking is available on Justison and Madison Streets. Free two-hour parking is available in the overflow lot across the Market Street Bridge, adjacent to Tubman-Garrett Park. The Riverfront Commuter Lot on Beech Street offers day parking for a fee. Metered parking costs approximately $1-2 per hour.

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Discover more about River Walk

The Wilmington River Walk, also known as the Christina River Walk, is a testament to urban renewal, transforming a once-dilapidated industrial area into a vibrant waterfront destination. This 1.3-mile path stretches along the Christina River, from Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park to the DuPont Environmental Education Center, offering a blend of recreation, entertainment, and natural beauty. Originally home to the Lenape tribe and later the site of the first Swedish settlement in North America, the riverfront has a rich history. The Christina River, named after Queen Christina of Sweden, played a vital role in the region's development, serving as a trade route and later an industrial center. In the mid-20th century, the area thrived with shipbuilding and manufacturing, but by the late 20th century, it faced decline. In 1995, the Riverfront Development Corporation of Delaware (RDC) was established to revitalize the area. Dilapidated warehouses were replaced with restaurants, shops, hotels, and the Chase Center, a regional conference facility. Vacant historic buildings were restored, and crumbling parking lots were transformed into parkland and gathering spaces. Today, the River Walk offers a variety of attractions and activities. Visitors can stroll along the path, enjoying views of the river and the city skyline. The Hare Pavilion, located midway along the River Walk, provides a resting spot and a venue for events. The River Walk also provides access to attractions such as the Delaware Children's Museum, the Delaware Sports Museum and Hall of Fame, and the Kalmar Nyckel Shipyard, home to a replica of the ship that brought Swedish settlers to the area. Nature enthusiasts can appreciate the more than 5,000 trees and shrubs, as well as the various grasses, flowers, and wetland plants that line the path. The River Walk is open daily from dawn to dusk, offering a scenic and engaging experience for residents and visitors alike.

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