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Chambers House Nature Center: A Piedmont Valley Retreat

Explore nature and history at the Chambers House Nature Center in White Clay Creek State Park, Newark, Delaware.

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Nestled in White Clay Creek State Park, the Chambers House Nature Center offers a serene escape into nature. Explore exhibits, hike scenic trails, and discover local wildlife in a historic 19th-century farmhouse, once a family home and now a hub for environmental education and park programs.

A brief summary to Chambers House Nature Center

Local tips

  • Check the schedule for educational programs and events during your visit.
  • Bring binoculars for bird watching, especially near the bluebird cam.
  • Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on nature trails.
  • Visit in the early morning or late afternoon for the best wildlife sightings.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    If driving within White Clay Creek State Park, follow signs for the Chambers House Nature Center. From the main entrance, continue straight on Creek Road for about 1 mile. The Nature Center is located at 1475 Creek Rd, Newark, DE 19711. Parking is available on-site.

  • Public Transport

    To reach the Chambers House Nature Center via public transport, take a DART First State bus to Newark, DE. From the nearest bus stop in Newark, take a taxi or rideshare service to the Nature Center at 1475 Creek Rd. Taxi/rideshare fare will vary based on distance. A one-way bus fare is $2.00.

  • Walking

    If you are already within White Clay Creek State Park, follow the main trail towards the Chambers House Nature Center. The trails are well-maintained with signage available.

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Discover more about Chambers House Nature Center

The Chambers House Nature Center, situated within White Clay Creek State Park near Newark, Delaware, provides an immersive experience in the natural and cultural history of the Piedmont stream valley. Housed in a historic farmhouse estimated to have been built around 1820, the center serves as a gateway to the park's diverse ecosystems and rich heritage. The Chambers House itself has a fascinating history. Built by Joseph Chambers, the house was originally a two-to-three-story Penn Plan bank house made of fieldstone. For many years it was known as “Stairways” because of the multiple staircases throughout the original house and later addition. It remained in the Chambers family until 1841, later being repurchased by a descendant, Mary Chambers Folwell, in 1927 who operated a dairy farm there. In 1959, the property was acquired by E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Company, and later donated to the State of Delaware. In 1985, after renovations, it became the park office and nature center. Today, the Chambers House serves as the nature center and office for the park's programming staff. Visitors can explore exhibits about the park's natural resources, including turtles, frogs, and a bluebird cam. The center also offers a resource library with field guides and nature activity guides. Hike along the creek trail to enjoy views of the creek, wildlife, and geologic outcroppings. The Friends of White Clay Creek State Park staff the Nature Center on weekends from May through October, and on selected days in November. The park itself offers over 37 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and running, as well as fishing, disc golf, and picnic areas. In January 2025, it was announced that the Chambers House Nature Center will be replaced with a new center that focuses on education and recreation, with groundbreaking expected in late 2025 and an anticipated opening in spring 2027. The Chambers House will then transition into a historical exhibit, offering visitors a glimpse into 19th-century life.

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