Copeland Sculpture Garden
Discover Artistic Serenity at the Copeland Sculpture Garden
Alapocas Run State Park: Wilmington's Natural Escape
Explore nature, history, and recreation at Alapocas Run State Park in Wilmington, Delaware. Hiking, art, rock climbing, and more await!
Alapocas Run State Park in Wilmington, Delaware, offers a blend of natural beauty and historical significance. With mature woodlands, the Brandywine River, and remnants of industry, the park features hiking trails, a rock climbing wall, the Blue Ball Barn (home to the Delaware Folk Art Collection), and accessible playgrounds.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Alapocas Run State Park
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
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
Other nearby places you may find interesting
Explore places near Alapocas Run State Park
Getting There
Driving
Alapocas Run State Park is located off I-95 at RT 202 Concord Pike near the intersection of Foulk and Weldin Roads in north Wilmington. From I-95, take exit 8 for RT 202 North. Follow signs for DE-141 S. Turn left onto DE-141 S (Foulk Rd). Turn left at the 1st cross street onto W Park Dr. Parking is available at the top of the hill. Parking fees are in effect from March 1 through November 30: $4 for DE registered vehicles, $8 for out-of-state vehicles. Annual passes are available.
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 bus schedules and routes. From the bus stop, follow W Park Dr to the park entrance. A one-way bus fare is $2.
Walking
From the intersection of US-202 & Powder Mill Rd, head east on Murphy Rd. Turn right onto Bedford Rd. Turn right onto DE-161/Foulk Rd south. Turn left onto Weldin Rd. Turn right and then left in the parking lot. Follow the pathways to the park's attractions. Note that some trails may involve moderate inclines.
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 connects to other parks and offers scenic overlooks.
✓
Bring children to the Can-Do Playground, designed to be accessible for kids of all abilities.
✓
Check the park's event calendar for Folk Art Fridays at the Blue Ball Barn and other activities.
Discover more about Alapocas Run State Park
Alapocas Run State Park, a lush 359-acre retreat in the heart of Wilmington, Delaware, combines natural resources with a rich industrial and cultural history. Originally preserved in the early 1900s by William Poole Bancroft, the park features mature woodlands, scenic pathways, and rocky cliffs.
Visitors can explore the park's unique attractions, including the Blue Ball Barn, a historic dairy barn built in 1914 by Alfred I. du Pont. The barn now houses the Delaware Folk Art Collection and serves as an event space. The Can-Do Playground offers a play area for children of all abilities, and Delaware's only public rock climbing wall provides a thrilling experience.
The park's extensive trail system connects to the Northern Delaware Greenway, offering opportunities for hiking and biking through fields and forests. The trails also showcase remnants of a granite quarry that operated from 1870 to 1938, with its stone used for local landmarks. Alapocas Run State Park provides a serene escape with a blend of nature, history, and recreation.
A brief summary to Alapocas Run State Park
Use Tower Bridge as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
Get the app
Your all‑in‑one travel companion app
Explore expert travel guides, compare and book tours, experiences, hotels, and more—all from the palm of your hand. Download now for seamless trip planning wherever your wanderlust takes you.
More about Wilmington
Discover Wilmington, Delaware: A city rich in history, vibrant arts, and natural beauty, offering a perfect blend of cultural and outdoor experiences.
Tell me more about Wilmington