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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!

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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.

A brief summary to Alapocas Run State Park

  • 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 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.
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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.

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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.

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