First State National Historical Park

DE,PA

Plan Your Visit NPS.gov

A view of the front of the John Dickinson House on the Plantation.

A brick bath leads to a door of an old church surrounded by vegetation.

Pews line the side of the room leading to the English style court room.

Rolling agricultural hills on a bright sunny day.

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About First State National Historical Park

Famous as the First State to ratify the Constitution, Delaware was born out of a conflict among three world powers for dominance of the Delaware Valley. From this beginning, the region developed a distinct character that tolerated diversity in religion and national origin and valued independence.

Available Activities

Biking

Mountain Biking

Fishing

Freshwater Fishing

Fly Fishing

Food

Picnicking

Hands-On

Citizen Science

Hiking

Front-Country Hiking

Horse Trekking

Horseback Riding

Living History

Junior Ranger Program

Weather

For details and information, visit, http://www.nps.gov/frst/index.

htm.

Getting There

First State National Historical Park is made up of six individual sites throughout Delaware and southeastern Pennsylvania that explore early settlement through the ratification of the US Constitution. Please visit the individual pages for directions or hours of operation.

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Hours

New Castle Court House Museum

The New Castle Court House Museum is open Wednesday - Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and Sunday 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Tours are available at 10:00 a.m., 11:00a.m., 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. During tours, visitors are welcome to check out the waiting area to pick up information, ask questions, or get their passport stamped. The New Castle Court House Museum is closed on Tuesdays.

Old Swedes Historic Site

Old Swedes Historic Site is open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays 10:00am to 3:00pm. Tours are available by reservation and have a small fee: Adult $12, Student (6-15) $7, under 6 free and members free. Self-Guided Cemetery Tour, $5. Old Swedes Historic Site is a partner organization to the National Park Service and does not receive NPS funds. As such, they cannot honor National Parks Annual Passes. You can book your tour by visiting their website.

Fort Christina

The park is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day, Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The last guided tour begins at 3:00 p.m. After Labor Day, the park is open on Saturdays and Sundays through October, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Visits by appointment are available during closed hours throughout the fall, winter, and spring, depending on staff availability. To schedule an appointment or ask questions, please call 302-429-7447.

Brandywine Valley

The Brandywine Valley is open sunrise to sunset and is free to access. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, on weekends and holidays,a larger field lot on the corner of Brandywine Creek Rd. and Ramsey Rd. is open to accommodate visitor parking.

The Dover Green

The Dover Green is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Cancellation stamps are available at the Old State House. Guided walking tours begin at the John Bell House (43 The Green) Thursday through Saturday at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Tours are $6.50 per person, and children ages 8 and under may join for free. On the first Saturday of every month, guided walking tours are offered at no cost.

John Dickinson Plantation

Tuesdays: OUTDOOR VISITATION ONLY. Grounds open 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Wednesdays: Visitor center and grounds open 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays: Visitor center and grounds open 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Guided tours of the mansion at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Closed Monday and Sunday. Hours are subject to change. For more information, call 302-739-3277.