The 10 Best Nature & Parks in Wilmington, Delaware (DE)

January 15, 2022 Jeremy Dunfee

Wilmington, Delaware was first settled by the Swedish in 1638. Over time, the area has also been home to the Dutch, the British and the Quakers, a long diverse history that has left its mark on the surrounding area. Visit Fort Christina and experience what it was like to be one of the first colonists in Wilmington. The Delaware Art Museum, with a extensive collection of American art, celebrates the Brandywine School, a style of painting named for the nearby Brandywine Creek.
Restaurants in Wilmington

1. Can Do Playground

4401 Weldin Rd, Wilmington, DE 19803-4700 http://www.candoplayground.org/
Excellent
84%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 37 reviews

Can Do Playground

2. Nemours Estate

1600 Rockland Rd, Wilmington, DE 19803 +1 302-651-6912 [email protected] http://www.nemoursestate.org/
Excellent
77%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 673 reviews

Nemours Estate

Opening April 1st, 2021 Owned and developed by our founder, Alfred I. duPont (1864-1935), Nemours Estate comprises an exquisite 77-room Mansion, the largest formal French gardens in North America, a Chauffeur's Garage housing a collection of vintage automobiles used on the Estate, and nearly 200 acres of scenic woodlands, meadows and lawns.

Reviewed By rochelleforster - Randolph, United States

We had a few hours before our return home and stopped at this museum. Given the cold weather, we toured the house. It is worth taking a guided tour as we learned so many interesting facts about the family, their possessions and the history of the estate. The furnishings are intact to the time when the family lived here which makes it so neat. And Alfred DuPont was way ahead of his time in so many ideas he created for the house and the things he put into it, like a back up generator; controls in his bathroom to make sure tings were working properly; bottling his water, 2 tanks with 1 for back up and so on. Fascinating to hear the stories too.

3. One Love Park

Tatnall Street & 24th Street, Wilmington, DE 19802
Excellent
67%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
17%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 6 reviews

One Love Park

4. DuPont Environmental Education Center

1400 Delmarva Ln, Wilmington, DE 19801-5163 +1 302-656-1490 http://www.delawarenaturesociety.org
Excellent
61%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
5%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 44 reviews

DuPont Environmental Education Center

The DuPont Environmental Education Center is located at the 212-acre Russell W. Peterson Urban Wildlife Refuge in Wilmington, where the city, river and marsh meet. The center opened in 2009 and has quickly become a favorite family attraction, thanks to interactive exhibits, free admission and numerous free programs, such as daily nature walks. It is owned by the Riverfront Development Corp. of Delaware and operated by Delaware Nature Society.

5. Rockford Park & Tower

Wilmington, DE http://www.destateparks.com/park/wilmington/rockford-park/index.asp
Excellent
59%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 56 reviews

Rockford Park & Tower

Reviewed By kirinlenz - Naples, United States

As a Wilmington native, I know this park well. Large, unfenced area to bring your dogs to run, socialize or just roll in the grass. There is large shady tree at top of hill with bench for hot days. There are also picnic benches in shady area. Doggie poop bags provided right next to trash cans so PLEASE RESPECT RULES AND PICK UP AFTER YOUR PUP.???? Top of Rockford has new tennis courts and baseball fields. There are tours of towers that are rare. CONS:bathrooms frequently locked up. Many drivers speed through park roads even though there are speed bumps. Be mindful of off leash boundary area posts. Be careful and watch your dog closely as it can easily be hit by car since roads on both sides if park. $92 ticket if off leash out of the boundary and there are park rangers.

6. Russell W. Peterson Wildlife Refuge

1400 Delmarva Ln, Wilmington, DE 19801-5163 +1 302-656-1490 http://www.delawarenaturesociety.org/DuPontEnvironmentalEducationCenter
Excellent
61%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 56 reviews

Russell W. Peterson Wildlife Refuge

Reviewed By 145leonardh - Newark, United States

The Russell W. Peterson Urban Wildlife Refuge in Wilmington, Delaware is named after a former Governor of Delaware who gained international recognition as an environmentalist, scientist, activist and public servant. The refuge is one of the few urban wildlife areas in the country located on 212 acres on the Wilmington Riverfront.

7. Alapocas Run State Park

1914 W Park Dr, Wilmington, DE 19803-3652 +1 302-577-1164 http://www.destateparks.com/park/alapocas-run/index.asp
Excellent
59%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 46 reviews

Alapocas Run State Park

Reviewed By WilmBlueHen

trails are always in great shape & quickly cleared of any debris after storms; poop bags for dogs are always stocked at the kiosk; scenery in this corner of Delaware is beautiful with woods, streams, & the Brandywine River; car traffic on park road (West Park Drive) usually exceeds the speed limit through the park so park users have to be very careful when crossing that road from the Blue Ball Barn to the trails leading to the Alapocas Woods.

8. Brandywine Creek State Park

41 Adams Dam Road, Wilmington, DE 19807 +1 302-577-3534 http://www.destateparks.com/park/brandywine-creek/index.asp
Excellent
60%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 86 reviews

Brandywine Creek State Park

Reviewed By ald3114

I have both hiked the trails and tubed down the creek at Brandywine Creek State Park. Great and scenic trails. Actually saw more wildlife while tubing than hiking. Tubed from Brandywine River Museum of art to Thompson Bridge. There are warnings to not go past Thompson Bridge due to the dams. Some low parts of the creek had to be walked, but definitely relaxing and fun. There were also kayakers and canoes out as well. Small parking lot at Thompson bridge, get there early. Wear sunblock, bug spray, bring water, shades, a paddle for steering, a trash bag and water shoes.

3700 Limestone Rd, Wilmington, DE 19808-2007 +1 302-995-7670 http://nccde.org/425/Carousel-Park-Equestrian-Center
Excellent
67%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
0%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 21 reviews

Carousel Park & Equestrian Center

10. Bellevue State Park

800 Carr Rd, Wilmington, DE 19809-2163 +1 302-761-6963 http://www.destateparks.com/park/bellevue/index.asp
Excellent
70%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 93 reviews

Bellevue State Park

A Park For All Seasons Bellevue Hall mansion commands a grand view of this historic estate, and its present form reflects alterations made by William du Pont, Jr. Mr. du Pont surrounded his home with the finest facilities: tennis courts, equestrian stables, gardens, and a picturesque pond, amid woodlands and fields overlooking the Delaware River. The park was acquired by the State of Delaware in 1976. The Delaware Division of Parks and Recreation has retained the historic charm of Bellevue while providing many opportunities for recreation. Walking and jogging are popular activities at any time of the year. A 1-1/8 mile fitness track circles a catch-and-release fishing pond while the nearby exercise trail offers a refreshing workout. Hiking trails allow you to explore other parts of the estate. If you prefer cycling, both paved and unpaved paths lead you on a leisurely tour. A popular spot for picnics, weddings and get-togethers.

Reviewed By ShoreCollins1 - Wilmington, United States

This is right off of I-95 in Wilmington. The grounds are beautiful, truly left in their natural state. They have a huge track for walking /running, nature trails, facilities for boarding horses,changing of the trees during fall is amazing as it reflects in the pond, perfect for pictures. Hayrides. Bellevue Hall is great for weddings/parties, the backdrop is beautiful. If you want something country, Cauffiel House (off of Governor Printz Blvd.) is on a hill that looks down to the Delaware River. During the summer, concerts on the lawn at the bandshell, not a bad seat in the house, just bring your chairs and your favorite person for a night out under the stars to music. It helps if you have a State Park Pass otherwise their is a fee of $4.00 for residents, $8.00 for non. All and all just a beautiful way to reconnect with nature and clear your mind.

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.