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Fort Delaware State Park

Delaware City, Delaware

(302) 834-7941

Access to Fort Delaware is by ferry.

The fort is open weekends and holidays from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. It is also open Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from June 16 through September 6. Reservations are available up to 24 hours in advance; same-day tickets are also available at the ticket office without a reservation.

2010 Season Schedule

Download Fort Delaware's season schedule in .pdf format

Download park program guide.

Reserve your visit to Fort Delaware online or by calling 1-877-98-PARKS!
Reservations are available up to 24 hours in advance. If you do not have reservations, you may purchase tickets the day of your trip at the ferry office on a first-come, first-served basis.

Fort Delaware Highlights from park interpreter, Laura Lee.

Civil War Living History

Fort Delaware, the Union fortress dating back to 1859, once housed Confederate prisoners of war. It was originally built to protect the ports of Wilmington and Philadelphia.

Visitors take a ½ -mile ferry ride from Delaware City to Pea Patch Island. A jitney provides transport from the island dock to the granite and brick fortress. Here, costumed interpreters take you back to the summer of 1864.

Fill your day with hands-on history. Help the blacksmith hammer out new parts for a cannon or work with the laundress. Be on hand when the 8-inch Columbiad gun fires a live gunpowder charge! See a replica of Pea Patch Island as it appeared in 1864 and artifacts from the Island's past.

Make a day of it - there is a food concession stand on the island. And if you like, you can bring a picnic lunch to enjoy in our picnic area - tables and grills are provided.

Travel on to Fort Mott State Park in New Jersey, and visit Finn's Point National Cemetery, the final resting-place for 2,400 Confederate prisoners who died at Fort Delaware.

Please Note

Private boats are not permitted to dock at Pea Patch Island. Pets and alcoholic beverages are prohibited.

Natural Treasures

Pea Patch Island is a summer home to nine different species of herons, egrets, and ibis. The remote marshes provide an outstanding habitat for one of the largest wading bird nesting areas on the East Coast. A hiking trail and its observation platform provide opportunities for photography and nature study.

From river crossing to ramparts, Fort Delaware State Park promises an unforgettable experience each time you visit.