Fort Delaware State Park

If you're looking for Delaware attractions for history buffs, Fort Delaware State Park should be on your list. This state park is only accessible by ferry and is located on Pea Patch Island in the Delaware River. Attempts to defend the island began during the War of 1812, after which the land was purchased by the federal government and Fort Delaware was built in the 1850s. During the Civil War, the fort served as a Union prison camp, and it was briefly garrisoned during World Wars I and II before being designated surplus property in 1944.

Fort Delaware State Park offers an immersive experience thanks to costumed interpreters who transport visitors back to the summer of 1864. The guided tour includes stops at the barracks, the kitchen, the officers' quarters, the blacksmith shop, and the parade ground. Visit Fort Delaware in the fall when ghost tours are available for a more eerie experience.

The bird population at Fort Delaware State Park is an unexpected draw. During the summer, Pea Patch Island is home to nine different species of ibis, egrets, and herons. A hiking trail and observation platform provide birdwatchers with numerous opportunities to see these magnificent wading birds.

Google rating: 4.5/5.0

Location: New Castle, Delaware, United States

Phone: (302) 834-7941

Website: https://destateparks.com/History/FortDelaware