First State National Historical Park
Trailie
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First State at a glance
- Best time
- March–May, October–November
- Trip length
- 1–2 days
- Don't miss
- Main First State highlights — see Things to Do for current listings
- Nearby city
- New Castle, DE
Explore this park
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.
Weather Information
For details and information, visit,
Operating 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.
- MondayClosed
- TuesdayClosed
- Wednesday10:00AM - 3:30PM
- Thursday10:00AM - 3:30PM
- Friday10:00AM - 3:30PM
- Saturday10:00AM - 3:30PM
- Sunday1:30PM - 4:00PM
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.
- MondayClosed
- TuesdayClosed
- WednesdayClosed
- Thursday10:00AM - 3:00PM
- Friday10:00AM - 3:00PM
- Saturday10:00AM - 3:00PM
- SundayClosed
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.
- MondayClosed
- Tuesday10:00AM - 4:00PM
- Wednesday10:00AM - 4:00PM
- Thursday10:00AM - 4:00PM
- Friday10:00AM - 4:00PM
- Saturday10:00AM - 4:00PM
- Sunday10:00AM - 4:00PM
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.
- MondaySunrise to Sunset
- TuesdaySunrise to Sunset
- WednesdaySunrise to Sunset
- ThursdaySunrise to Sunset
- FridaySunrise to Sunset
- SaturdaySunrise to Sunset
- SundaySunrise to Sunset
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.
- MondaySunrise to Sunset
- TuesdaySunrise to Sunset
- WednesdaySunrise to Sunset
- ThursdaySunrise to Sunset
- FridaySunrise to Sunset
- SaturdaySunrise to Sunset
- SundaySunrise to Sunset
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.
- MondayClosed
- Tuesday10:00AM - 4:00PM
- Wednesday10:00AM - 4:00PM
- Thursday10:00AM - 4:00PM
- Friday10:00AM - 4:00PM
- Saturday10:00AM - 4:00PM
- SundayClosed
Common questions
Planning First State National Historical Park
The summary above covers timing and highlights. These go deeper on reservations, crowds, and logistics — check Permits for live updates.
TrailVerse lists 5 reservation types on the Permits tab, including Thomas Edison National Historical Park Tours and Lava River Cave Timed Reservation Tickets — covering timed entry and activity permits. Recreation.gov listings can change seasonally — confirm current rules before you set dates.
