Parks around Wilmington

Take an unforgettable journey through the rolling hills of the genteel Brandywine Valley landscape and discover the lasting influence of the du Pont family dynasty. This journey is a true Delaware original. The byway leads to an unparalleled concentration of historic sites, magnificent estates, glorious gardens and mesmerizing museums.

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

Primarily a commercial navigation project, although the canal is also open to recreational boats, and public access is allowable along canal banks. There is a single boat launch facility maintained by the Corps, as well as six fishing piers along the canal banks. There is also a Canal Museum at Chesapeake City which provides visitors with a glimpse of the canal's early days.

Supawna Meadows National Wildlife Refuge is a part of the Cape May National Wildlife Refuge Complex in Cape May Court House, NJ. Supawna Meadows NWR is located along the Delaware River estuary just north of the Salem River in Salem County, NJ. The Delaware Bay and estuary is recognized as a wetlands of international importance and an international shorebird reserve. The refuge currently owns appr...

The John Heinz NWR at Tinicum is located in Philadelphia and Delaware Counties, Pennsylvania about 1 mile from Philadelphia International Airport. The refuge was established by an act of Congress in 1972 to protect the largest remaining freshwater tidal marsh in Pennsylvania; approximately 200 acres. When acquisition is complete, it will consist of 1200 acres of varied habitats. Over the years,...

Valley Forge was the site of the 1777-78 winter encampment of the Continental Army. The park commemorates the sacrifices and perseverance of the Revolutionary War generation and honors the ability of citizens to pull together and overcome adversity during extraordinary times.

Only the National Archives has a mandate to preserve and make available the records of what the Federal Government does--why, how, and with what consequences. Its mission is unique--to ensure ready access to the essential evidence that documents the rights of American citizens, the actions of Federal officials, and the national experience. The National Archives carries out this mission through a n...

Before Pennsylvania there was New Sweden. Discover this last historic link to a forgotten past. Visit the church's pastoral surroundings and its burial ground of patriots and ordinary citizens alike.

Visit the house where wounded Polish freedom fighter Thaddeus Kosciuszko lived and hear how this brilliant military engineer designed successful fortifications during the American Revolution. See the room where he received notable visitors such as Chief Little Turtle and Thomas Jefferson.

Independence Hall echoes these words. Nearby the old cracked Bell proclaims liberty. The spirit of Franklin is alive in his adopted city. Become part of America's journey in discovering its past.

The largest free-flowing river in the eastern United States, the Delaware River runs past forests, farmlands, and villages, and it also links some of the most densely populated regions in America. In 2000, the National Wild and Scenic River System incorporated key segments of the lower Delaware River to form this unit of the National Park System.

Twice this house sheltered George Washington. In October 1793, he found refuge during the deadly Yellow Fever epidemic in Philadelphia. The following summer, it was a welcome retreat from the heat of the capital city.

The River gradually widens as it picks up the waters of 17 tributaries on its way to Great Egg Harbor and the Atlantic Ocean. Established by Congress in 1992, nearly all of this 129-mile river system rests within the Pinelands National Reserve. This National Park Service unit is unusual in that local jurisdictions continue to administer the lands.

Described as horrifying, mystifying, and full of genius, Poe's writing has engaged readers all over the globe. The six years Poe lived in Philadelphia were his happiest and most productive. Yet Poe also struggled with bad luck, personal demons and his wife's tuberculosis. In Poe's humble home, reflect on the human spirit surmounting crushing obstacles, and celebrate Poe's astonishing creativity.

Hopewell Furnace showcases an early American industrial landscape from natural resource extraction to enlightened conservation. Operating from 1771-1883, Hopewell and other "iron plantations" laid the foundation for the transformation of the United States into an industrial giant. The park's 848 acres and historic structures illustrate the business, technology and lifestyle of our growing nation.

The Schuylkill River Heritage Area is the birthplace of the movements that shaped the nation, fueled its growth, and reclaimed its future. It was along the banks of this river and its tributaries that the American, Industrial, and Environmental Revolutions were born. Explore the stories, visit the places, and experience the region's vitality by visiting the Schuylkill River Heritage Area.

NARA's Mid Atlantic Region's - Northeast Philadelphia

Blue Marsh Lake is a 6,100 acre-project having a 1,150-acre lake. Facilities include a day use area with swim beach, bathhouse, food concession, picnic areas, volleyball courts, pavilions available for rental; visitor center; three boat launches; and a stilling basin. Trails include a 30-mile multi-purpose hiking/biking trail and three interpretive trails, one being ADA accessible. Activities incl...

The Delaware Reserve encompasses over 6,000 acres from the freshwater wetlands, ponds and forest lands of the Blackbird Creek Reserve to the salt marsh, mudflats, tidal creeks and open water habitats of the St Jones Reserve and Delaware Bay. The Delaware Bay provides habitat for many species of waterfowl, finfish, as well as clams, oysters and crabs. It has the second largest concentration of mig...

Since 1937, Bombay Hook has hosted hundreds of thousands of migrating ducks, geese, shorebirds, and neotropical songbirds, all following old traditions of natural history, the spring and fall migrations. Tired and hungry, they seek shelter at Bombay Hook and feast on marsh grasses, fish, and other important foods before continuing their flight. Bombay Hook is one of many refuges providing criti...

Enslaved African Americans, European indentured servants, industrial and agricultural workers, and owners. It is also the story of the economic and moral changes that made forced servitude in the United States obsolete.

Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge, a part of the Chesapeake Marshlands National Wildlife Refuge Complex, is a 2,286-acre island located at the confluence of the Chester River and the Chesapeake Bay. Established in 1962 as a sanctuary for migratory birds, Eastern Neck NWR provides natural habitat for over 240 bird species - including American bald eagles and transitory peregrine falcons - and ...

The Cape May National Wildlife Refuge is strategically located to conserve habitat for hundreds of thousands of migratory birds which pass through the area each year. As the New Jersey Coast and the Cape May Peninsula witness the loss of natural habitat, the refuge, in concert with various partners, is working to ensure that important habitats are preserved. These efforts will provide opportunit...

A trek along Charles Street is an all-inclusive way to experience the heart of Baltimore. It’s an adventure that captures 400 years of historic transformations, including the exciting urban renewal of the Inner Harbor and Charles Center that grew into a phenomenon and spread to cities around the world. Linking the Inner Harbor and its attractions to many of Baltimore’s world-renowned destinati...

by the dawn's early light, a large red, white and blue banner? Whose broad stripes and bright stars . . . were so gallantly streaming! over the star-shaped Fort McHenry during the Battle of Baltimore, September 13-14, 1814. The valiant defense of the fort inspired Francis Scott Key to write "The Star-Spangled Banner."