First State National Historical Park

National reserve · New Castle

First State National Historical Park

National reserve · New Castle

211 Delaware St, New Castle, DE 19720

Highlights

Historic park with vintage cabins, river views & museum

211 Delaware St, New Castle, DE 19720 Get directions

nps.gov

@firststate_NPS

@cntraveler

The Best National Parks to Visit in Winter

"A bucket list item for many, the vintage cabins and restaurant at Phantom Ranch, a cottage-style 1920s lodge located at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, typically require a lottery just to snag a stay. In the winter season, however, cancellations are more frequent. (Editor's note: Due to repairs, Phantom Ranch campsites are operating at 50 percent occupancy, and the hiker dormitories and canteen will be closed until September 2022.) Avid backpackers can often nab last-minute permits to camp at the storied Bright Angel Campground as well, enjoying the sunny weather near the Colorado River (it's a shocking 20 degrees warmer than the rim). If you’re not looking to hike nearly 5,000 vertical feet down to the canyon’s floor, just take in the panoramic views from the park’s south rim, open year-round, on the family-friendly Rim Trail that spans from South Kaibab to the stone ruins at Hermits Rest." - Emily Pennington

https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/national-parks-that-are-even-better-in-winter

View Postcard for First State National Historical Park

Daniel Grove

Google

I stopped by on a Wednesday which isn’t a day many places are open. Because of this, I was able to get a personal tour of the Court House Museum. It was like walking back in time and I was waiting for them to come out for a court case. Not only was this the beginning of Delaware becoming an independent state, but was also important to the Underground Railroad. The guide was very knowledgeable and explained everything that happened in these walls. Plenty of exhibitions showing the history of the Court House and Delaware as a whole. It is part of the First State National Heritage Parks sites. Don't forget your Passport Stamps too.

Julie M

Google

Beautiful community! The business district features many of the original, but refurbished, buildings. Some have been made into museums, but many of the buildings are shops and restaurants. Be sure to walk through Battery Park along the Delaware River and visit the Nao Trinidad - the flagship of explorer Ferdinand Magellan. The walking tour is the best, and take time to stop in the Visitor's Center which is the old arsenal and tour the old Court House where there are stamps for the National Park passports.

Sophie

Google

Fantastic exhibit about the history of Delaware! Gift shop is very sparse so no patch to commemorate this stop on my trip.

Dennis Bagwell

Google

What a lovely little gem of a town next to the beautiful Delaware River. If you're a history nerd like me, you'll love it. If not, you'll still love it. William Penn landed here in the 1600's, a signer of the Declaration and the Constitution lived and died here. It's a beautiful, quaint, little historic river side town.

Moving on with Old man river

Google

This place is rather small but has a real friendly who was very helpfull. I got here too late to watch the movie. The gift shop is very small. There are pictures of the six different places the First state locations are. To find it on GPS you locate it right to the right side of the Couethouse musum. It is only open thursday thru sunday with limited hours. They closed at 4:30pm on a saturday

Mary G

Google

We really enjoyed our Friday 11am Tour with Wendy. She was so knowledgeable- she talked For over an hour and was engaging and interesting. We learned quite a bit about the brave abolitionists and about the history of Delaware state! Highly recommend- and it’s feee!!!!

CHAOSNCHECK T

Google

Great stop. We toured two buildings, the building that was eventually built to house the two assemblies and a smaller house. Very knowledgeable gentleman in the assembly building. Gave a very interesting presentation then turned us over to another guide who gave us a tour of the upper floor. At the smaller building, a young lady in clothing for the time gave a detailed talk about the challenges of the time; making clothes, laundry, etc. Good stop and definitely worth a second visit.

Noah May

Google

GREAT movie and of course the staff are fantastic! Loved learning a brief history of Delaware! Plan to spend at least 45 minutes there!

Daniel K.

Yelp

Substandard NPS site. Not very clear what objective of park is. Staff not very helpful. No site specific junior ranger. Relatively young park so maybe still a work in progress. I would pass on this park.