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Delaware
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Delaware State Parks

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Delaware
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Fort DuPont State Park
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Fort DuPont State Park Sub adult Bald Eagle © Christopher Walker James
Fort DuPont State Park © Christopher Walker James
Fort DuPont State Park © Christopher Walker James
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FORT DUPONT STATE PARK
FORT DUPONT STATE PARK
P.O. Box 170
Delaware City, Delaware   19706

Phone: 302-834-7941
Email: park email button icon
While you are in the Delaware City area, take the time to visit nearby Fort DuPont State Park. Named for Rear Admiral Samuel Francis du Pont, the Fort was actively used as a military base from the Civil War through World War II. Following World War II, the Fort was turned over to the State of Delaware and has been used for various purposes, including the Governor Bacon Health Center. Portions of the land were dedicated as a State Park in 1992.

Fort DuPont is located just south of Delaware City off Route 9. The park features 322 acres along the scenic Delaware River and the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal. Open year-round, the park provides opportunities for passive recreation including picnicking, fishing, and hiking. A self-guided trail is available for visitors to explore the site's rich historic past. For those interested in more active recreation, the park provides both tennis and basketball courts.
History of the Area
Fort DuPont, located in Delaware City, has a rich history dating back to the late 18th century. It was initially established as an American defense site during the Spanish-American War and World Wars I & II. The fort is named after Rear Admiral Samuel Francis du Pont for his distinguished naval career.

After its military use ended post-WWII, it transitioned into various roles including housing veterans returning from war and serving as a state-run mental health facility until 1998.

In 1992, Fort DuPont was designated by Delaware's General Assembly as part of First State National Historical Park due to its historical significance. Today it serves recreational purposes offering hiking trails while preserving several historic structures like officers' quarters.



Trails
- Fort DuPont Loop Trail: This is a 1.8-mile loop trail that offers scenic views of the Delaware River and historic structures, suitable for all skill levels.

- Parade Grounds Pathway: A flat, paved pathway circling around the park's parade grounds; it covers approximately half a mile in length.

- Officer's Row Walk: An easy walk along Officers' Row houses with historical significance; this short route spans about one-third of a mile.

- Battery Park Connector Trail: Links to nearby New Castle via an off-road multi-use path which stretches over two miles long from end-to-end.

- Port Penn Interpretive Center Route : It extends up to three-quarters of a mile leading towards marshlands and wildlife viewing areas near Port Penn area.

- Sea Wall Walking Path : Approximately quarter-mile-long sea wall provides panoramic riverfront vistas ideal for birdwatching or simply enjoying nature at its best.

- Governor Bacon Health Center Trails : These trails wind through woodlands within hospital property on-site covering roughly 2 miles altogether offering tranquil forested scenery.

- Branch Canal Towpath Hike : Historic towpath alongside old canal branch stretching just under half-a-miles providing glimpses into past maritime activities related to fort operations.


Area Attractions
Port Penn Interpretive Center

See what life was like on the Delaware River in a different era. The Port Penn Interpretive Center is open Saturdays, and Sundays from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., from May 3 through September 28.

The Port Penn Interpretive Center is located on Route 9 about four miles south of Delaware City. The Center offers displays and programs which explain the folk life of the historic wetland communities along the shores of the Delaware. Self-guided walking tours are available featuring the historic homes of Port Penn, as well as the scenic marshlands surrounding the town.

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Directions
Directions from Wilmington, Delaware:

- Start on I-95 S.
- Take exit 5A for DE -141 S towards New Castle.
- Merge onto Basin Rd/DE -141S.

From Newark, Delaware:

- Begin at E Main St and head eastwards to Library Ave/S College Ave.
- - Turn right onto US - 13 N/N Dupont Hwy
- - Continue straight until you reach the park

From Dover, Delaware:

- Head north on Bay Road (US Route 113).
- Follow signs for Smyrna/Wilmington; merge with U.S. Route1 Northbound.
- Exit toward State Highway92/Delaware City/St Georges.

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Delaware
113

Delaware State Parks

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