What is there to do at First State National Historical Park?

Popular activities include Biking, Citizen Science, Fishing, Fly Fishing, Food, Freshwater Fishing.

Which national parks are within a day's drive of First State National Historical Park?

Within about a day's drive you can reach Gloria Dei Church National Historic Site (47 min), Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site (50 min), Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial (51 min), Independence National Historical Park (51 min), Valley Forge National Historical Park (52 min), Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site (1 h 5 min).

Red, yellow, and green leaves lay on the grass in front of a colonial building.

NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK

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.

Photo: NPS Photo / NPS

DE · PA

states

things to do

parks within a day

OVERVIEW

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.

WITHIN A DAY'S DRIVE

Pair it with another park

6 in range

A color photo of the Gloria Dei Church steeple during a sunset in Philadelphia.

First State National Historical Park◆◆this park

National Historic Site · Pennsylvania

Gloria Dei Church National Historic Site

First State National Historical Park◆◆this park

National Historic Site · Pennsylvania

Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site

First State National Historical Park◆◆this park

National Memorial · Pennsylvania

Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial

First State National Historical Park◆◆this park

National Historical Park · Pennsylvania

Independence National Historical Park

First State National Historical Park◆◆this park

National Historical Park · Pennsylvania

Valley Forge National Historical Park

First State National Historical Park◆◆this park

National Historic Site · Pennsylvania

Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site

Driving times from First State National Historical Park, one way, via road — a realistic day is 8–10 hours behind the wheel.

WHEN TO GO

Hours

New Castle Court House Museum

Mon: Closed
Tue: Closed
Wed: 10:00AM - 3:30PM
Thu: 10:00AM - 3:30PM
Fri: 10:00AM - 3:30PM
Sat: 10:00AM - 3:30PM
Sun: 1:30PM - 4:00PM

Old Swedes Historic Site

Mon: Closed
Tue: Closed
Wed: Closed
Thu: 10:00AM - 3:00PM
Fri: 10:00AM - 3:00PM
Sat: 10:00AM - 3:00PM
Sun: Closed

Fort Christina

Mon: Closed
Tue: 10:00AM - 4:00PM
Wed: 10:00AM - 4:00PM
Thu: 10:00AM - 4:00PM
Fri: 10:00AM - 4:00PM
Sat: 10:00AM - 4:00PM
Sun: 10:00AM - 4:00PM

Brandywine Valley

Mon: Sunrise to Sunset
Tue: Sunrise to Sunset
Wed: Sunrise to Sunset
Thu: Sunrise to Sunset
Fri: Sunrise to Sunset
Sat: Sunrise to Sunset
Sun: Sunrise to Sunset

The Dover Green

Mon: Sunrise to Sunset
Tue: Sunrise to Sunset
Wed: Sunrise to Sunset
Thu: Sunrise to Sunset
Fri: Sunrise to Sunset
Sat: Sunrise to Sunset
Sun: Sunrise to Sunset

John Dickinson Plantation

Mon: Closed
Tue: 10:00AM - 4:00PM
Wed: 10:00AM - 4:00PM
Thu: 10:00AM - 4:00PM
Fri: 10:00AM - 4:00PM
Sat: 10:00AM - 4:00PM
Sun: Closed

THINGS TO DO

Activities

BikingCitizen ScienceFishingFly FishingFoodFreshwater FishingFront-Country HikingHands-OnHikingHorse TrekkingHorseback RidingJunior Ranger ProgramLiving HistoryMountain BikingPicnicking

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Getting there

For details and information, visit, http://www.nps.gov/frst/index.htm.

Directions →Official NPS page →

Frequently asked questions

What is there to do at First State National Historical Park?: Popular activities include Biking, Citizen Science, Fishing, Fly Fishing, Food, Freshwater Fishing.
Which national parks are within a day's drive of First State National Historical Park?: Within about a day's drive you can reach Gloria Dei Church National Historic Site (47 min), Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site (50 min), Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial (51 min), Independence National Historical Park (51 min), Valley Forge National Historical Park (52 min), Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site (1 h 5 min).