Check out all of the Delaware National Parks

There is one National Park Site in Delaware along with two affiliated sites. You can visit the First State National Historic Site along with sections of the Washington - Rochambeau National Historic Trail and Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail.

The park sites in Delaware are spread over the state. There is not one central visitor center to get everything so you will want to plan to time to truly explore the sites and learn more about the history of the United States and how Delaware was a part of becoming the first state.

Delaware also has 17 state parks including Brandywine Creek State Park and more places to camp and explore!

photo credit - Stock/Rabbit75

Delaware National Parks

Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail (Affiliated Site)

The Captain John Smith Chesapeake NHT is a 3,000-mile water route that crosses six states (Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, New York, Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia). You can enjoy getting out on the water and learning more about the route that Captain John Smith explored.

Between 1607 and 1609 Smith mapped and documented nearly 3,000 miles of the Chesapeake Bay and its rivers.

This trail was the first national water trail established in the United States.

First State National Historical Park

First State NHP is spread over seven sites in Delaware that tell the story of the first state. The seven sites currently do not have one central visitor center but have welcome centers and information at each site.

You can visit Beaver Valley, Fort Christina, Old Swedes Historic Site, New Castle Court House, The Green in Dover, John Dickinson Plantation and Ryves Holt House to truly experience this park.

The park was created as First State National Monument by President Barack Obama under the Antiquities Act on March 25, 2013, the park was later redesignated as First State National Historical Park by Congress.

Washington - Rochambeau National Historic Trail (Affiliated Site)

The Washington – Rochambeau NHT covers 680 miles across ten states. The trail offers the chance to explore the same routes the American and French soldiers took in 1781 and 1782 during the Revolutionary War.

Within Delaware, you can visit the Hale-Byrnes House where George Washington had a war council to discuss the defense of Philadelphia on September 1777.

List of National Parks in Delaware

First State National Historical Park (also Pennsylvania)

Affiliated Sites

Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail (VA, MD, DE, DC, PA, NY)
Washington - Rochambeau National Historic Trail (MA, RI, CT, NY, NJ, PA, DE, MD, VA, DC)

There is 1 National Park in Delaware along with 1 wild and scenic river managed by the National Park Service, 1 National Trail, 708 National Register of Historic Places Listings and 14 National Historic Landmarks.

National Parks found in Delaware also include 708 places recorded by the Heritage Documentation Program.

For an entire list of US National Parks head over to our list of US National Parks in Alphabetical Order. We also have a printable checklist of all 417 National Park properties in the United States available.

If you have dreamed of working in the National Parks make sure and check out our article on How to Become a Park Ranger. Working in the parks is one of the most amazing jobs you can find. There is just something special about waking up and knowing you are going to work in a beautiful park.