First State Heritage Park
Walk the heart of the First State's capital — a free cluster of historic sites around Dover's 1683 town green.
The Quick Version
- • A free 'park without boundaries' linking Dover's historic capital sites around The Green — the Old State House, Legislative Hall, the Biggs art museum, the Public Archives, and more.
- • Everything is free to enter; the first Saturday of each month has special thematic programs, plus seasonal lantern-lit tours.
- • Start at the Welcome Center (121 MLK Blvd N); The Green is open daily, but the indoor sites keep limited hours — check before you go.
- • About 75 minutes from Wilmington; a history-rich, walkable half-day in the state capital.
Best Ages
All ages
Plan For
Half-day
Admission
Free
What to Expect
First State Heritage Park is Delaware's first urban state park — a "park without boundaries" that ties together a cluster of historic and cultural sites in Dover, the state capital, around The Green, the town common laid out in 1683. Established in 2004, it's a partnership of state sites you visit on foot, and almost all of it is free.
The anchor is the Old State House (opened 1791), Delaware's capitol until 1932. Nearby are Legislative Hall (the working state capitol, with free guided tours), the Biggs Museum of American Art, the Delaware Public Archives, the John Bell House on The Green, and the Johnson Victrola Museum, which celebrates Delaware-born Eldridge Johnson and the early phonograph. Start at the Welcome Center for maps and to time the free tours.
For families it's a walkable, history-rich outing — elementary-age kids and up get the most from the buildings and exhibits, while little ones can run on The Green. Set expectations: the indoor sites keep limited hours, so check before you go, and First Saturdays add the best programming. About 75 minutes from Wilmington.
Who It's Best For
Elementary-age kids and up get the most from the buildings and exhibits. Little ones can run on The Green, and a few sites (like the Victrola Museum's sounds) hold their attention. It's a walking-and-history outing, so pace it and pick a few sites rather than all of them.
Highlights
The Old State House
Ages 6+Delaware's 1791 capitol on The Green, the state's seat of government until 1932 — free tours of the historic chambers.
Legislative Hall
Ages 8+The working state capitol — Dover is the capital — with free guided tours of where Delaware's laws are made.
Biggs Museum of American Art
All agesA free art museum with approachable galleries — an easy indoor stop in the cluster.
Johnson Victrola Museum
All agesEarly phonographs and the story of Delaware's own Eldridge Johnson — the 'His Master's Voice' Victrola company. Sounds and machines kids actually like.
The Green
All agesThe 1683 town common — open lawn to roam and reset between the historic buildings.
What to Skip with Little Ones
- • Trying to tour every building with toddlers — pick the Old State House, The Green, and one museum.
- • Showing up midweek expecting everything open — hours are limited and vary by site.
- • Not checking First Saturday vs. a regular day — the programming differs a lot.
Logistics
Admission
Free admission
Free admission to all park sites. Optional guided walking tours of The Green are $6.50/person (age 8+); Legislative Hall guided tours are free. Check each site's days and hours before you go.
Getting There
Parking
Free lot at the Welcome Center (121 MLK Blvd N), plus street parking near The Green.
Start at the Welcome Center to park free and get oriented.
Entrance
Begin at the First State Heritage Park Welcome Center (121 MLK Blvd N) for maps and tour times.
Parent Logistics
The Green and the sidewalks are stroller-easy; the historic buildings have stairs.
Restrooms at the Welcome Center and the sites.
Not confirmed — plan ahead.
The Green is tree-shaded; bring sun cover for the open stretches between sites.
Food & Snacks
No food on-site. No food at the sites, but downtown Dover (Loockerman Street) has cafes and restaurants a short walk from The Green.
Snack strategy: Grab lunch on Loockerman Street in downtown Dover, a couple of blocks away.
Pro Tips
- ✓ Start at the Welcome Center (121 MLK Blvd N) to park free, grab a map, and time the free tours.
- ✓ Come on a First Saturday for the best family programming, or a seasonal lantern-lit evening tour.
- ✓ Legislative Hall tours are free — a neat look at a working state capitol.
- ✓ Pair it with the Air Mobility Command Museum for a full, mostly-free Dover day.
When to Go
Best Time to Visit
First Saturdays bring the best family programming. The Green is open daily; indoor sites vary (Welcome Center Mon–Fri, John Bell House Thu–Sat, Legislative Hall tours reduced to Thu/Fri in winter). Watch for seasonal lantern-lit evening tours.
Seasonal Notes
The Green and outdoor areas are open daily sunrise to sunset; the indoor sites keep limited and seasonal hours. First Saturday of each month features thematic programs, with seasonal lantern-lit tours offered.
Rainy Day?
A good rainy-day option — the Old State House, Biggs Museum, Victrola Museum, and Archives are all indoors; just confirm each site's hours.
While You're in the Area
The Air Mobility Command Museum is about 15 minutes away; downtown Dover (Loockerman Street) for food; Killens Pond State Park about 20 minutes south.