Fort Delaware State Park
A Civil War island fortress reached only by ferry — cannon firings, living history, and a heron rookery, a short boat ride from Delaware City.
45 Clinton St, Delaware City, DE 19706
Hours
9 AM – 4 PM
Show the week Hide the week
| Sat | 9 AM – 4 PM |
|---|---|
| Sun | 9 AM – 4 PM |
| Mon | Closed |
| Tue | Closed |
| Wed | Closed |
| Thu | Closed |
| Fri | Closed |
Last checked 2026-08-23
- Cost
- $15 (ages 13+) adult · $14 (ages 2–12) child
- Best for
- Ages 5+ (younger kids enjoy the ferry & birds)
- Indoor / outdoor
- Indoor & outdoor
- Typical visit
- Half-day (3–4 hours including the ferry)
Boat ride out, costumed interpreters and a cannon firing on the ramparts; a fixed-season outing you plan around the ferry.
The Quick Version
- • A Civil War-era fortress on Pea Patch Island, reached only by a seasonal passenger ferry from Delaware City — the boat ride is half the adventure.
- • The fort held about 33,000 Confederate prisoners; today there's living history, cannon firings, and one of the East Coast's biggest heron rookeries on the island.
- • Seasonal (roughly late April–September, Wed–Sun); ferry + fort combo ticket (adults $12, kids 2–12 $7). Annual state-park passes are NOT accepted here.
- • Plan a half-day; best for elementary-age and up, though little ones love the ferry and the birds.
Best Ages
Ages 5+ (younger kids enjoy the ferry & birds)
Plan For
Half-day (3–4 hours including the ferry)
Adults
$15 (ages 13+)
Kids
$14 (ages 2–12)
What to Expect
Fort Delaware is a granite-and-brick fortress on Pea Patch Island in the Delaware River, built mainly between 1848 and 1860. During the Civil War it became one of the Union's largest prisoner-of-war camps — by August 1863 it held over 11,000 men, and roughly 33,000 Confederate soldiers and others passed through by war's end; about 2,500 died on the island.
Today you reach it only by a seasonal passenger ferry from Delaware City, then a short jitney to the fort — so the trip itself is an adventure. Inside, costumed interpreters run living-history programs and demonstrations, including cannon firings. The island is also a natural treasure: it hosts the largest heron and wading-bird nesting colony north of Florida, so expect to see egrets and herons.
Set expectations: this is a half-day outing with a boat ride, walking, stairs, and a lot of history — a hit with elementary-age kids and up, while toddlers get the most out of the ferry, the open grounds, and the birds. Watch the weather: storms, fog, and high winds can cancel ferry crossings.
Who It's Best For
The Civil War history, exploring the fort, and the cannon firings land best with elementary-age kids and up. Toddlers and preschoolers enjoy the ferry ride, the open grounds, and spotting herons — but the fort has stairs and uneven historic footing, so it's not built for the stroller set.
Highlights
The ferry to Pea Patch Island
All agesThe only way in is by boat, then a jitney to the fort — for most kids the ride is half the fun.
Living history & cannon firings
Ages 5+Costumed interpreters run demonstrations and tours, including firing the fort's big guns. Loud, memorable, and the heart of the visit.
Exploring the Civil War fort
Ages 6+Ramparts, cells, and the POW-camp story make the history tangible — bring it to life for kids who like soldiers and forts.
The heron rookery
All agesPea Patch Island hosts the largest heron and wading-bird nesting colony north of Florida. Bring binoculars to spot egrets and herons.
What to Skip with Little Ones
- • Strollers — between the ferry, the jitney, and historic stairs, a carrier is far easier.
- • A tight schedule — ferries run on set times and weather can cancel crossings.
- • Expecting shade or a snack bar — pack water, food, hats, and sunscreen.
Logistics
Admission
Adults
$15 (ages 13+)
Kids
$14 (ages 2–12)
Under
Under 2 free
It's a combined ferry + fort ticket: $15 adults (13+), $14 children (2–12) and seniors (62+); military discounted. Buy advance tickets online or same-day first-come at the Clinton Street ticket office (a $5 cancellation fee applies 7+ days out). Note: annual Delaware State Park passes are NOT accepted for Fort Delaware, and a standard state-park vehicle fee applies just to reach the ferry dock.
Membership tip: Heads up — unlike other Delaware state parks, the annual pass doesn't cover Fort Delaware; you pay the ferry+fort ticket regardless.
Getting There
Parking
Park at the ticket office and ferry dock, 45 Clinton Street in Delaware City. A standard state-park vehicle fee applies to reach the ferry.
Arrive early — ferries run on a set schedule and the last boat out is mid-afternoon. Weather can cancel crossings, so check before driving down.
Entrance
Check in at the Clinton Street ticket office, ride the ferry to Pea Patch Island, then take a short jitney to the fort.
Parent Logistics
Not stroller-friendly — there's a ferry, a jitney, and a historic fort with stairs and uneven surfaces. A baby carrier is far easier than a stroller.
Restrooms at the dock and on the island.
Not confirmed — plan ahead.
Limited — the fort and island are largely exposed, so bring hats, sunscreen, and water.
Food & Snacks
No food on-site. Limited refreshments may be available on the island — don't count on it. Bring your own water and snacks; Delaware City has restaurants near the dock.
Snack strategy: Pack water and snacks for a half-day in the open. Eat in Delaware City by the dock before or after.
Pro Tips
- ✓ Buy ferry tickets in advance online and aim for an early crossing — the last boat out is mid-afternoon.
- ✓ Check the weather; storms, fog, and high winds cancel the ferry.
- ✓ Time it for a September reenactment weekend for the fullest living-history experience.
- ✓ Bring binoculars for the herons and egrets, and real sun protection — the island is exposed.
- ✓ Your Delaware State Parks annual pass doesn't cover Fort Delaware; you'll still pay the ferry + fort ticket.
When to Go
Best Time to Visit
Summer Wednesday–Sunday for the full experience; September weekends bring reenactments; October Friday/Saturday evenings run paranormal programs (older kids and teens). Always check the ferry schedule and the weather.
Seasonal Notes
Open roughly late April through late September, Wednesday–Sunday and holidays (closed Mon–Tue), 9:30 AM–4:30 PM (last ferry out). September weekends feature reenactments; October brings Friday/Saturday-evening paranormal programs. Closed the rest of the year, and crossings can be canceled by storms, fog, or high winds.
Rainy Day?
Weather-dependent and largely exposed — not a rainy-day option, and crossings can be canceled outright.
While You're in the Area
Delaware City's riverfront and restaurants are right by the dock. The same ferry service connects to Fort Mott across the river in New Jersey for fort-hoppers.
Upcoming Events
Know when something good is on near Fort Delaware State Park
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