FIRE BAN: In response to extremely dry conditions throughout the State, the Delaware State Fire Marshal's office has ordered a Burning Ban beginning October 15, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. for all outdoor burning.
Fort Delaware, the Union fortress dating back to 1859, once housed Confederate prisoners of war. It was originally built to protect the ports of Wilmington and Philadelphia. Visitors take a half-mile ferry ride from Delaware City to Pea Patch Island. A tram provides transport from the island dock to the granite and brick fortress. Here, costumed reenactors take you back to the summer of 1864. Fill your day with hands-on history. See the 8-inch Columbiad cannon fire a live gunpowder charge! See a replica of Pea Patch Island as it appeared in 1864 and artifacts from the Island's past. Park merchandise, light snacks , and drinks are available at the Delaware City ticket shop as well as in the Sutler Shop located on Pea Patch Island. If you like, you can bring a picnic lunch to enjoy in our picnic area - tables and grills are provided. Don't forget sunscreen & bug-spray. Please wear comfortable shoes (no open-toed shoes) and dress for the weather. Be prepared to walk at least 1/3 mile.
The ferry runs approximately every 30 minutes.
Individuals with physical limitations: the ferry is handicapped accessible. Our tram has a power lift for wheelchair accessibility. Anyone who may have trouble walking from the ferry dock to the tram pick-up site, approximately a 100 yard walk, should let the ferry captain know when they get on the ferry and arrangements will be made for a ride down the dock. The first floor of the fort is moderately accessible. Some visitors may have trouble negotiating the un-even stone sidewalks.
2024 Season Schedule
Saturday & Sunday only: April 27 - June 9
Wednesday - Sunday: June 12 - September 2
Saturday & Sunday only: September 7 - September 29
Holidays: Memorial Day Monday, May 27; Juneteenth Day, Wednesday June 19; Independence Day, Thursday July 4; and Labor Day, Monday September 2
Ticket Office Hours 9:30am-5:00pm
Buy your tickets in advance by calling 1-877-987-2757 or online at destateparks.com Hours of Operation Friday, Saturday, Sunday and designated Holidays: 10:00am - 4:30pm
Paranormal and other special program times vary.
Last ferry tickets are sold at 2:50 pm, no later.
Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Prices: Adult: $12.00, Military: $11.00, Senior: $11.00, Children - 2 - 12 years: $7.00, Children - under 2 years: $0.00
Prices: Adult: $12.00, Military: $11.00, Senior: $11.00, Children - 2 - 12 years: $7.00, Children - under 2 years: $0.00
Fort Delaware, the Union fortress dating back to 1859, once housed Confederate prisoners of war. It was originally built to protect the ports of Wilmington and Philadelphia. Visitors take a half-mile ferry ride from Fort Mott, NJ to Pea Patch Island. A tram provides transport from the island dock to the granite and brick fortress. Here, costumed reenactors take you back to the summer of 1864. Fill your day with hands-on history. See the 8-inch Columbiad cannon fire a live gunpowder charge! See a replica of Pea Patch Island as it appeared in 1864 and artifacts from the Island's past. Visitors may travel to Delaware City, DE as well, but will need to plan the timing of the trip. The last ferry bound for NJ leaves Delaware City @3pm. Light snacks and drinks may be purchased in the Fort gift Shop. If you like, you can bring a picnic lunch to enjoy in our picnic area - tables and grills are provided. Don't forget sunscreen & bug-spray. Please wear comfortable shoes (no open-toed shoes) and dress for the weather. Be prepared to walk up to 1/3 of a mile.
The ferry departs at 9:30 am and 1:00 pm with return trips back to NJ at 12:30 pm and 3:30 pm.
Individuals with physical limitations: the ferry is handicapped accessible. Our tram has a power lift for wheelchair accessibility. Anyone who may have trouble walking from the ferry dock to the tram pick-up site, approximately a 100 yard walk, should let the ferry captain know when they get on the ferry and arrangements will be made for a ride down the dock. The first floor of the fort is moderately accessible. Some visitors may have trouble negotiating the un-even stone sidewalks.
2024 Season Schedule
Saturday & Sunday only: April 27 - June 9
Wednesday - Sunday: June 12 - September 2
Saturday & Sunday only: September 7 - September 29
Holidays: Memorial Day Monday, May 27; Juneteenth Day, Wednesday June 19; Independence Day, Thursday July 4; and Labor Day, Monday September 2
Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Prices: Adult: $12.00, Military: $11.00, Senior: $11.00, Children - 2 - 12 years: $7.00, Children - under 2 years: $0.00
Come celebrate Delaware City Day with a fireworks cruise on the river! This event marks our 1st Annual Delaware City Day Fireworks River Cruise. Join us on the ferry to take in the exciting views of the celebratory fireworks from the water rather than the shore. Registration is required, and tickets are $30 per person. Limited availability!
Join the Diamond State Ghost Investigators and park staff for an extended five-hour (including boat travel time) paranormal investigation. Participants will have an opportunity to participate in paranormal investigations of the historic fort. A concession area will include snacks and beverages, as well as t-shirt and commemorative sale items. Areas to be investigated may include the mess hall, officer's kitchen, ordnance room area, officer's quarters, and west end of Endicott section of fort. The evening starts with an introduction, where participants will be split into teams of approximately 7 each. Each team will then be led by an investigator to the various areas of investigation. At each area an investigator will be present with EMFs, data recorders, and temperature sensors. Participants are welcome to bring portable equipment also as long as it is easily transported by the individual.
Additional Information:
This program is offered by reservation only. All departures are from Delaware City.
This is a rain or shine program. You will have the option of receiving a refund if your trip is cancelled by the park. The park will cancel programs if they determine the weather or river conditions are unsafe. In the event of inclement weather you will be contacted in advance if it is necessary to cancel. Please provide a cell phone number so that you can be contacted in the event of inclement weather.
Smoking is not permitted on the island during the evening programs. Alcohol and pets are not permitted on the island. Participants are not permitted to wander from the assigned group during the evening.
Ticket pick up: please plan to check in 1/2 hour prior to scheduled trip.
Individuals with physical limitations: the ferry is handicapped accessible. Our tram has a power lift for wheelchair accessibility. Anyone who may have trouble walking from the ferry dock to the tram pick-up site, approximately a 75 yard walk, should let the ferry captain know when they get on the ferry and arrangements will be made for a ride down the dock. The program involves a great deal of walking and seating is limited. Due to restricted access to particular areas of the Fort this season, the tours are not 100% accessible for individuals with mobility challenges. Some visitors may have trouble negotiating the un-even stone sidewalks. Please wear comfortable shoes (no open-toed shoes) and dress for the weather.
We strongly encourage guests to bring a flashlight to the program. The park does not provide flashlights for this program.
Many of our Victorian forebears had a fascination with all things spooky! For this special program, we are going to let you experience some of the Victorian customs related to Halloween, as well as some practices that they would do for fun. Tickets are $25 each, and can be purchased online.
Participate in an actual paranormal investigation of Fort Delaware. Visit areas where paranormal activity has been suspected, alongside investigators from Diamond State Ghost Investigators. At each area we will use EMFs, data recorders, and temperature sensors to search for paranormal activity. Visitors are welcome to bring their own equipment as long as it is easy to transport.
Additional Information
This program is offered by reservation only. All departures are from Delaware City.
This is a rain or shine program. You will have the option of receiving a refund if your trip is cancelled by the park. The park will cancel programs if they determine the weather or river conditions are unsafe. In the event of inclement weather you will be contacted in advance if it is necessary to cancel. Please provide a cell phone number so that you can be contacted in the event of inclement weather.
Smoking is not permitted on the island during the evening programs. Alcohol and pets are not permitted on the island. Participants are not permitted to wander from the assigned group during the evening.
Ticket pick up: please plan to check in 1/2 hour prior to scheduled trip.
Individuals with physical limitations: the ferry is handicapped accessible. Our tram has a power lift for wheelchair accessibility. Anyone who may have trouble walking from the ferry dock to the tram pick-up site, approximately a 75 yard walk, should let the ferry captain know when they get on the ferry and arrangements will be made for a ride down the dock. The program involves a great deal of walking and seating is limited. Due to restricted access to particular areas of the Fort this season, the tours are not 100% accessible for individuals with mobility challenges. Some visitors may have trouble negotiating the un-even stone sidewalks. Please wear comfortable shoes (no open-toed shoes) and dress for the weather.
We strongly encourage guests to bring a flashlight to the program. The park does not provide flashlights for this program.
Join us for an hour and a half-long cruise up the Delaware River onboard the Delafort Ferry to experience the unique natural and historical resources along the Delaware River. Participants will get the chance to view historic Fort Delaware and Pea Patch Island. Being on the river gives a very enlightening perspective to how Fort Delaware, Fort Mott and Fort DuPont worked together to protect the river passage to Wilmington and Philadelphia from enemy navies. In addition, Pea Patch Island is home to an impressive heronry, so we should see a wide variety of wading birds, and perhaps some osprey and bald eagles. This cruise offers a beautiful view of the setting sun.
Join us as the fort opens late for a special night of weapons demonstrations. We will be looking at how weapons changed during the 19th century, doing hands-on tactical demonstrations, and finishing the night with our 8-inch firing at dusk. We will also have our furnished areas open for touring. This is a great chance to see the fort in the evening for a different perspective! Registration required, $25 per person.
Our escape room programs are extremely popular! Use your puzzling skills and the resources given to you to get out of Fort Delaware successfully! Tickets are $50 each.
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