Great Places

Fort DuPont State Park & the Port Penn Interpretive Center

• Catch & Release Fishing
• Wildlife Watching
• Trails
• Watersports
• Dog Friendly

39°34'3.74"N  75°34'43.47"W

Delaware Route 9
Delaware City, DE 19706

Phone: (302) 834-7941
Email: laura.lee@state.de.us
Visit Website
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Fort DuPont was home to enlisted men for nearly a century. Today, however, it serves the public in a different capacity. This 320-acre park provides opportunities for picnicking, fishing, and hiking along the Delaware River. The two-mile River View Trail allows visitors to explore the site's historic past, as does the Port Penn Interpretive Center. This 1856, former school house is open during summer from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the weekends. Its wooden statue of a waterman is a must see.

You may notice that your view of the Delaware River from the River View Trail is partially blocked by tall, bushy-topped reeds. These are called phragmites, and they actually originate in Asia. This wetland grass is a good example of an exotic, invasive plant. They crowd out native plant life, and they are very difficult to kill.

Currently there are plans to convert Burton Hall into a new Delaware Military Museum. Two other state parks have military installments as well: Fort Delaware State Park and Cape Henlopen State Park.

Photo by Shaun Bailey

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