What's new with Delaware State Parks this fall and holiday season? Hear from Angel Burns, Chief of Interpretation and Programming with the DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation, to learn all you need to know before your visit!
Visit Delaware: What does Delaware State Parks have planned this fall season?
Angel Burns: This fall, we’re offering a great mix of programs across the state, such as guided hikes, wagon rides across multiple parks, pontoon tours at Trap Pond, art and history programs, specialty evening programs, and seasonal events. Our programs are designed to engage visitors of all ages and interests in Delaware’s beautiful natural spaces and cultural/historic resources. For the most up-to-date list of programs and events, visit our Upcoming Events & Programs page. You can easily sort by park, county or type of program.
Credit: Delaware State Parks
Visit Delaware: Why should someone visiting Delaware make time for its state parks? What makes them special this time of year?
Angel Burns: Delaware State Parks not only offers scenic trails and beaches, they are a living legacy of conservation and community. Across 17 parks, 22 preserves, the Brandywine Zoo, and the Indian River Marina, visitors can explore diverse landscapes from forests and wetlands to historic sites and sandy shores.
Fall is especially beautiful, with vibrant colors, active wildlife, and programs that showcase the state’s natural and cultural treasures – such as our fall bird walks, fall foliage wagon rides, and the Delaware Heritage Festival at First State Heritage Park on November 1st. As well as some fun fall specialty programs such as Harvest Havoc Pumpkin Carving at Killens Pond, Marauders and Marshmallows Bonfire at Delaware Seashore State Park and a murder mystery program, Murder at Auburn Heights on the weekend of October 24 at Auburn Valley State Park.
Credit: Delaware State Parks
Visit Delaware: What are some of the best ways to stay overnight in the parks, especially in the cooler months?
Angel Burns: Overnight opportunities are available year-round, from tent and RV campsites to cozy cabins and cottages, there is a comfortable option for everyone. The cottages at the Indian River Marina have fireplaces, full amenities, and easy access to Delaware’s beach towns, making them perfect for a relaxing off-season escape. You can explore locations and book your stay at www.destateparks.com/overnight-accommodations/
Visit Delaware: What should a visitor know before planning their trip to Delaware State Parks?
Angel Burns: The best place to start is destateparks.com. You’ll find everything from directions and entrance fees to park maps, accessibility information, and upcoming events. Many parks offer camping, trails, and family-friendly amenities. And if you plan to visit often, it’s never too late to get an annual park pass which pays for itself quickly and makes future visits easy.
If you need help deciding where to start, consider joining our Delaware State Parks Passport program, where you visit parks, participate in programs, volunteer days and other activities. The program is set up as a challenge and if you complete a certain number you gain a prize pack, a free park pass and are entered into a drawing for a free overnight camping stay. This year’s Passport program wraps up at the end of November, but you can learn how to prepare for next year’s program starting January 1 at Passport Program – Delaware State Parks.
Visit Delaware: Does Delaware State Parks have anything special planned for the holiday and winter season?
Angel Burns: Absolutely! There’s plenty to enjoy as the seasons change. Families love our Halloween and trick-or-treating events such as scarecrow making at Killens Pond, or events like Children’s Fantasy Trail at Cape Henlopen on October 25, Halloween Hootenanny at Brandywine Creek State Park on October 18, and Boo at the Zoo October 17 through 19. If you’re looking for wagon rides you can visit Wagon Rides – Delaware State Parks to see participating parks and learn about our popular programs like the Caramel Apple Making Wagon Rides at Bellevue State Park. Fall is also a great time for night hikes like our Full Moon Hikes at Cape Henlopen, Auburn Valley and White Clay, and Intro to the Night Sky programs at Brandywine Creek and Bellevue.
We also have lots of arts programming year-round that continues into the fall like Nature Art in the Park at Cape Henlopen, Illustrating History at Fort Miles or the fall themed Art in Nature: Tree-Cookie Turkeys at Killens Pond on November 22. Later that week you can join the Cranberry Bog Hike at Cape Henlopen or tour the historic Auburn Heights Mansion at Auburn Valley. And of course there is the annual First Day Hikes on January 1 and be on the lookout for more info as the date approaches. For details on all these great opportunities, registration links, and more visit our Upcoming Events & Programs page.
Credit: Delaware State Parks