National Historical Park

First State National Historical Park

First State National Historical Park is a National Historical Park in Delaware, Pennsylvania. The NPS currently lists 1 active alert, 0 campgrounds and 1 visitor center, and no entrance fee.

Delaware Pennsylvania National Historical Park No entrance fee

Updated Oct 28, 2026, 3:52 AM EDT · NPS Data API

Red, yellow, and green leaves lay on the grass in front of a colonial building. — The Dover Green · Photo: NPS Photo (via nps.gov)

About the park

“Famous as the First State to ratify the Constitution, Delaware was born out of a conflict among three world powers for dominance of the Delaware Valley. From this beginning, the region developed a distinct character that tolerated diversity in religion and national origin and valued independence.”

— National Park Service, nps.gov/frst

Active alerts

Closures

Campgrounds

Visitor centers

Current alerts and closures

1 active NPS alert as of Oct 28, 2026: 0 closures, 0 danger, 1 caution and 0 information.

Caution

Safety Alert Hazardous Trees in the Brandywine Valley

Numerous trees in the Brandywine Valley are down across the roads and trails due to the recent storm. Please use caution while driving and hiking never walk directly under a tree that is hanging. Park staff is working to improve conditions.

Posted or updated Sep 1, 2026 ·Park conditions on nps.gov

Entrance fees and passes

This site has no entrance fee, according to NPS fee data.

This park is cashless — bring a card or buy your pass online.

Things to do

Activities the NPS lists for First State.

BikingMountain BikingFishingFreshwater FishingFly FishingFoodPicnickingHands-OnCitizen ScienceHikingFront-Country HikingHorse TrekkingHorseback RidingLiving HistoryJunior Ranger Program

Operating hours

The New Castle Court House Museum is open Wednesday - Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and Sunday 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Tours are available at 10:00 a.m., 11:00a.m., 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m.

New Castle Court House Museum
Day	Hours
Monday	Closed
Tuesday	Closed
Wednesday	10:00AM - 3:30PM
Thursday	10:00AM - 3:30PM
Friday	10:00AM - 3:30PM
Saturday	10:00AM - 3:30PM
Sunday	1:30PM - 4:00PM

Weather: For details and information, visit, http://www.nps.gov/frst/index.htm.

Contact and directions

Phone: 302-317-3854
Email: [email protected]
Address: First State National Historical Park, New Castle, DE 19720
Coordinates: 39.8308, -75.5635· View on OpenStreetMap

Official park page on nps.gov Directions

Visitor centers

Visitor center	Standard hours	Phone	Passport stamp
Sheriff's House Welcome Center	Mon Closed · Tue Closed · Wed Closed · Thu 9:00AM - 4:30PM · Fri 9:00AM - 4:30PM · Sat 9:00AM - 4:30PM · Sun Closed	302-317-3854	Yes

Campgrounds

No NPS campgrounds are listed for this site. Nearby national forests or state parks may offer camping.

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More parks in Delaware

Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail Chesapeake Bay Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Historic Trail All in Delaware

Nearest other NPS sites

Sources

Park details, alerts, fees and passes, visitor centers and campgrounds: National Park Service Data API, snapshot of Oct 28, 2026.
Official park page: https://www.nps.gov/frst/index.htm
Data: National Park Service (NPS) Data API, U.S. Department of the Interior (developer.nps.gov). This product uses the NPS Data API but is not endorsed or certified by the National Park Service. The National Park Service and the U.S. Department of the Interior do not endorse OpenParks. Photos are NPS images shown with their original credits; park descriptions are short excerpts credited to the NPS. Always confirm current conditions on nps.gov before you travel.