This was a really cool park, and you get to (have to) ride a boat to it. There was a decent amount of parking near the visitor center, but there were other events in the area, so it could vary. It's a small gift shop and a place to buy tickets, and then the boat leaves on the half hour to the fort. This is a lesser-known Civil War site because it didn't see any battle action, but it was a great representation of an army strong hold + POW encampment. My favorite part was the reenactors who are in period dress and are there for discussion of life on site in 1864. These actors are incredibly knowledgeable, and when I went it wasn't crowded, so it allowed for a good discourse asking them about their occupation and role at the fort. Then there are plenty of rooms to walk through with self-guided signs. Restrooms and a small shop for souvenirs/water is available. There is also a midday boat ride to Fort Mott, but I didn't have the time to travel there. A tram gets you to and from boat to fort. If you keep an eye on the time, it's very reliable. Every employee seemed very enthusiastic about the site, which helped make the experience special. It was a great historic site and one I hope more people go visit. read more

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We visited August 27, 2025, taking the 10:00 ferry to Pea Island. A tram took us to the fort, where we had some time to explore before a guided tour. The laundress (Allie) was our entertaining and informative guide. We made several stops, where other characters would tell us what went on in that area of the fort. We also attended a musketry demonstration. This was a great day trip -- lots of interesting history, but also tram and ferry rides! read more

Clean. Fresh. Scenic. It's a lovely place and it's a must while being in the Delaware area

The dedicated people that are living history there, all of them, volunteering to preserve our history and the wetlands, are just the best. read more

Fort Delaware State Park - Approaching island on the ferry. - Hiking Near Me - Delaware City, Delaware

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Ever since my husband first visited the state of Delaware six years ago, he's been asking to go to Fort Delaware even though it's two hours from where we usually stay. I hadn't even heard of Fort Delaware until he mentioned it and I lived in the Philly metro area for 25+ years. After visiting today, I can say I'm glad we made the trip. My father has difficulty walking and accessibility information was difficult to find on the Delaware State Parks website. When I called the park, however I was told that it was only a .3 mile walk around the fort they could send a golf cart to the boardwalk if we called in advance. I called two and a half hours before our scheduled boat ride and left a message. I got a return call right away. Once we got off the ferry, lo and behold a golf cart was there as promised. The staff were friendly and helpful. We were provided a brochure as well as a schedule/mao so we knew what to expect. A costumed park employee greeted us and gave historic information about the park. When we asked about accessing the barracks he volunteered to drive us over there and answered all our questions. There was a musket demonstration and a costumed actor playing the flute. Climbing up to the top of the fort gave us a great view of the surrounding area including the Delaware River. All three of us had a great time and appreciated the thoughtfulness of the staff. read more

Great park to walk around. Lately lots of construction. They are building new homes and townhouses here. There is also a nice walk along the c & d canal. Delaware city is a small town. There are also ferries to pea patch island. read more

I really enjoy visiting here, it has great history and it's interesting to learn about historical facts from the staff. read more

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Fort Delaware is located on Pea Patch Island in Delaware. We boarded a ferry in Delaware City, which took about 5 minutes to transport us to the Island. (There is a ferry that leaves from the NJ side also.) Once on the Island, we took a short 1 minute tram ride to the fort. At the fort, you are free to wander on your own or participate in a guided tour or attend other activities on the Island. We spent a wonderful 2 hours wandering about, watching the introduction video, taking a guided tour, as well as watching the cannon launch demonstration. All this for the $12 cost of admission (includes ferry.) During the fall months, they hold live Ghost Hunts and Paranormal Events. Beware of the bugs and other creatures. I got stung badly by a wasp/hornet (not sure what it was) while sitting on the tram ride back. Fortunately, we were headed home to a nice cold ice pack. Interesting Tidbit: Pea Patch Island is said to have gotten its name from a boat loaded with peas that ran aground in mud shoal in the 1770s. The spilled peas sprouted and the vines got caught in the mud and the island grew. It first appeared on the map in 1794. read more

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So far not happy. Was told by the staff after we purchased tickets at $12 each to be here at 11:20 at the ferry for it to leave at 11:30. We got here at 11:20 and the ferry was pulling away. Super cool. They told us after the fact that they combined the 11 and 11:30 ferry's but left at 11:20 and not 11:30. What the heck??? Really messed up, especially when you're breastfeeding a newborn and have a toddler and everything needs to be scheduled. Now sitting here waiting for the 12 ferry. Hope it shows up. Note no food is available at the visitor center and the town only has one restaurant; so bring food and water. UPDATE: The 12:00 ferry left at 11:48. At 12:40 we came to the front to take the trolley back to the mainland for the 1pm ferry. It's now 1:07 and no trolley. This place is complete disorganized and poorly run. Won't ever be back and will not recommend it. Also there is zero staff around to see what's going on. Approximately 40+ people waiting. UPDATED AGAIN: The entire property is covered in geese feces. And other animals. There is no shade when you're waiting for the ferry. Ferry is small and doesn't hold many people. Just an awful experience. read more

Fort Delaware State Park - Hiking Near Me - Delaware City, Delaware

$12, round trip, gets you a nice boat ride from either NJ or DE. The Fort is free, and impressive; you can just walk around on your own, or wait for the walking tour. (I go from the NJ side, so walking around Fort Mott is also fun, and free. Finns Point Cemetery, next to Ft. Mott, is also worth visiting) Occasionally you'll run into a re-enactor, playing the part as if they were back in 1864. Overall, they do a good job. The 'wife' in the Officer's Quarters today, was the same girl I saw there 2 years ago. She deserves an Oscar; Very entertaining! I could've listened to her all day. It's just a nice, inexpensive way to spend 2 or 3 hours. I've been 3x, and I'll go again. read more

Fort Delaware State Park - Hiking Near Me - Delaware City, Delaware

I went to the POW event weekend & they have a lot of civil war reenactors. If there is no events, there will be no reenactors. One part of the fort is for only bat tours. The rest of the fort you can walk around & you can use the stairs to get on the top. You can see the bay from the top. The fort do have cannons. There is picnic tables but you will have to take the trash with you. We paid $24 for the ferry for 2 people to go to the island. The ferry ride is around 10min from & to the island. read more

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Supposedly one of the most haunted or more correctly has a high amount of paranormal activity. That was all I needed to hear to go on line and figure out how to get there. Well the online part was a bit frustrating but I managed to get to the buy tickets online to save time and ensure a spot. That's where I stopped, I'm tired of having of become a "member" to buy a one time ticket. I understand this is how you build a data base but I'm tired of unsubscribing to numerous companies because my information was bought and sold. I took a gamble and drove the hour plus hoping I'd get a seat on the ferry going to the fort. I knew when I found parking along the street in front of a small looking house I was golden. $12 and I was on the boat, a nice ride smooth water nice breeze a bonus in my opinion. Once docked we boarded the two car tram for a ride to the fort. The docents were all friendly and very knowledgeable, the fort was well kept. I chose this Wednesday because they were firing the big gun (not a cannon because cannons are moveable guns are not moveable). I'll leave the rest for you to learn and explore, defiantly worth the effort and cost. The fort would have received five stars from me if I had seen a ghost or two. All in fun Make sure you visit, I recommend fort Sumter in Charleston Bay too. Foodguy-martin read more

The reenactors at this site are very good and very friendly. They'll answer any questions you may have. The ferry ride over from Fort Mott was very pleasant and was a good part of the trip. They have programs available throughout the day that speak to specific historical aspects of the park and would be great for families or parents of younger children. We are history buffs, but found ourselves staying no longer than 90 minutes. read more

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A delightful day trip to Pea Patch Island and historic Fort Delaware. Costumed re-enactors interpret life at Fort Delaware as experienced during the Civil War, when up to 33,000 Confederate POWs were housed on the island. Interesting vignettes of blacksmithing, Captain's quarters, mess hall, dispensary, prison barracks and more. We enjoyed walking the island and touring at our own pace. Staff were knowledgeable and friendly. read more

I had an amazing time at Fort Delaware with my family. My cousins live in DE, so we made it a day trip with them. We happened to come on a Saturday during the Prisoners of War Weekend, meaning they had events planned throughout the day including demonstrations, tours, and reenactments. The actors were very interesting and informative, all while staying in character. They were stationed everywhere, giving us little glimpses on how it was to live in the fort from many different perspectives. They knew all the answers to my questions, and were helpful and nice. We also did many of the events available, and I'm glad we did. My favorite was probably the watching the reenactments, because you get a feel for how life was for the soldiers at the fort during the Civil War. I loved Hands-On with the Blacksmith too; you pay five dollars and get to create your own hook with the blacksmith to take home. It's a great experience, and I guess I can cross blacksmithing off my bucket list! Also, make sure you take the short walk to the barracks, because that's an essential part to the history of Fort Delaware. Everything was well done, and my entire family enjoyed every part of the visit. I'll be back soon to go on one of their ghost tours. I highly suggest going to Fort Delaware, and make sure you give yourself plenty of time to absorb all the history inside its tall walls. You won't regret it. read more

Fort Delaware State Park - Soldiers showing how to load & shoot muskets. - Hiking Near Me - Delaware City, Delaware

I love fort delaware. It's nestled just outside of Delaware City, another little gem of Delaware. This amazing place is living history. Walking they the Sally Port is like being teleported thru time & walking among the stone gives you such respect. With different activities going on like Hands on Blacksmithing & behind the scenes tours it's a fun filled day for the family that won't soon be forgotten. read more

Fort Delaware State Park - The blacksmith "Abraham" - Hiking Near Me - Delaware City, Delaware

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Worth the price! You could spend hours there! Def do the bat tour.. very informative. Bring bug spray!!!

We finally made it to Pea Patch Island and Fort Delaware in Delaware City. I highly recommend the trip. We departed from Delaware City on The ferry. The ferry was completely wheelchair accessible. This was my first trip to Fort Delaware. I've been trying for quite some time but something always came up. I enjoy the musket demonstration by Yankee soldiers during the Civil War. You can walk through 90% of the fort on all three floors. I did the walk-through on the first floor. It you through the kitchen of the officers and lead you to the commandants office and sleeping quarters. The ladies in the kitchen explained quit well how meals were prepared. Further along on the first floor there was a working laundry room where the officers laundry was done. My only regret really, was not taking this trip sooner. There is no doubt I will be going back to see the demonstration of the large cannons being being fired. I recommend this trip for anyone that has not been to Fort Delaware. read more

Fort Delaware is a great place to visit for its beauty, its history, and its paranormal side too.

You take a ferry, the Dela Fort from Delaware City to Pea Patch Island. Fort Delaware is an imposing fortress with a moat. It is a huge complex that also has hiking trails. We took a picnic and there are also grills. It is mostly outdoors so bring sunscreen and bug spray. The fort itself is steeped with history and the period dress lends authenticity to the whole thing. Some of the actors did not address me when I walked in the room nor did then impact any historical information. since these are volunteer positions, I wish they were better trained. Other than that, I will be going back read more

Fort Delaware State Park is home to a Civil War fort that was also a prison for Confederate soldiers- nearly 33,000 over four years of the war. The park is open seasonally- call for hours and dates. It is on Pea Patch Island in the Delaware River, and is just a 8 minute boat ride. The park includes living history programs, and one of the largest nesting heronries (egrets and herson) on the east coast. A great place to visit at an affordable price! read more

Really interesting Civil War era fort that was used as a POW fort for Confederate soldiers. You have to take a ferry from Delaware City to get to Pea Patch Island where the fort is located. Once on the island, you're free to roam wherever you want. The fort itself is well preserved and there were plenty of guides and reenactors to answer any questions. The island is also one of the largest rookeries on the east coast and many birds make the northern part of the island their home. Definitely worth a day trip. read more

It's the end of the season: so much happening here. Nice, but too short ferry ride with pleasant employees and volunteers. Stayed 1.5 hrs checking out the Fort and it was plenty. read more

Great place to visit during the day for historical interpretations and tours. Even better to visit during the fall when they open at night for real live Ghost Hunts and Paranormal Events. Book early because these events sell out by the end of August. I've been there many times (both day and night) and I'm never disappointed! read more

The fort could be a nice day trip to learn local history. We went on the 65th anniversary...and nothing special was going on. There were a handful of "soldiers" Manning a cannon for a demonstration, and one person in the issue room. Only one laundress was on hand to discuss her historical room. No one stationed in the mess hall, diorama room, officer's quarters. We were at a bit of a loss as to why there weren't more reenactors on site to interact with the public. Overall we were let loose in an empty fort wonder at the history. Previous reviews say this is educational, and I can assume it is. But for reasons I don't know......the fort was mostly deserted today. read more

Philadelphia is known for its Revolutionary War history, but drive less than an hour south, and you can be taken back to the time of the Civil War. A short boat ride from Delaware City, DE will take you to Fort Delaware in the middle of the Delaware River. This imposing 32 foot high pentagonal structure has charged with protecting the Philadelphia area from a naval invasion by the South and holding up to 12,000 captured Confederate officers, soldiers and Southern sympathizers. Reenactors bring this turbulent time to life as you watch the soldiers fire big guns and muskets. You can also get a glimpse at the daily lives of the civilian workers there as you watch and talk to the blacksmith, laundress, cook and others. Much of the fort and grounds are open for you to view at your own pace. However, for a small additional fee, daring visitors can go on the behind the scenes tour that takes you to areas still undergoing refurbishment or areas more difficult to access for many people; that tour is well worth it. Note that no food is available at Fort Delaware, but you are free to bring your own and enjoy it at the various shady picnic areas. Be sure to check their web site for boat departure times and additional details. read more