On Wednesday, May 20 at 6:00 a.m., the Smith Bridge parking lot will be temporarily closed for poison ivy treatment throughout the area. The parking lot is expected to reopen at 12:30 p.m.
First State National Historical Park
Delaware · Pennsylvania
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.
About First State National Historical Park
First State National Historical Park is a national historical park located in Delaware and Pennsylvania. For details and information, visit, http://www.nps.gov/frst/index.htm.
First State National Historical Park is made up of six individual sites throughout Delaware and southeastern Pennsylvania that explore early settlement through the ratification of the US Constitution. Please visit the individual pages for directions or hours of operation.
💰 Entrance Fees & Passes
Entry to First State is completely free. There are no general entrance fees or vehicle passes required to access this park unit.
🥾 Things to Do
First State National Historical Park offers visitors a diverse selection of outdoor experiences. You can participate in a wide array of activities, most notably Biking, Mountain Biking, Fishing, Freshwater Fishing, and 11 other recreational activities, depending on the season and weather conditions. Path options exist for both casual strollers and expert backcountry adventurers.
📦 Recommended Gear & Packing Checklist
Custom items selected for activities at First State
📋 Visitor Planning Tips for First State
- →Beat the Crowds: Arrive at the main gates or trailheads of First State before 8:00 AM. Parking spaces at popular locations fill up extremely fast, especially during warm peak season weekends.
- →Monitor Active Alerts: There are currently 1 active alerts for First State. Keep an eye on the alert notifications at the top of this guide for crucial information regarding closures or safety issues.
- →Leave No Trace: Help protect the delicate ecosystems of First State. Stay on marked trails, pack out all of your waste, and keep a respectful distance from wildlife.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions about First State
About the Author
James R. Mitchell
Founder & Lead Writer — National Park Data
James has visited all 63 designated US national parks and has been writing about outdoor travel for over 12 years. He spent 8 years as a wilderness guide in the Rocky Mountains before founding National Park Data to help visitors plan better, safer, and more enjoyable park trips.
More Parks Nearby
Captain John Smith Chesapeake
People first arrived in the Chesapeake Bay during the last ice age. As glaciers melted, diverse societies learned to thrive…
Chesapeake Bay
Over 41 million acres are connected through the waters that flow to and through Chesapeake Bay. The National Park Service…
Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route
This 680-mile-long trail follows the paths taken by George Washington's Continental Army and Jean-Baptiste de Rochambeau's Expédition Particulière during their…