Fort Delaware State Park sits on Pea Patch Island in the Delaware River, accessible only by ferry from Delaware City — and that boat ride is half the fun. The 248-acre park centers on a massive pentagonal granite-and-brick fortress that served as a Union prison camp during the Civil War, holding up to 12,500 Confederate prisoners at its peak. Today, costumed interpreters bring that history to life with guided tours, living history demonstrations, and first-person reenactments that make the past feel uncomfortably real.

Beyond the fort itself, the island is a haven for herons, egrets, and other wading birds. The nature trails loop through one of the largest nesting sites on the East Coast, making it a genuine draw for birders — bring binoculars. You can also fish along the shoreline, picnic on the grounds, and explore the extensive battery and earthwork fortifications that ring the island.

The ferry operates seasonally, typically from late April through September, with extended hours in summer. Peak season runs June through August when living history programming is fullest, but May and September offer smaller crowds and pleasant weather for hiking the trails. Plan for at least three hours — the ferry schedule dictates your visit, and there’s more to see than most people expect.

Note that there’s no camping on Pea Patch Island. For overnight stays, nearby Lums Pond State Park offers full campground facilities about 20 minutes away. Pack water, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes — shade is limited outside the fort walls.

Explore Nearby

• New Castle Range Rear Light — Lighthouse in Delaware
• New Castle Range Front Light — Lighthouse in Delaware
• Wooddale Bridge — Covered Bridge in South Carolina
• Brandywine Valley Scenic Byway — Scenic Byway in Delaware
• Ashland Covered Bridge — Covered Bridge in South Carolina