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.
Free — you won’t need your pass here.
Free entry — there is no entrance fee here, so you won’t need your pass to get in.
- Fee type No fee — No fee is charged here.
- HoursThe 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. and 3:00 p.m. During tours, vis
- Source National Park Service ↗
- Last verifiedJuly 6, 2026 · Confirmed
- Official pagewww.nps.gov ↗
- Contact 302-317-3854 · firststate@nps.gov
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.
Common questions
Quick Yes / No / Depends answers for First State National Historical Park — always confirm with the managing site before you go.
No Is there a fee at First State National Historical Park?
No — it’s free to enter, so you won’t need your pass to get in.
Yes Can you fish at First State National Historical Park?
Yes — fishing is one of the listed activities here. You’ll need a valid state fishing license.
Yes Can you bike here?
Yes — biking is available at First State National Historical Park. Confirm which roads or trails allow it.
Depends Can you bring a dog?
Usually only leashed and in developed areas, campgrounds, and paved paths — not on most trails or in buildings. Pet rules vary by park, so check first.
No Are drones allowed?
No — launching, landing, or operating drones is prohibited on National Park Service land.
Depends What are the 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. and 3:00 p.m. During tours, vis
Nearby sites
Zeete / CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Supawna Meadows National Wildlife Refuge
CheckThis U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service site may charge a fee your pass covers — confirm before you go.
Century, Jalen Roy, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service / Public domain · Wikimedia Commons U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum
CheckThis U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service site may charge a fee your pass covers — confirm before you go.
