Fort Christina Park

Travel back to 1638, when Kalmar Nyckel voyaged up the Christina River and landed on "The Rocks" in present-day Wilmington. Visit Fort Christina Park to see Swedish sculptor Carl Milles's monument marking the site. Free interpretive tours include Underground Railroad history of 19th century freedom seekers who boarded and disembarked from boats on the same rocks on their journey north.

Fort Christina Park is one of six sites that makes up Delaware’s First State National Historical Park. From Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day and Saturdays in September and October, the Park is staffed with guides who offer free interpretive tours to the public.

  • Children can earn Junior Ranger badges throughout the summer, with specific events announced by the National Park Service.
  • Collectors of the National Park Passport Stamps can also obtain the Fort Christina Park stamp. Admission is free.


Background

In 1638, the Kalmar Nyckel and Fogel Grip arrived with Swedish and Finnish settlers who went on to establish the colony of New Sweden–the first permanent European settlement in the Delaware Valley. "The Rocks" at Fort Christina are also an official site on the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom, used as a landing place for freedom seekers on the maritime Underground Railroad.


On the park’s riverbank stands the Swedish Tercentenary Monument, which depicts the Kalmar Nyckel, surmounting a granite column. Crafted by renowned Swedish sculptor, Carl Milles, it was a gift from the people of Sweden to the United States in 1938, when the park was dedicated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt and the Royal Crown of Sweden.


Site hours and activities are supported by a partnership between the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs, the National Park Service and the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation.

  • Location:  Fort Christina Park, 1110 East 7th Street, Wilmington, DE 19801
  • Park Admission: Free
  • Parking: Free parking available across the road and down one gate in the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation's large parking lot. Location: 1124 East 7th Street, Wilmington, DE 19801.


2025 Hours

The Park is open from Saturday, May 24 on Memorial Day weekend through Monday, September 1 on Labor Day plus weekends in the fall.  Please note: due to the nature of the weather and conditions beyond our control, the Park’s schedule is subject to change without notice.


CLOSED (October 27, 2024 - May 23, 2025)


SUMMER HOURS (May 24 - September 1)

Tuesday-Sunday 10:00am-4:00pm


FALL HOURS (September 6 - October 25)

September 6-28: Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00am-4:00pm

October 4-25: Saturdays from 10:00am-4:00pm


Visits by appointment   are available during closed hours throughout the fall, winter, and spring, pending staff availability. NPS passport stamps for Fort Christina are available at Kalmar Nyckel Foundation (1124 East 7th St., Wilmington, DE 19801) during open hours Monday through Friday 9am-5pm.



2025 Free Events

Memorial Day, Monday, May 26, 10:00am – 4:00pm 

Discover the Rocks and Ruins at Fort Christina Park 

Visit Fort Christina Park on our opening weekend to experience a free special family-friendly educational activity that walks you through the history of this important site and New Sweden. Take advantage of a hands-on opportunity to analyze objects that settlers would have used in 1638.  

 

Juneteenth, Thursday, June 19, 10:00am - 4:00pm 

Five Ways to Freedom at Fort Christina Park 

Come to Fort Christina Park to learn about Black history in Wilmington, with the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation’s Five Ways to Freedom: Navigating Delaware’s Underground Railroad Network. Explore Delaware’s role and the modes of transportation used in the Underground Railroad. Fort Christina Park is a documented site on the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom. Historical tours for all ages, and craft activities for children. 

 

Independence Day, Friday, July 4, 10:00am – 4:00pm 

Log Cabin Build-Off at Fort Christina Park 

Visit Fort Christina Park on Independence Day! Build your own log cabin on a map of Fort Christina using our Lincoln Logs. When Swedish and Finnish settlers arrived on the Kalmar Nyckel, they built the first log cabins in North America. Now it’s your turn! A free family-friendly way to learn history. 

 

Labor Day, Monday, September 1, 10:00am – 4:00pm 

Buoyancy Challenge at Fort Christina Park 

Finish your summer with the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation’s super fun buoyancy challenge. Why do boats & ships float? How will you build your own boat & put it to the test? A free family-friendly fun way to learn STEM concepts. 


Note: The park begins closing at 3:45pm. Park entry is free; 1110 East 7th Street Wilmington, DE 19801. The Copeland Maritime Center will be open 10:00am-4:00 pm, regular admissions apply. The Kalmar Nyckel will not be on-site. 




Before You Go

  • Park entry is free. Free parking is available across the road, one gate down at the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation, 1124 East 7th Street, Wilmington, DE 19801.
  • The park begins closing at 3:45pm (please arrive before 3:30pm for the activities above).
  • The Copeland Maritime Center will be open from 10:00am-4:00 pm with free access to restrooms with a Park guide. Regular admission fees apply for touring the center ($5/adult and $3/youth ages 5-17).
  • The tall ship Kalmar Nyckel will not be on-site (it's visiting other locations).
Plan Your Visit

Private Events & Group Tours

The park is available for private events such as group picnics and celebrations by renting the site through the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation office (guided by the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs policies).  You may also schedule group tours for ten or more with arrangements made in advance. Please contact us (email form) with your request or call 302.429.7447.


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