The state of Delaware protects its resources and provides recreational opportunities for people through a number of excellent state parks. Activities from surfing to civil war reenactments take place in these parks. Several unique programs such as Geocaching, hiding objects in natural areas and posting GPS coordinates to help others locate them, encourage visitors to get close to nature and appreciate the experience.
The wetlands along the coast of Delaware are an important winter stopping point for migratory waterfowl. The 10,000 acre Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge was established to protect this important resource, which is a feeding ground and breeding site for black ducks and wood ducks. The area also provides habitat for nesting bald eagles, peregrine falcons and endangered Delmarva fox squirrels. The park includes fresh and saltwater marshes, woodlands and grasslands. Approximately 267 bird species, 35 reptile species and 36 mammals have been cataloged here. The park is open during the day for recreational uses such as hunting and fishing. Hiking, wildlife photography and wildlife observation are also popular activities in the park. The refuge is located 22 miles southeast of Dover.
11978 Turkle Pond Road
Milton, DE 19968
(302) 684-849
fws.gov/northeast/primehook
The Brandywine Creek State Park includes Delaware's first two mature preserves within its borders. Tulip Tree Woods holds a stand of 190-year-old tulip poplar trees and the freshwater marsh area supports a population of flora and fauna. The park provides excellent bird watching, including songbirds. Visitors enjoy picnic shelters, an interpretive center, fishing, bike trails and group camping. A disc golf course provides family fun. Brandywine Creek State Park also hosts civil war reenactments.
Brandywine Creek State Park
41 Adams Dam Rd.
Wilmington, Delaware
(302)577-3534
destateparks.com/park/brandywine-creek/index.asp
The Delaware Seashore State Park is located on barrier islands bordered on the east by the Atlantic Ocean and by Rehoboth Bay and Indian River Bay to the west. The park provides modern bathhouses with showers and changing rooms as well as lifeguards along the beach for visitors interested in swimming, sunbathing and surfing. A specially equipped pier allows handicapped access to fishing on the Indian River Inlet; clamming and crabbing are also allowed. Check with the park rangers for permit requirements. The park has a marina and picnicking facilities as well. The park office can provide information on accessing the beach with four-wheel drive vehicles. Thompson Island conserves the salt marsh habitat for wildlife and human activities are restricted there. Guests enjoy the Burton's Island nature trail, which offers views of chaotic colonies of gulls and terns in their summer nesting site.
Delaware Seashore State Park
39415 Inlet Road
Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
(302) 227-2800
destateparks.com/park/delaware-seashore/index.asp
