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.

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.


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.


2026 Hours

The Park is open from Memorial Day weekend through Monday, September 7 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.


SUMMER HOURS (May 23 - September 7)

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


FALL HOURS (September 12 - October 18)

Saturdays and Sundays only from 10:00am-4:00pm

  • 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.

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.



2026 Free Events


Great American Beaver Scavenger Hunt

Saturday, June 13, 1:00-4:00pm

Join us for The Great American Beaver Scavenger Hunt, a family-friendly activity. You or your group can complete a scavenger hunt in Fort Christina Park focused on world trade in early America. At the same time, you will collect pieces to make your own American beaver.

  • Free Admission to Fort Christina Park. Free parking across the road at the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation. Restrooms are available next door a the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation (no charge).
  • Kalmar Nyckel Foundation’s Maritime Center admission is $10/adult, $5/ages 3-12, and under 3 is free.


What's in a Flag?

Saturday, July 11, 1:00-4:00pm

This fun and educational family-friendly program explores the origins and symbolism of four flags related to the history of Fort Christina Park: the Swedish, Finnish, Stars and Stripes (American), and Delaware State flags. After learning the history and significance of these flags, visitors will be invited to create their own symbolic/national flag.

  • Free Admission to Fort Christina Park. Free parking across the road at the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation. Restrooms are available next door a the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation (no charge).


Kalmar Nyckel Foundation’s Maritime Center

  • Summer admission: $10/adult, $5/ages 3-12, and under 3 is free.



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).


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