Wilmington offers four varied park settings that can fill a day or two with freewheeling outdoor recreation. Two destinations are Delaware State Parks: Bellevue and Fox Point. Another park is controlled by New Castle County: Rockwood Mansion and Gardens. Riverfront Wilmington contains the Russell W. Peterson Wildlife Refuge. These sites encourage strolls, sitting contemplatively, and staging a picnic. Children can play and learn.
The Tour: Wilmington Area Parks
1) Rockwood Mansion and Gardens
Rockwood Mansion and Gardens' seventy-two acres lack the imprimatur of the du Pont country estates and gardens, which it preceded by more than half a century. It was the home of Joseph Shipley, a native Wilmingtonian inspired by Victorian estates he encountered in England where he lived and work. He replicated that model upon his return on a hilly section of North Wilmington that falls toward the Delaware River. His mansion, outbuildings, lawn and gardens are picturesque. Wander the well-maintained six acre garden and smell the roses. ["Rockwood" pp. 132-133]
2) Bellevue State Park
Similar to Rockwood, Bellevue's three hundred, twenty-eight acres overlook the Delaware River in Northern Wilmington. William du Pont bought the property in 1883, converting a castle-like building into a replica of Montpelier--the Madison Estate in Virginia that he already owned. His son, William du Pont Jr. was a leading horseman of the first half of the twentieth century. Barns and outbuildings from that era still stand in the midst of an aborteum-like setting. There are plenty of tennis courts, too, remembering mid-century tennis star Margaret Osborne, du Pont's second second wife. ["Bellevue Hall" pp.74-75]
3) Fox Point State Park
Fox Point State Park testifies to the efforts of a devoted local, S. Marston Fox. Beginning in 1952, Fox worked doggedly to acquire a neglected and toxic slice of land along the Delaware River. The original project remediated fifty-five acres, making it safe for recreational use. An additional one hundred, twenty acres have been added. The vista on the working Delaware River offers the unique experience of ship-watching the tugboats,coast guard craft, freighters, and tankers that travel the river. The marine traffic is readily identifiable using the resources of an easy to use Live Ships Map. ["Fox Point State Park" pp.135-136]
4) Russell W. Peterson Wildlife Refuge
The Christiana River drains several Piedmont Creeks and empties into the Delaware River at Wilmington. Along the Christiana River south of the city, in the back of the Riverfront Section, is a rare urban wildlife refuge--a marshy tract of two hundred two acres, accessible by boardwalks: The Russell W. Peterson Wildlife Refuge. Its name honors Governor Russell W. Peterson, who also headed the National Audubon Society. A modern building houses the Du Pont Environmental Education Center, including informative exhibits. A walkway leads from the Refuge into the Riverfront Development with restaurants and museums. [Russell W. Peterson State Refuge pp. 126-127]
Food Suggestions: Near Bellevue Mansion is the neighborhood of Bellefonte, with an artsy little downtown on Brandywine Boulevard. An unexpected, house-like restaurant Bellefonte Cafe (804 Brandywine Boulevard) serves food that is contemporary and eclectic, with vegan friendly options. The Wilmington Riverfront offers a variety of dining experiences with vistas on the Christiana River: Harry's Seafood Grill is the toniest of the large restaurants and Iron Hill Brewery has a number of house brewed beers and a good mushroom soup, highlighting an important local product. The Riverfront Market houses several stalls featuring diverse casual food to eat in at casual seating, or build your own picnic from the well-stocked produce vendor to eat al fresco along the public space along the river.
Fox Point State Park testifies to the efforts of a devoted local, S. Marston Fox. Beginning in 1952, Fox worked doggedly to acquire a neglected and toxic slice of land along the Delaware River. The original project remediated fifty-five acres, making it safe for recreational use. An additional one hundred, twenty acres have been added. The vista on the working Delaware River offers the unique experience of ship-watching the tugboats,coast guard craft, freighters, and tankers that travel the river. The marine traffic is readily identifiable using the resources of an easy to use Live Ships Map. ["Fox Point State Park" pp.135-136]
4) Russell W. Peterson Wildlife Refuge
The Christiana River drains several Piedmont Creeks and empties into the Delaware River at Wilmington. Along the Christiana River south of the city, in the back of the Riverfront Section, is a rare urban wildlife refuge--a marshy tract of two hundred two acres, accessible by boardwalks: The Russell W. Peterson Wildlife Refuge. Its name honors Governor Russell W. Peterson, who also headed the National Audubon Society. A modern building houses the Du Pont Environmental Education Center, including informative exhibits. A walkway leads from the Refuge into the Riverfront Development with restaurants and museums. [Russell W. Peterson State Refuge pp. 126-127]
Food Suggestions: Near Bellevue Mansion is the neighborhood of Bellefonte, with an artsy little downtown on Brandywine Boulevard. An unexpected, house-like restaurant Bellefonte Cafe (804 Brandywine Boulevard) serves food that is contemporary and eclectic, with vegan friendly options. The Wilmington Riverfront offers a variety of dining experiences with vistas on the Christiana River: Harry's Seafood Grill is the toniest of the large restaurants and Iron Hill Brewery has a number of house brewed beers and a good mushroom soup, highlighting an important local product. The Riverfront Market houses several stalls featuring diverse casual food to eat in at casual seating, or build your own picnic from the well-stocked produce vendor to eat al fresco along the public space along the river.
