All parks › First State National Historical Park
First State National Historical Park: fees, hours, camping and when to visit
- Entrance fee
- None[1]
- Busiest month (2025)
- October[2]
- Recreation visits, 2025
- 200,173[3]
- Visitor centers
- 1[4]
First State National Historical Park is a National Park System unit in Delaware and Pennsylvania[5]. NPS lists it as a fee-free park, so there is no entrance fee[1].
Entrance fees and passes
The National Park Service lists no entrance fee for First State National Historical Park[1]. Some tours, campgrounds or permits inside a park can still have their own fees.
When to visit and hours
NPS lists separate hours for the New Castle Court House Museum, Old Swedes Historic Site and Fort Christina[6][7][8]. NPS lists the New Castle Court House Museum as open Wednesday through Saturday and on Sunday afternoons, and closed on Tuesdays[6]. Old Swedes Historic Site is listed as open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, with a closure in January and February[7]. Fort Christina is listed with Tuesday through Sunday hours from Memorial Day through Labor Day, then weekends through October[8]. Visits by appointment are possible at Fort Christina in the off season, depending on staff availability[8]. In 2025 the busiest month was October with 41,148 recreation visits, and the quietest was January with 4,322[2]. NPS gives no weather details for the park beyond a link to its website[9].
Show visits by month
| Month, 2025 | Recreation visits |
|---|---|
| January | 4,322 |
| February | 5,156 |
| March | 10,174 |
| April | 10,924 |
| May | 18,923 |
| June | 27,793 |
| July | 30,934 |
| August | 19,962 |
| September | 13,671 |
| October | 41,148 |
| November | 10,930 |
| December | 6,236 |
Pets and dogs
The NPS pet rule says pets must be crated, caged or on a leash no longer than six feet at all times where they are allowed[10]. Pets are not allowed in public buildings, and service animals are excepted[10]. Each park can close more areas to pets, so check with the park before bringing a dog[10].
Before you go
- There is no entrance fee, according to NPS[1].
- Hours differ by site and have listed holiday closures, so confirm on the official park page before you go[6][7][8].
- Old Swedes Historic Site lists guided tours by reservation with a small fee, and says it is a partner organization that does not receive NPS funds[7].
- The Sheriff's House Welcome Center is the visitor center NPS lists for the park[4].
- NPS lists activities such as hiking, biking, fishing, picnicking and a Junior Ranger Program[11].
Questions people ask
- Is there an entrance fee at First State National Historical Park?
- No. NPS lists it as a fee-free park[1]. Some partner sites may charge for tours, so check each site[7].
- When is the best time to visit First State National Historical Park?
- In 2025 the busiest month was October with 41,148 recreation visits, and the quietest was January with 4,322[2]. Site hours vary by season, so check the official page[6][8].
- Are dogs allowed at First State National Historical Park?
- Where pets are allowed, the NPS pet rule requires a leash no longer than six feet[10]. Pets are not allowed in public buildings, and each park can close more areas[10].
- What days is the New Castle Court House Museum open?
- NPS lists it as open Wednesday through Saturday and on Sunday afternoons, and closed on Tuesdays[6].
- What can you do at First State National Historical Park?
- NPS lists activities including hiking, biking, fishing, picnicking and a Junior Ranger Program[11].
Facts and sources
- NPS lists First State National Historical Park as a fee-free park: there is no entrance fee. National Park Service
- NPS recreation visits by month, 2025 (chart on this page). NPS Visitor Use Statistics
- NPS recreation visits per year: 2023: 143,045, 2024: 208,870, 2025: 200,173. NPS Visitor Use Statistics
- Visitor centers listed by NPS: 1 (Sheriff's House Welcome Center). National Park Service
- First State National Historical Park is a unit of the U.S. National Park System (designation: National Historical Park) in Delaware and Pennsylvania. National Park Service
- Operating hours, New Castle Court House Museum: 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.... National Park Service
- Operating hours, Old Swedes Historic Site: Old Swedes Historic Site is open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays 10:00am to 3:00pm. Tours are available by reservation and have a small fee: Adult $12, Student (6-15) $7, under 6 free and members free.... National Park Service
- Operating hours, Fort Christina: The park is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day, Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The last guided tour begins at 3:00 p.m. After Labor Day, the park is open on Saturdays and Sundays through October, from 10:00... National Park Service
- NPS weather and seasons overview for First State National Historical Park. National Park Service
- National Park Service rule 36 CFR 2.15: where pets are allowed they must be crated, caged or on a leash no longer than six feet at all times, and pets are not allowed in public buildings, on public transportation or on designated swimming beaches (service... eCFR, 36 CFR 2.15
- Activities NPS lists for First State National Historical Park: Biking, Mountain Biking, Fishing, Freshwater Fishing, Fly Fishing, Food, Picnicking, Hands-On, Citizen Science, Hiking, Front-Country Hiking, Horse Trekking, Horseback Riding, Living History,... National Park Service