Fort DuPont

Park Highlights

Walk the Riverview Trail

A prime spot for birdwatching and glimpsing Fort DuPont’s storied history, the Riverview Trail meanders along the Delaware River and loops passed three military batteries – Batteries Elder, Read & Gibson.

Picnic on the banks of the Delaware

Snag a seat at a picnic table or spread a blanket beneath the mature trees lining the Delaware River for a relaxing snack.

Discover the Grounds

Dotted with educational waysides, the grounds of Fort DuPont are full of unique stories. Wander the grounds to discover the military history of the park from the Civil War to World War II. Or, check out an educational program to learn even more!

About the Park

Named for a Civil War Naval hero, Fort DuPont was built to protect port cities along the Delaware River, like Wilmington and Philadelphia from enemy ships. Today, the park preserves land at the mouth of the C&D Canal for recreation, providing access to the water and a reprieve from the urban sprawl of the area.

Park History

A cornerstone of Delaware’s Coastal Defense System, Fort Dupont is named for Rear Admiral Samuel Francis Du Pont, a Civil War Naval Hero. The backbone of Fort DuPont’s coastal defense included its rifle, mortar and rapid-fire batteries that can still be seen today. When its weaponry became obsolete after World War I, Fort DuPont’s role switched primarily to training. A theater built in the 1930s still stands on the property.
Boat Launch & Fishing

The park’s unique location at the mouth of the Chesapeake & Delaware (C&D) Canal and the Delaware River positions it perfectly for fishing and launching vessels. Visit our Boat Launch and Fishing pages for more information.

Boat Launches

Fishing