By: Alexander Huey, Marketing and Communications Specialist at Delaware State Parks

Here in the First State, we love to celebrate our independence year round, but especially on July 4! With events and experiences spanning the northern end of the state all the way to the beaches, Delaware State Parks are the perfect place to celebrate your American Independence.

Northern Delaware

In Delaware City, celebrate our independence by living our history and the defense of freedom at Fort Delaware State Park. Take the ferry to Pea Patch Island where on July 4th, you will be able to experience a musketry demonstration and take a guided history tour of the island. Stick around for an EXTRA Heavy Artillery Demonstration by historic interpreters to get a little extra “boom” in for the holiday.

Then finish up your 4th of July weekend on Sunday, July 7th and enjoy a beautiful afternoon full of friends, family, and food while being entertained by the Spokey Speaky band at 6:30pm at Bellevue State Park. This free summer concert is bound to add positive vibes to the holiday weekend.  Then join the Delaware Astronomical Society for an evening of stargazing July 8th at Bellevue State Park. This event gives everyone in the family an opportunity to admire the same night sky as those who fought for America’s independence and to encourage you to always shoot for the stars. Come early to tour the beautiful DuPont estate and take a walk back in time to catch a glimpse of lavish life following the Revolutionary War.

Live history and experience the defense of freedom at Fort Delaware State Park

Central Delaware

In collaboration with the Dover 4th of July Celebration, First State Heritage Park will host several programs throughout the day on July 4th. At 2pm and 4pm, join the National Bell Ringing Ceremony at the Old State House as the Declaration of Independence is read aloud from the spot where the citizens of Dover first heard it in 1776. Stick around for Dover’s Old Fashioned Fourth of July Parade at 6pm, and check out the vendors and free activities throughout the evening. As dusk begins to fall, watch for a C-17 flyover and performance by the 287th Army Band of the Delaware National Guard. The evening concludes with a dazzling pyrotechnic spectacular by Serpico Fireworks (In the event of rain or high winds, fireworks will be rescheduled for Saturday, July 7). More information and full schedule events can be found on the Dover 4th of July website.

Can’t make it for the celebration on the 4th? Join First State Heritage Park on July 7th for their monthly First Saturday event as they celebrate patriotic traditions.

Let freedom ring in the State of Delaware

Southern Delaware

Beach trips and Independence Day go hand in hand. Enjoy a day off from work by relaxing on the scenic shores of Fenwick Island State Park or by grabbing a bite to eat at Big Chill Beach Club at Delaware Seashore State Park. At Cape Henlopen State Park, visit historic Fort Miles, a WWII era defense she built to defend the Delaware Bay and Delaware River,  and find yourself in the center of American defense of freedom. Climb the observation tower to take in scenic views, and experience an extra Heavy Artillery Demonstration. While you’re at it, check out one of the many exciting programs going on in our beach parks.

*Please note that our beach parks do not host firework presentations, however, Rehoboth Beach fireworks are on July 3, and Lewes fireworks are on July 4.

Though small, you may catch a glimpse of Rehoboth Beach Fireworks from Cape Henlopen State Park

We hope to see you in the parks to celebrate Independence Day! As a reminder to guests joining us, due to safety and as a measure of environmental preservation, the use of fireworks and firecrackers are prohibited in Delaware State Parks. More info on our park rules can be found on our website. How do you plan on celebrating your independence? Let us know in the comments below.