Rockwood Park & Museum

Joseph Shipley, a Quaker merchant banker, built Rockwood between 1851 and 1854. Its Gothic Revival architecture and enchanting landscape were designed to reflect the beauty of an English country estate.

The museum reflects the way the Bringhurst family, descendants of Shipley, lived during the turn of the 20th century.

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  1. Sat Sep. 30

    Rockwood Paranormal Experience This is Rockwood's classic Paranormal Program to investigate the mansion from the unfinished attic to the decayed basement through the highly polished living spaces in between. Guests will be instructed how to use sophisticated paranormal equipment to be central to the investigation. Visiting investigators will learn how instrument results relate to those who may have once lived or worked at Rockwood. Attendees must be able to traverse many stairs throughout the museum. Pre-registration is required as space is limited.

  2. Sat Sep. 30

    Rockwood Paranormal Experience This is Rockwood’s classic Paranormal Program to investigate the mansion from the unfinished attic to the decayed basement through the highly polished living spaces in between.

  3. Sun Oct. 1

    Hike & Brunch: Mushroom Hunting Launching the next group of this year’s wooded adventures and great brunches! Rockwood’s visitors will continue to enjoy a dynamic line-up of guest speakers for the seasonal Hike & Brunch program. In the spring and fall, guest lecturers take brunch-crowds on a 60-90 minute walk/hike through Rockwood and its adjoining parks to dig into variety of natural topics. The themed brunches are provided by Prime Hospitality ad always feature our signature bloody-marys. From mushrooms to minerals this schedule will delight every palette and interest.

  4. Sun Oct. 1

    Free First Sundays at Rockwood Museum Come try out Rockwood Museum’s self-guided tour for the first time or return to see many fun, new changes – on us! This is our chance to give back to the community and open the doors wide open.

  5. Sun Oct. 1

    Free First Sunday Tours Free tours

  6. Sun Oct. 1

    Haunted Trails of Rockwood The twists and bends of Rockwood’s 170 year-old garden paths are lit with dramatic lighting for the haunted holiday. Joseph Shipley built the important six-acre English style garden to surround the quintessentially spook-tacular Gothic Revival mansion. The mature arbor frames the wicked peaks of the house’s roofline to inspire frightening feelings of natural awe. Take a stroll-if you dare-and enjoy Rockwood’s Heritage Garden at night!

  7. Sun Oct. 1

    Haunted Trails of Rockwood The twists and bends of Rockwood’s 170 year-old garden paths are lit with dramatic lighting for the haunted holiday.

  8. Mon Oct. 2

    Haunted Trails of Rockwood The twists and bends of Rockwood’s 170 year-old garden paths are lit with dramatic lighting for the haunted holiday. Joseph Shipley built the important six-acre English style garden to surround the quintessentially spook-tacular Gothic Revival mansion. The mature arbor frames the wicked peaks of the house’s roofline to inspire frightening feelings of natural awe. Take a stroll-if you dare-and enjoy Rockwood’s Heritage Garden at night!
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The Carriage House at Rockwood Park

Our indoor space has the flexibility to accommodate a small intimate event or a large gathering. The Carriage House offers a unique setting for any private event including:

  • Weddings
  • Holiday gatherings
  • Family reunions
  • Birthday and anniversary parties
  • Nonprofit events
  • Baby/bridal showers
  • Corporate functions

Learn More

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Rockwood Tour Tickets

Contact Us

  1. Rockwood Park & Museum

    Physical Address
    4651 Washington Street Extension
    Wilmington, DE 19802

    Phone: (302) 761-4340

  2. Facility Rentals

    Mansion, Garden, and Conservatory Rentals
    Email
    Phone: (302) 761-4340
    More Information

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Best of Delaware 2022 Ghost Tours
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National Register of Historic Places, Rockwood, New Castle County, Delaware, National Register #76000579.

Rockwood Park is a Certified Wildlife Habitat Certified by the National Wildlife Federation
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Accessibility

Although the west wing of the mansion is wheelchair accessible including accessible restrooms, please note that only a limited portion of the museum is wheelchair accessible. The main museum rooms are only accessible by stairs.