Just north of the city located in the suburbs of Wilmington, anther former DuPont estate belonging to William DuPont and his family is now Bellevue State Park. Today the grounds and mansion reflect the changes made by DuPont’s son, William Jr. to renovate the Gothic Revival castle into a replica of President James Madison’s home, Montpelier. Tennis courts, equestrian stables, gardens and a picturesque pond amid woodlands and fields make this a beautiful oasis from the sprawl of suburbia. Walking, jogging, and cycling are popular activities on the park’s trails and 1 1/8 mile fitness track. Picnics are another great pastime here as there are three pavilions and picnic tables around the pond.

Fishing is also a favorite here although there is a catch and release policy in effect. If the pond is frozen solid enough during winter, ice skating is allowed, and hayrides are offered in the fall. The Bellevue Arts Center runs nature programs, tours of the historic mansion, and summer camps. The Arts Center also plans concerts year round, larger ones held in the band shell and lunchtime concerts on the patio of the arts center during summer months, and winter concerts in the mansion. The mansion is also used for special events such as weddings, meetings, receptions, reunions and retreats.

Also available for special events is the Cauffiel House. The Cauffiel House is on land that once used to be a working farm and is built in the Colonial Revival-style popular around the turn of the century. The house sits atop a hill that overlooks the Delaware River and has beautiful views from the home’s sun porches and gazebo. The Mount Pleasant Meeting House and Parsonage is another option. The Meeting House, on the National Register of Historic Places, is a restored sanctuary great for weddings. A few steps away is the Parsonage with a restored Victorian parlor that is an ideal space for a bride and her attendants. The Hunter Barn provides more space for larger scale group events, and contains indoor picnic facilities.

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Please email or visit our website for directions.

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Daily Entrance Fees are in effect May 1 thru Oct 31. Please see our website for more details on these and other fees.

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KID FRIENDLY, HANDICAPPED ACCESS, PARKING AVAILABLE, RV PARKING,

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