🌤 Weather at Auburn Valley State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31–71 °F | 59–84 °F | 34–75 °F | 23–43 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Avondale 2 N, 7 mi away, elevation 400 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Although it is often an overused phrase, Auburn Valley State Park in Delaware really does offer something for everyone.
Set within 360 acres of pristine landscape, the park is situated along Red Clay Creek, just 20 minutes from Wilmington, which provides a picturesque setting for visitors to enjoy a relaxing day out.
While the park offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities, including hiking, biking, fishing, and kayaking, its main attraction is the Auburn Heights Mansion. This features a wonderful collection of antique automobiles and steam engines that were once used on the estate.
As well as the museum, this Delaware state park hosts a number of popular car and steam engine related events throughout the year. It is also a noted spot for picnicking, birding and photography, for those who have an interest in it.
Activities
The main drawcard of this park is the antique automobiles and steam engines that are on display at the museum.
However, park guests can also enjoy several other outdoor leisurely activities while they are there.
Outlined below is a brief overview of some of the most popular things you can see and do at Auburn Valley State Park.
Antique automobiles and steam engines at Auburn Valley State Park
If you are a lover of classic cars you will definitely want to check out the Marshall Steam Museum.
Within it you’ll find a remarkable collection of antique automobiles and steam engines that date back to the early part of the 20th century.
The museum’s mission is to preserve, interpret, and demonstrate the impact of the steam engine on American life, and visitors can see this history firsthand through the many exhibits it has on display.
The museum’s collection includes rare steam cars, tractors, and locomotives, as well as gasoline-powered automobiles that were once used on the estate. The highlight of the collection is the impressive 1916 American LaFrance fire engine, which is fully restored and operational.
In addition to the museum’s exhibits, visitors can also take a ride on the Auburn Valley Railroad – a miniature train that winds through the park’s picturesque grounds.
Events at Auburn Valley State Park
Throughout the year, Auburn Valley State Park hosts a variety of events including car shows, antique tractor and engine shows, and other special shows.
One of the most eagerly anticipated is the annual ‘Auburn Heights Invitational’ car show, which attracts car enthusiasts from all over the region to view vintage and classic automobiles in a beautiful park setting.
Additionally, the park hosts ‘Steam Engine Days’ that showcase various antique steam engines and tractors in operation, along with demonstrations and exhibits on early 20th-century farm life.
At other times, it also offers a range of educational programs, including guided tours of the Auburn Heights mansion and workshops on early automotive technology and steam engines.
Arguably the most fun time to come here is during the holiday season, when the park is transformed into a festive wonderland with holiday light displays, train rides, and even a visit from Santa Claus!
Fishing at Auburn Valley State Park
If you enjoy fishing, you will want to bring your rods and reels with you to the park as there are three ponds located within it where you can cast a line.
Each pond is stocked with a variety of fish species such as largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and catfish. Visitors can choose to fish from the shoreline or rent a watercraft to access deeper waters.
Additionally, the park offers a fishing pier that provides an accessible fishing opportunity for visitors with disabilities.
should you want to fish at the park, you will need to secure yourself a valid fishing license if you are above the age of 16.
Trails at Auburn Valley State Park
The trails at Auburn Valley State Park are a great way to explore the natural beauty of its landscape.
Overall, the park has over 7 miles of trails that meander through the forested areas and along the scenic Red Clay Creek.
Hikers can choose to attempt several well-marked trails including the Auburn Heights Trail, which winds through the historic Auburn Heights Preserve. This offers beautiful views of the surrounding countryside and several excellent photographic opportunities.
Bikers can ride on the park’s paved trail or on the unpaved trails that offer more challenging terrain and showcase several species of its native flora and fauna.
Pets
Pets are welcome at Auburn Valley State Park. Delaware State Parks rules apply: your pet must be licensed and you need proof of its rabies vaccination. Keep it on a leash no longer than 6 feet and under your control, except in designated off-leash areas, clean up after it, and never leave it unattended, not even in your vehicle or camper. Park buildings, yurts, bird nesting areas, rental boats and kayaks, and all cabins and cottages except the designated dog-friendly ones are closed to pets year-round (Delaware State Parks pet rules, as of October 2026).
Camping
As Auburn Valley State Park is a day-use park there is no camping available onsite. However, there are several campgrounds in the surrounding area that visitors can use as a base to explore the park and the wider region.
One of the most popular options is Lums Pond State Park, which is located just a short drive from Auburn Valley. Lums Pond offers a range of camping options, including tent sites, RV sites, and cabins. The park also features opportunities for hiking, fishing, boating, and horseback riding.
Another solid nearby option is Killens Pond State Park. This is situated around 20 miles south of Auburn Valley and features campsites for tents and RVs, as well as yurts and cabins.
In addition to hiking, fishing, kayaking, if you stay here you’ll get to enjoy a water park.
Park Location
Auburn Valley State Park
3000 Creek Rd,
Hockessin, DE 19707
Phone: 302.729.4280
Map
Video
Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Auburn Valley State Park:
💒 Weddings at Auburn Valley
A Victorian Queen Anne mansion — the former Thomas Marshall estate — with separate dressing rooms for bride and groom, a sun porch, and stunning rose arbor gardens for ceremonies. All the character of a mansion wedding at a fraction of private estate pricing.
Tents in the surrounding lawn accommodate up to 125 guests for receptions. Guests can tour the mansion or arrange a ride in a vintage Stanley Steamer automobile. Contact Delaware State Parks for current pricing, availability, and permit requirements.
Read our complete State Park Wedding Planning Guide for more unique state park wedding venues.
Explore More Delaware State Parks
Auburn Valley State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Delaware. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Delaware guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Wildlife & Nature
Auburn Valley SP — in the Brandywine Valley — the du Pont family’s historic estate region. The park’s mill ruins, hardwood forest, and creek support white-tailed deer, great blue herons, and songbirds.
Nearby Attractions
Yorklyn — adjacent. Brandywine Valley — surrounding — home of Winterthur Museum and Hagley Museum.
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Brandywine Creek State Park (a short drive away) and White Clay Creek State Park (a short drive away).
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Auburn Valley State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Delaware State Parks are pet-friendly: leashed pets are welcome in most park areas, but all pets must be licensed with proof of rabies vaccination, and picnic areas, park buildings and yurts are closed to pets.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash no longer than 6 feet, except in designated off-leash areas.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- State law prohibits pets from all swimming and sunbathing beaches May 1 - September 30; Beach Plum Island bans pets year-round.
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Only dogs are allowed, and only in designated dog-friendly units (e.g. cabins at Killens Pond, Trap Pond, Cape Henlopen, cottages at Delaware Seashore); $25 per night pet fee, 2-dog maximum.
- Pet fees statewide rule
- No day-use pet fee; $25 per night pet fee for dog-friendly cabins/cottages (max 2 dogs).
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Fort Delaware State Park and Killens Pond Water Park are closed to pets; pets allowed in surf-fishing vehicle areas on a 6-foot leash.
Are dogs allowed at Auburn Valley State Park?
Delaware State Parks are pet-friendly: leashed pets are welcome in most park areas, but all pets must be licensed with proof of rabies vaccination, and picnic areas, park buildings and yurts are closed to pets. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via destateparks.com. More: Delaware state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Auburn Valley State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
