Discover Bellevue State Park: History, Trails & Outdoor Recreation in Northern Delaware

As Delaware State Parks celebrate 75 years of conservation, recreation, and outdoor adventure, we’re continuing our spotlight series featuring the parks that make the First State such a unique place to explore. From scenic trails and historic estates to family-friendly activities and hidden gems, every park tells its own story.  

Next in the series is Bellevue State Park, a northern Delaware destination where grand estate history meets modern outdoor recreation.  

Nestled just outside Wilmington, Bellevue State Park combines wide-open green spaces, wooded nature preserves, historic architecture, and year-round recreation into one welcoming park experience. Whether you’re looking for a scenic walk, a bike ride, horseback riding trails, or a relaxing afternoon outdoors, Bellevue offers something for every type of visitor.  

A Park Rooted in Delaware History  

Long before Bellevue became one of Delaware’s most beloved state parks, the land was home to a small Swedish agricultural community. By the mid-1800s, the area evolved with the addition of a schoolhouse, meetinghouse, cemetery, quarry, and nearby railroad station, early signs of Delaware’s growing Industrial Revolution. In 1855, Philadelphia merchant Hanson Robinson built Woolton Hall, an elaborate Gothic Revival-style mansion on the property. Over time, the estate expanded through several owners before eventually coming into the hands of William du Pont Jr., an avid equestrian and the estate’s final private owner.  

Du Pont transformed both the mansion and surrounding grounds, redesigning the home into its current neo-classical style while adding horse stables, indoor riding facilities, and a 1 ⅛-mile horse track. Today, Bellevue Hall remains the centerpiece of the park and a reminder of the estate’s elegant past. 

Throughout the park, visitors can still spot many of the estate’s historic structures, including: 

• The Percheron Barn 
• Mount Pleasant Schoolhouse 
• Historic meetinghouse and cemetery 
• Former equestrian facilities 

Together, they create a unique blend of history and outdoor recreation rarely found in a single destination. 

Outdoor Recreation at Bellevue State Park 

Bellevue State Park is one of northern Delaware’s most versatile outdoor recreation destinations. Visitors can enjoy: 

• Hiking and walking trails 
• Biking paths 
• Horseback riding 
• Disc golf 
• Fishing 
• Fitness activities along the oval track 

The park is also home to two popular recreation concessions: 

• Bellevue Tennis Center 
• Wellspring Farm, home to BeWell at Wellspring - wellness programming 

With open lawns, shaded woods, and accessible pathways, Bellevue is equally ideal for active visitors and relaxed family outings.

Hiking & Trails at Bellevue State Park 

Looking for some of the best easy hiking trails near Wilmington? Bellevue State Park offers a variety of beginner-friendly and scenic trails that wind through forests, meadows, historic landmarks, and former equestrian grounds. 

Equestrian Trail 

Length: 2.7 miles 
Type: Packed Earth 
Difficulty: Easy 
Trailhead: Arts Center Parking Area 

The Equestrian Trail offers one of the most immersive ways to experience Bellevue State Park. Hikers and horseback riders travel through the Bellevue Woods Nature Preserve while passing garden plots, the Percheron Barn, the Equestrian Training Center, and the Arts Center. This trail perfectly captures the park’s blend of nature, recreation, and estate history. 

Nature Preserve Trail  

Length: 1.5 miles 
Type: Packed Earth 
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate 
Trailhead: Park Office parking lot 

Beginning near the park entrance, the Nature Preserve Trail winds through the Bellevue Woods Nature Preserve, crossing a small creek and skirting the edge of a large meadow. This peaceful trail offers a quieter, more wooded experience ideal for nature lovers and birdwatchers. 

Northern Delaware Greenway Trail  

Length: 1.5 miles 
Type: Paved 
Difficulty: Easy 
Trailhead: Percheron Barn Parking Lot & Main Parking Lot 

Part of the larger Northern Delaware Greenway system, this paved shared-use trail connects Bellevue State Park to neighboring green spaces and historic properties. 

Along the route, visitors pass: 

• The Percheron Barn 
• Mount Pleasant Meetinghouse & Cemetery 
• Bellevue Hall 
• The park’s bandshell and recreation areas 

This trail is especially popular with walkers, joggers, and cyclists thanks to its smooth surface and easy terrain. 

Which Trail Should You Choose? 

Best for Estate History: Northern Delaware Greenway Trail 

Best for Horseback Riding: Equestrian Trail 

Best Nature Escape: Nature Preserve Trail 

Best for Biking: Northern Delaware Greenway Trail 

Why Bellevue State Park Stands Out  

Unlike many parks focused solely on hiking or open recreation, Bellevue offers a little bit of everything: 

• Historic estate architecture 
• Family-friendly recreation 
• Accessible walking and biking paths 
• Horseback riding opportunities 
• Scenic wooded preserves 
• Wellness and fitness programming 

Its close proximity to downtown Wilmington makes it an easy day trip while still feeling like a peaceful retreat from city life. 

Outdoor Fun for Families  

Bellevue State Park is especially popular with families thanks to its wide-open spaces and variety of activities for all ages. 

Visitors can enjoy: 

• Playground areas 
• Open lawns for picnics and games 
• Seasonal events and performances 
• Easy walking trails 
• Disc golf and fitness activities 

The park’s accessible layout and relaxed atmosphere make it a favorite for multigenerational outings. 

Planning Your Visit   

Best For: Walking, biking, horseback riding, family outings, fitness, and local history 

Nearby Attractions: Downtown Wilmington, Rockwood Park & Museum, Alapocas Run State Park, Nemours Estate

The park is open year-round and offers seasonal programming throughout the year. 

Bellevue State Park FAQs 

Where is Bellevue State Park located? 

Bellevue State Park is located just north of Wilmington, Delaware. 

What can you do at Bellevue State Park? 

Visitors can hike, bike, horseback ride, play disc golf, walk the fitness track, explore historic estate grounds, and attend seasonal events. 

Is Bellevue State Park family-friendly? 

Yes. Bellevue State Park offers accessible trails, playgrounds, open fields, and family-friendly recreation opportunities. 

Are there paved trails at Bellevue State Park? 

Yes. The Northern Delaware Greenway Trail offers an easy paved route through the park. 

A Legacy 75 Years in the Making 

As Delaware State Parks celebrate their 75th anniversary, Bellevue State Park continues to honor its rich history while welcoming new generations to explore, move, and connect outdoors. From historic mansions and horse trails to peaceful nature preserves and fitness paths, Bellevue remains one of northern Delaware’s most beloved outdoor destinations. 

Stay tuned as we continue our Delaware State Park Spotlight Series.