DNREC is considering fee changes as rising costs and record demand put pressure on the state park system. (Photo courtesy DNREC)

DNREC considers fee changes for Delaware State Parks amid rising costs, record demand

Claudia EstradaCulture, Headlines

Delaware State Parks may see changes to entrance, annual, and lifetime pass fees for the first time in a decade, as the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) weighs options to sustain operations under rising costs and record visitation. Park fees have remained unchanged since 2015, despite expenses funded by user fees increasing by 127%. According to DNREC, …

The new accessibility features will be available at five state parks. (Photo courtesy of Delaware DNREC)

Delaware expands off-road wheelchair access in state parks

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Culture

People with disabilities now have greater access to Delaware’s state parks, thanks to an expanded program offering all-terrain wheelchairs at five park locations. The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) announced that Action Trackchairs, motorized off-road wheelchairs, are now available at Cape Henlopen, Lums Pond, Killens Pond, Trap Pond, and White Clay Creek state parks. The initiative …

Surf fishing reservations will be required starting Saturday.

Surf fishing reservations required starting May 24 at Delaware state parks

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Culture

Anglers planning to surf fish at Delaware State Parks over the summer will need a reservation on weekends and holidays starting Saturday, May 24, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) announced. The reservation requirement, which applies to the state’s seven multi-use drive-on beaches, is part of DNREC’s effort to manage demand and preserve beach access during …

Review March 2

Delaware LIVE+ Weekly Review – March 2, 2025

Sonja FreyHeadlines

Click the image below to read this week’s Weekly Review!

Fees to visit Delaware State Parks will begin Saturday. (Photo courtesy of DNREC)

Delaware State Parks entrance fees take effect March 1

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Culture

For all nature-lovers and outdoorsmen: with the weather breaking, prepare to pony up a couple bucks to attend your favorite state parks. The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) reminded visitors Wednesday that 2025 entrance fees for Delaware State Parks will be in effect starting Saturday, March 1. The fees will remain in place through Nov. 30, …

The plethora of outdoor summer concerts in Delaware begin in June. (Photo from Delaware State Parks)

165 free outdoor concerts to jam out this summer in Delaware

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Culture

It’s that time of year again – dust off the lawn chairs, shake out the blankets and get ready to jam out on summer nights in Delaware. The annual outdoor concert series is back at multiple locations throughout the state, and all shows are free to attend for families planning night-outs on a budget.  The largest summer concert series is …

The Gordons Pond trail is one of the superintendent's picks at Delaware State Parks. Courtesy of Delaware State Parks.

For verified fun, check out park superintendents’ picks

Ken MammarellaHeadlines, Culture

Delaware State Parks in 2022 drew 8 million visitors, lured by the sand and the surf, the flora and the fauna, the past and the participatory sports and other activities and events that don’t make alliterative pairs. But wait, there’s more! Park superintendents promote a wide variety of “superintendent’s picks” on the homepages of most of the 17 state parks. …

There's more than a dozen First Day Hikes available for Delawareans on New Year's Day.

First Day Hikes: get active on New Year’s with these trails

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Culture

You can get 2024 off to a vigorous — or ambling — start by taking part in one of the annual free New Year’s Days hikes at Delaware parks. They range from flat, easy courses to more challenging ones. You can even bring your favorite mug to Rockwood Park on Monday, Jan. 1, and the museum staff will make you …

Delaware is expected to see a 3.3% increase in travelers compared to last year's holiday season.

On the go? Your guide to end-of-year holidays

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Education

Hitting the road for the holidays? You are not alone: 33% of First State residents are expected to travel more than 50 miles to celebrate the holidays. That’s 3.3% more travelers than last year. Here’s what to know about Christmas and New Years weekends in Delaware.  Travel Gas prices in Delaware are the lowest they’ve been since October 2021, according …

Labor Day weekend is right around the corner, and here's how it's being celebrated in the First State.

Labor Day weekend in Delaware: Here’s what to know

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Culture

With the Labor Day weekend’s official end to summer comes slightly cooler temperatures, cheaper gas and lots of chances for fun, whether it’s homemade or public.  AAA Mid-Atlantic expects travel to return to near pre-COVID levels with families getting their last bit of vacation in before school starts. Weather for Labor Day weekend On Saturday, the temperature in Delaware beach …