Old Swedes Historic Site
Explore one of America's oldest churches, built in 1698, and discover the history of Swedish settlers.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal tours
Old Swedes Historic Site
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal tours
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore one of America's oldest churches, built in 1698, and discover the history of Swedish settlers.
"A nominal fee for a very interesting history, well spent!"
🎯 Book a Guided Tour
Enhance your visit with a knowledgeable guide for church and house history.
🦟 Bring Bug Spray
Essential for exploring the graveyard comfortably, especially in warmer months.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Old Swedes Church
Wilmington, Delaware
The oldest standing church with its original foundation, offering a glimpse into early Swedish settlement.
Hendrickson House
Adjacent to the church
Explore this historic settler house, offering insights into colonial life and Swedish heritage.
Evocative Graveyard
Surrounding the church
Wander through tombstones telling stories of early settlers and the area's rich history.
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Planning Your Visit
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book a Guided Tour
Enhance your visit with a knowledgeable guide for church and house history. +1
🦟 Bring Bug Spray
Essential for exploring the graveyard comfortably, especially in warmer months.
🚶♀️ Explore the Graveyard
Self-guided exploration with audio and signage offers a unique historical perspective.
🛍️ Visit the Museum Shop
Find unique Swedish crafts and souvenirs to remember your visit.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book a Guided Tour
Enhance your visit with a knowledgeable guide for church and house history. +1
🦟 Bring Bug Spray
Essential for exploring the graveyard comfortably, especially in warmer months.
🚶♀️ Explore the Graveyard
Self-guided exploration with audio and signage offers a unique historical perspective.
🛍️ Visit the Museum Shop
Find unique Swedish crafts and souvenirs to remember your visit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Old Swedes Historic Site for its rich history, knowledgeable guides, and the evocative atmosphere of its church and graveyard. The nominal fee makes it an accessible and worthwhile stop for those interested in early American settlement and Swedish heritage. Some note the lack of restrooms and the need for bug spray.
"We enjoyed our hour-long visit to this historic church, settler house, and graveyard. We had a lovely guide who shared context on the home and church, as well as some history on the Swedish (and Finn) settlers as well. The graveyard had a lot of evocative tombstones.
The gift shop was also nice, great for Swedish crafts."
cliffb1930
"Nice tour of the historic church. The docent was very friendly and knowledgeable. They take you in the church and talk about it's history and some points of interest. There is a fee, but it is very nominal. And it included the Hendrickson House and graveyard. All told, the entire tour took less than an hour. The graveyard is self-guided. There is an audio tour, and signage. Bring bug spray! Also, no public restrooms. We thought it was interesting. This is part of the First State Historic Park, which also includes Fort Christina and the Kalmar Nyckel Tall Ship/Maritime Center."
Lisa Lizana
"A must see experience if you are driving through Delaware! Old Swedes Church is the oldest standing church without changes to it's original foundation/structure. Our tour guide, Kyle was excellent. $5 well spent! We enjoyed walking around the church as well as the cemetery. The history is exceptional for this area. Highly recommend stopping."
Kristi Albert
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Old Swedes Historic Site is located in Wilmington, Delaware. It's part of the First State Historic Park. You can typically drive and find parking nearby, or use ride-sharing services.
While specific routes can vary, Wilmington has public transportation options. It's advisable to check local transit schedules for the most up-to-date information on bus routes serving the area.
Parking availability can vary. It's recommended to look for designated parking areas near the historic site or on surrounding streets.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is a nominal fee for the guided tour, which is considered very affordable and well worth the cost. +1
While advance booking might not always be strictly necessary, it's a good idea to check their official website or call ahead, especially if you plan to visit during peak season or for a specific tour time.
The fee typically includes a guided tour of the historic church and the Hendrickson House. The graveyard is usually self-guided.
Information on discounts for students, seniors, or groups is best found on the official Old Swedes Historic Site website or by contacting them directly.
Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's recommended to check the official website for the most current hours of operation for tours and site access.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
A quick visit can be under an hour, but to fully appreciate the church, Hendrickson House, and graveyard, plan for at least two hours. +1
No, public restrooms are not available on-site. It's advisable to use facilities before your visit.
The graveyard is self-guided and generally accessible, though the terrain might be uneven due to historical gravestones.
Photography is generally permitted, but it's always a good idea to be respectful of the sacred nature of the church and graveyard. Check for any specific photography rules.
It's one of the oldest standing churches in the US with its original foundation, representing early Swedish settlement in the New World. +1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities directly at Old Swedes Historic Site. You'll find various restaurants and cafes in downtown Wilmington.
It's generally best to consume food and drinks outside of the historic church and house to preserve the sites.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior of the church, the historic tombstones in the graveyard, and the Hendrickson House offer picturesque opportunities.
Photography inside the church may be restricted. Always check for signage or ask a staff member before taking photos inside.
Many visitors capture historical architecture, atmospheric graveyard shots, and details of the early settler gravestones.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep in mind that public restrooms are not available on-site, so plan accordingly. Bringing bug spray is also a good idea for exploring the graveyard. The site's manageable size means it can be explored without overwhelming younger visitors, making it a good option for a focused historical outing.
🏛️ History Buffs
The graveyard is a treasure trove of genealogical and historical data, with tombstones dating back centuries. Engaging with the guided tours and self-guided exploration of the graveyard will provide a deep dive into the Swedish and Finnish settlement history of the region.
🚶 Day-Trippers
It's conveniently located as part of the First State Historic Park, making it easy to combine with visits to Fort Christina or the Kalmar Nyckel Tall Ship. Remember the practical tips: bring bug spray and be aware of the lack of on-site restrooms.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Enduring Legacy of Old Swedes
The site also encompasses the Hendrickson House, a colonial-era settler home that provides further insight into the daily lives of the early inhabitants. Together, the church and house paint a vivid picture of the community's establishment and development. The surrounding graveyard is a significant part of the experience, filled with evocative tombstones that tell the stories of generations of settlers, offering a poignant glimpse into the area's demographic and social history.
Beyond its architectural and historical significance, Old Swedes Historic Site has also become a venue for cultural events, such as the Arts Day featuring performances by groups like the Serafin Ensemble and Pieces of a Dream Dance Ensemble.
+1 This blend of historical preservation and community engagement makes it a dynamic destination. The site is part of the broader First State Historic Park, connecting it to other significant landmarks in Wilmington. Exploring the Graveyard's Stories
While the graveyard is self-guided, the site provides audio tours and signage to help visitors understand the significance of the burials and the individuals interred there. This allows for a personal and reflective experience, where you can connect with the past at your own pace. It's a place where history feels palpable, and the stories of those who came before are etched in stone.
Remember to bring bug spray, as the graveyard can be a haven for insects, especially during warmer months. This practical tip ensures a more comfortable and enjoyable exploration of this historically rich area.
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