Brandywine Springs Park is a quiet, unassuming New Castle County Park that has a truly unbelievable history. You would never know that for decades, thousands of people flocked to this spot from all over the country for one reason: to drink from a magic spring that was rumored to be a fountain of youth. The site was so popular, an enormous amusement park was built to accommodate the travelers! Read more about the allure of Chalybeate Spring below.
Brandywine Spring Park is located at 3300 Faulkland Road, Wilmington, DE 19808
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You might be aware that for years, the enormous Brandywine Springs Amusement Park sat on this very site.
Courtesy of Mike Ciosek
But what drew visitors to this area to begin with?
Courtesy of Mike Ciosek
Well, a magic spring that was said to have medicinal powers.
Courtesy of Mike Ciosek
In fact, the spring was the reason that a large hotel was built here in 1826. People were traveling from the Midwest to sip the legendary, foul-tasting water.
Courtesy of Mike Ciosek
The hike through the woods to get to Chalybeate Spring was vigorous and refreshing. In retrospect, that probably made visitors feel better than the iron-filled spring water.
Courtesy of Mike Ciosek
A visit to Chalybeate Spring was said to cure illness, improve health and happiness, and increase a drinker’s overall quality of life.
Courtesy of Mike Ciosek
The legend of Delaware’s very own “fountain of youth” drew so many visitors that an enormous resort and amusement park were built.
Courtesy of Mike Ciosek
Though the amusement park has long been demolished, you can still hike to Chalybeate Spring today.
Facebook / Friends of Brandywine Springs
For decades, it remained hidden in the ground at Brandywine Springs Park.
Facebook / Friends of Brandywine Springs
Now, the Friends of Brandywine Springs are working on digging up the site to preserve it.
Facebook / Friends of Brandywine Springs
Chalybeate Spring is far from the spring it was in its glory days, but it’s the perfect destination for a historic hike.
Facebook / Friends of Brandywine Springs You can find out more about the Friends of Brandywine Springs efforts to preserve the history of the park right here.
If you’d like to learn more about the amusement park that once stood here, check out 21 Then And Now Photos That Show Just How Much Delaware’s Most Iconic Amusement Park Has Changed. It’s incredible to see what stood on this site!
Facebook / Brandywine Springs
Courtesy of Mike Ciosek
Facebook / Friends of Brandywine Springs
You can find out more about the Friends of Brandywine Springs efforts to preserve the history of the park right here.
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Address: 3300 Faulkland Road, Wilmington, DE 19808
