Ridley Creek State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ridley Creek State Park |
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IUCN Category III (Natural Monument)
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Ridley Creek as seen on an autumn day
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 Ridley Creek State Park
Location in Pennsylvania
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| Location | Delaware, Pennsylvania, United States |
| Area | 2,606 acres (10.55 km2) |
| Elevation | 315 ft (96 m) |
| Established | August 1972 |
| Governing body | Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources |
| Website | Ridley Creek State Park |
Ridley Creek State Park is a huge park in Pennsylvania, covering about 2,606 acres. It's located in Delaware County, not far from the town of Media. This park is a fantastic place for outdoor fun, offering activities like hiking, biking, fishing, and picnicking.
The beautiful Ridley Creek flows right through the park. Some of the cool things you can find here include a 5-mile paved trail for many uses, a fancy garden designed by the famous Olmsted Brothers, and the Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation. This plantation is like a living museum that shows what daily life was like on a farm before the American Revolution. The park is also next to the John J. Tyler Arboretum, which is a place with many different trees and plants. Ridley Creek State Park is easy to reach, just over 16 miles from downtown Philadelphia.
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Park History: How Ridley Creek State Park Began
Most of the land for Ridley Creek State Park was bought in the late 1960s. It came from the family of Walter M. Jeffords, Sr., who was a well-known horse breeder. The Jeffords family started buying small pieces of land around 1912. Eventually, they owned over 2,000 acres, which was the largest private undeveloped property in the Philadelphia area by the 1960s.
Historic Buildings and Early Settlers
Around 1918, the Jeffords built a large mansion, which is now the park office. They built it around an old stone farmhouse. There were also 24 other historic buildings on the land. Many of these were old farmhouses that had been owned by the same families since the 1600s. In 1976, these properties were listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a national historic district.
The area was first settled by English Quakers. It remained mostly farmland until the 1900s. The oldest building in the park is the Worrel House, built in 1683. In 1718, a water mill called Providence Mill started grinding corn. Later, other mills were built, including Bishop's Mills, which operated until 1901.
Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation: A Step Back in Time
The Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation is a special place where you can see what life was like long ago. It's a living museum on a 112-acre farm. The Pratt family lived here from 1720 to 1820. You can visit the plantation on weekends from April through November, but there is an admission fee.
Fun Things to Do at Ridley Creek State Park
Ridley Creek State Park is very popular because it's so close to Philadelphia. There are many activities for everyone to enjoy.
Fishing and Water Fun
Ridley Creek is a favorite spot for people who love to fish. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission adds trout to the creek, so there are plenty of fish to catch. Part of the creek is a special "catch and release" area just for fly fishing. There's even a fishing platform that is easy for people using wheelchairs to access.
Trails for Everyone
The park has 12 miles of hiking trails that are very popular, especially with dog owners. These trails go through different natural areas. There's also a 5-mile paved trail that you can use for jogging, bicycling, and walking. If you enjoy riding horses, there's a 4.7-mile equestrian trail just for you.
Other State Parks Nearby
If you like exploring state parks, there are many others within 30 miles of Ridley Creek State Park:
- Alapocas Run State Park (Delaware)
- Auburn Valley State Park (Delaware)
- Bellevue State Park (Delaware)
- Benjamin Rush State Park (Philadelphia County)
- Brandywine Creek State Park (Delaware)
- Delaware Canal State Park (Bucks and Northampton Counties)
- Evansburg State Park (Montgomery County)
- Fort Delaware State Park (Delaware)
- Fort DuPont State Park (Delaware)
- Fort Mott State Park (New Jersey)
- Fort Washington State Park (Montgomery County)
- Fox Point State Park (Delaware)
- French Creek State Park (Berks and Chester Counties)
- Lums Pond State Park (Delaware)
- Marsh Creek State Park (Chester County)
- Neshaminy State Park (Bucks County)
- Norristown Farm Park (Montgomery County)
- Wilmington State Parks (Delaware)
- White Clay Creek Preserve (Chester County)
- White Clay Creek State Park (Delaware)
