From the launch point, you’ll find yourself at the tip of the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge (D105), Pennsylvania's largest tidal wetland. It is home to 280 species of birds, and fox, deer, muskrat, turtles, fish, frogs and a wide variety of wildflowers and plants. Depending on the tide, you can venture upstream into the marsh.

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When you get to the Delaware River, head upstream. Along the Tinicum Township shoreline you’ll see Gov. Printz Park (86), the site of the first permanent European settlement in Pennsylvania, the capital of New Sweden in the mid-17th century. The park features an outdoor exhibit on the history of New Sweden and a statue of Governor Printz. This site is visible but not accessible by river.

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Shortly up river is the Lazaretto (86.2), an historic quarantine station that processed cargo and passengers bound for the Philadelphia port. It is the last example of its kind in America. Before it was a quarantine station, it was part of a Swedish settlement. It was later a seaplane base during aviation’s earliest days. This site is visible but not accessible by river.

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The island across from these historic sights is Little Tinicum Island. The Island is part of the Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry\'s William Penn State Forest. Little Tinicum Island was likely a marsh before silt and debris were deposited and a shoreline began to form.

Little Tinicum Island today consists of scrub forests and areas of fill with a variety of types of vegetation including wild rice, water hemp ragweed, and Walter's barnyard grass. It is ringed by tidal freshwater wetlands.

Exploring the island is an opportunity to see the unique ecology of river islands, where nature and man have shaped the landscape. Camping is also permitted on the island – contact the PA Bureau of Forestry (www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry/camping) to inquire about camping.

Head upstream to River Mile 91.3 – Fort Mifflin, "the fort that saved America.” Although the American Army was actually defeated here during the Revolutionary War, the battle gave Washington's troops time to make camp in Valley Forge. The fort contains 14 restored historic structures constructed barracks, officer’s quarters a blacksmith shop and the dungeons. The gift shop offers authentic reproduction Revolutionary and Civil War items. While the Fort is difficult to see from the River, you can call ahead to gain access by boat.

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Further up the Delaware River is the Philadelphia Navy Yard. Across the River lies Red Bank Battlefield (92), the site of a Revolutionary War battle won by American troops. Troops wounded during battle were brought to The Whitall House, which was used as a field hospital.

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From the launch point, you’ll find yourself at the tip of the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge (D105), Pennsylvania's largest tidal wetland. It is home to 280 species of birds, and fox, deer, muskrat, turtles, fish, frogs and a wide variety of wildflowers and plants. Depending on the tide, you can venture upstream into the marsh.

Rate this point of interest:

When you get to the Delaware River, head upstream. Along the Tinicum Township shoreline you’ll see Gov. Printz Park (86), the site of the first permanent European settlement in Pennsylvania, the capital of New Sweden in the mid-17th century. The park features an outdoor exhibit on the history of New Sweden and a statue of Governor Printz. This site is visible but not accessible by river.

Rate this point of interest:

Shortly up river is the Lazaretto (86.2), an historic quarantine station that processed cargo and passengers bound for the Philadelphia port. It is the last example of its kind in America. Before it was a quarantine station, it was part of a Swedish settlement. It was later a seaplane base during aviation's earliest days. This site is visible but not accessible by river.

Rate this point of interest:

The island across from these historic sights is Little Tinicum Island. The Island is part of the Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry\’s William Penn State Forest. Little Tinicum Island was likely a marsh before silt and debris were deposited and a shoreline began to form.

Little Tinicum Island today consists of scrub forests and areas of fill with a variety of types of vegetation including wild rice, water hemp ragweed, and Walter's barnyard grass. It is ringed by tidal freshwater wetlands.

Exploring the island is an opportunity to see the unique ecology of river islands, where nature and man have shaped the landscape. Camping is also permitted on the island, so feel free to bring your tent and your camping permit.

If the tide is in your favor, you can venture farther up Darby Creek into the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge.

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