Profile

Discover the Hagley Museum Powder Yards Tour in Wilmington, Delaware

The Hagley Museum Brandywine Powder Yards Tour takes visitors back to the early 19th century, when the DuPont Company began producing gunpowder on the banks of the Brandywine River. Once the largest black powder manufacturing site in the U.S., the powder yards powered both industrial growth and American military history.

Guided tours lead visitors along restored mill buildings, stone ruins, and water-powered machinery that once produced thousands of barrels of powder each year. Demonstrations show how water wheels drove the grinding machinery, while interpretive exhibits explain the dangerous and innovative world of powder making.

The tour combines history, technology, and scenic landscapes, offering a unique experience that blends industrial heritage with natural beauty along the Brandywine Valley.

Why it’s special:
The Brandywine Powder Yards are the birthplace of the DuPont Company, one of America’s most influential industrial giants. Touring this historic site connects visitors with the origins of American industry, the lives of immigrant workers, and the innovations that shaped manufacturing. It’s more than a museum — it’s a walk through living history.

History/Story of the Brandywine Powder Yards

In 1802, French immigrant Éleuthère Irénée du Pont established a black powder mill on the Brandywine River, using his expertise from France to improve safety and efficiency. Over the next century, DuPont became the leading producer of gunpowder in the United States, supplying both industry and the military.

The powder yards remained active until 1921, after which the site was preserved as part of Hagley Museum. Today, it stands as a landmark of America’s industrial past and the DuPont family’s legacy.

What You’ll See & Do on the Hagley Museum Powder Yards Tour

Walk through the historic powder yard ruins and restored mill buildings.
See working water wheels and machinery demonstrations.
Learn how black powder was made, packaged, and transported.
Explore exhibits on DuPont family history and worker life in the 19th century.
Enjoy scenic trails along the Brandywine River.
Visit the museum shop for books, gifts, and historic reproductions.

Hands-On Elements: Machinery demonstrations, interactive displays, and guided storytelling.

Photo/Video Policy: Photography allowed in outdoor areas and visitor spaces.

Souvenirs & Extras:

Hagley Museum Store with history books, toys, and DuPont-themed gifts
Combo access with other Hagley Museum exhibits and gardens

Pricing of Hagley Museum Powder Yards Tour

Adults: $20
Seniors (62+): $16
Students: $12
Children (6–14): $8
Children under 6: Free
Members: Free
Group discounts available with advance booking

Practical Info for Visiting the Hagley Museum

Duration: ~90 minutes (longer with museum and gardens)
Format: Guided walking tour through outdoor and indoor exhibits
Schedule & Seasonality: Open daily, 10 AM–5 PM (April–October); hours may vary seasonally; closed major holidays
Audience: Families, history buffs, school groups, industrial heritage enthusiasts
Accessibility: Limited accessibility in some historic structures; main paths accessible
Safety & Restrictions: Outdoor walking required; uneven ground and historic ruins may pose challenges
Languages: English; group tours may arrange interpreters
Group & School Visits: Educational tours available; school programs tie into STEM and history

What to Bring/Wear: Comfortable walking shoes; weather-appropriate clothing
Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, café, museum store, parking
Closures & Downtime: Seasonal closures in winter; tours may pause in inclement weather

Location & Booking

Getting There: Free parking onsite; ~10 minutes from downtown Wilmington; accessible via I-95
Booking: Tickets available onsite or online at Hagley Museum
Cancellation & Refunds: Refunds available for online tickets up to 24 hours in advance
On-Site Extras: Gardens, historic home exhibits, museum store

Nearby

Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library
Nemours Estate
Brandywine Zoo

FAQs About Visiting the Hagley Museum Powder Yards Tour

What is included in the Powder Yards Tour?
The tour includes guided access to the powder yard ruins, waterwheel demonstrations, and interpretive exhibits on DuPont history.

Can children visit the Powder Yards?
Yes, families are welcome, though younger children should be supervised due to uneven terrain.

Is the tour outdoors or indoors?
The Powder Yards Tour is primarily outdoors with some stops in restored mill buildings and visitor centers.

How long does the tour last?
Plan for about 90 minutes, with additional time if exploring the museum and gardens.

Is the Hagley Museum wheelchair accessible?
Some areas are challenging due to historic terrain, but the main visitor facilities and select paths are accessible.

Do I need to book in advance?
Advance booking is recommended, especially during peak seasons and school field trip months.