Auburn Valley State Park
in Yorklyn, Delaware
Auburn Valley State Park blends industrial heritage, automotive history, and Brandywine Valley scenery into one of Delaware’s most distinctive park experiences. Located in Yorklyn along Red Clay Creek, the park preserves former mill lands once associated with the Marshall family and connects to the broader Du Pont industrial legacy in northern Delaware.
If Hagley tells the story of gunpowder and Nemours tells the story of aristocratic wealth, Auburn Valley tells the story of innovation, machinery, and American wheels.
Industrial Roots Along the Red Clay
The Auburn Valley area developed during the 19th century as part of the Red Clay Creek’s milling corridor. Like the Brandywine River, the Red Clay powered paper mills and manufacturing operations that helped build Delaware’s early economy.
The Marshall family became prominent industrialists in this region. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, they operated paper and fiber mills on this land, contributing to the region’s industrial strength.
Unlike many mill sites that vanished over time, Auburn Valley’s core structures survived.
The Marshall Steam Museum
The crown jewel of Auburn Valley State Park is the Marshall Steam Museum, home to one of the largest operating collections of Stanley steam cars in the world.
The museum features:
- Early 20th-century Stanley Steamers
- Antique automobiles
- Steam engines
- Industrial machinery
Yes, steam-powered cars — the kind that predated gasoline dominance.
The Marshall family began collecting these vehicles in the early 1900s, preserving a unique chapter of transportation history. Today, visitors can see live demonstrations and, on special event days, even ride in a steam car.
That alone makes Auburn Valley unique among Delaware parks.
The Auburn Heights Mansion
Overlooking the valley is the Auburn Heights Mansion, built in 1897. The Queen Anne–style home reflects the wealth generated by the Marshall family’s industrial operations.
Features include:
- Wraparound porches
- Decorative woodwork
- Hilltop views of the Red Clay Valley
The mansion connects the industrial story to family life, much like Hagley preserves the du Pont residence.
Outdoor Recreation
While Auburn Valley carries strong historical weight, it’s also an active recreation site.
Visitors enjoy:
- Hiking and walking trails
- Creekside paths
- Picnicking areas
- Access to the Yorklyn Bridge Trail
- Connection to the Red Clay Valley scenic corridor
The park also connects with nearby trails that feed into the broader Brandywine Valley outdoor network.
A Modern State Park
Auburn Valley State Park officially opened in 2018 after Delaware acquired the property in stages. Restoration and preservation efforts turned former private industrial lands into a public park that balances:
- Historic preservation
- Mechanical heritage
- Natural beauty
- Community events
It’s one of the newest additions to Delaware’s state park system.
Why Auburn Valley Matters
Auburn Valley represents:
- Delaware’s industrial expansion beyond DuPont
- The rise of early automotive experimentation
- Preservation of mill architecture
- The transformation of private wealth into public space
It adds a mechanical layer to your New Castle County story — complementing:
- Hagley (industrial beginnings)
- Nemours (estate elegance)
- Alapocas (industrial ruins + rock)
- Brandywine River heritage
- And let’s be honest — any park where steam cars occasionally roll down the driveway earns bonus points.