Auburn Valley State Park

Auburn Valley State Park, located at 630 Benge Road in Yorklyn, Delaware, is a state park that spans around 360 acres. The park was formerly known as Auburn Heights Preserve and was renamed to Auburn Valley State Park in 2018.

The park is home to the historic Marshall Mansion, completed in 1897, and the Marshall Steam Museum. The mansion is a beautiful example of Queen Anne-style architecture and is furnished with many of the original items from the Marshall family. The Steam Museum houses the world’s largest collection of operational steam cars.

The park preserves the former home and estate of the Marshall family, as well as portions of the family’s former mills alongside the Red Clay Creek. It also includes additional land purchased by the state. The park is known for its several miles of trails open to walking and biking, including a 1.2-mile paved loop. The state also owns conservation easements on 160 acres of privately owned land adjacent to the park to help maintain the park’s rural character.

One of the unique features of the park is a miniature coal-powered train that runs on tracks encircling the estate. This, along with the collection of operational steam cars, offers visitors a glimpse into the industrial past of the area.

The park is nestled in the Piedmont’s Red Clay Valley, and visitors can discover the history of the Marshall Family, Yorklyn’s rich industrial history, and the revitalization of this site. The park also features new hiking and paved biking trails, and much more.