There are plenty of pretty parks in New Castle County, but Brandywine Springs Park has an incredible history that you may not have realized. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, this tract of land was so much more than a few hiking trails and a picnic grove. It was home to an enormous amusement park and legendary natural spring. Read more about the history of this unassuming park below.

As you can tell by the name, Brandywine Springs was originally an attraction for those seeking a natural water source.

The historic Chalybeate Springs, deep in the woods, was believed to have medicinal qualities that could cure various ailments.

The barren, wooded land was a popular destination for those looking to come to the spring to cure their ailments.

The beginning of the resort and park was in 1826, when a large hotel was built for those seeking the magic springs.

The resort quickly grew to become a legendary amusement park.

You can see by looking at the map how sprawling the amusement park was in its prime.

The stunning entrance archway towered high over guests as they stepped inside.

Trollies would arrive from nearby towns to bring guests to their vacation spot.

The castle architecture made Brandywine Springs Amusement Park even more mystical and enchanting.

The park quickly grew to include all sorts of amusements and entertainment.

The main drag of Brandywine Springs was built along an expansive boardwalk.

There was a roller rink, where kids and adults alike learned to skate and practiced their moves.

The Ladies' Pavilion was the place to be for gossip and the sharing of homemaking secrets.

If you walk through the park today, you can find the posts that mark where the ladies' pavilion once stood.

The rides, like these swings, were one huge draw of the exciting park.

Live music and performances at the bandstand entertained guests each day.

One of the most popular attractions was the scenic railway that would take visitors on a tour of the enormous park.

You can see guests of all ages here, waiting for their ride.

This is what the railway pavilion looks like now. You can still see the tracks and the cornerstones of the historic building.

No summer resort is complete without an ice cream parlor!

Much like they do today, local dairies and creameries made their mark on Delawareans with a sweet tooth.

One of the highlights of the park was the enormous lake and scenic bridge that crossed it.

Guests could spend their days on the water after renting a paddleboat or canoe for just a few cents.

Nowadays, you're more likely to see waterfowl out on the restored lake.

If you want to learn more about the history of this unassuming park, visit the Red Clay Valley Museum.

A collection of artifacts and photos from Brandywine Springs Amusement Park will be sure to fascinate you. The Visitors Center and Museum are located at the Wilmington & Western Railroad's Greenbank Station at 2201 Newport Gap Pike, Wilmington.

You can learn more about the history of Brandywine Springs Amusement Park and learn about the efforts to restore the historic buildings and rejuvenate the original springs from The Friends of Brandywine Springs organization. Over the past few years, they have led the efforts to educate Delawareans on this hidden historic gem that's right in our own backyard. If you love checking out the remnants of the park, you'll also love to hike through these historic, explorable places in Delaware where you're sure to find adventure.