Kalmar Nyckel Foundation

Even when the ship is in the harbor, the Copeland Maritime Center is still worth a visit to learn about the history of Delaware and the brief moment of New Sweden. Check the website and calendar for upcoming times and dates of availability.

The museum is very informative with some hands on items. The sail is absolutely fantastic! The entire crew’s goal is to make sure everyone has a terrific time, safely. They’re extremely helpful, informative, knowledgeable, professional, and extremely friendly. I would absolutely do this again any time. Highly worthwhile. Very glad that we did it!

Kalmar Nyckel Foundation, Wilmington Delaware on the Christina River is the #1 Tall Ship Sail Training Facility in North America, they provide Crew training, education sails and programing, public sails and private charters. The Kalmar Nyckel Tall Ship is a recreation of the original Swedish Royal Navy vessel turned Armed Merchant ship , Originally built by the Dutch in 1627, purchased by Sweden in 1629, named Kalmar Nyckel which translates as the Key of Kalmar, which this ship sat in waters off Kalmar Sweden , and in order to enter the city one must sail past Kalmar Nyckel, quite literally becoming " the Key of Kalmar" she was later Commissioned by the Ships Company to sail to the New World and establish a colony and for the Fur trade Expedition, so the Company hired Peter Minuit to lead the expedition. And so after a long and arduous journey across the Atlantic, Peter Minuit and the Ship arrived 1638 on the Christina River, at a place called " the Rocks " current Fort Christina Park, and established a new colony of New Sweden, they accomplished this by trading with the Linae Lenape natives giving gifts of Red Duffel Cloth, glass beads, Iron, Copper and other items foreign to these indigenous peoples, in return the Sachem allowed them to settle interdispersed and awarded them with Beaver pelts and Skins.....

This is just the tip of Historic Preservation mentioned above. The Foundations Museum and Programming is way more detailed and in depth , hands and eyes on experience than I could verbalize here, if I was to do so , I could write for hours, maybe even a whole day.

Take my word and come Check it out

A fun trip up and down the river. The museum has lots of interesting information, arrive early and check that out! Good for kids as well as adults.
Recommend 👍

Had a blast cruising up the Christina river. The crew and other passengers made the day even more enjoyable. The museum gave a lot of historical information that is not so easy to find.

Very informative museum. The re-enactment performance of Harriet Tubman by Dr.Century was fantastic. We also had a tour of The Rocks and park by a wonderful guide. Sorry I don't remember her name but she had glasses and short hair. Very enthusiastic and knowledgeable! Thank you!

Amazing Maritime Center, model ship collection, and beautiful ship undergoing winterizing maintenance.

Beautiful place! Inside the contemporary and immaculate building, you feel like you are a part of American history with the collection of photos and pamphlets within immediate view as you walk around the inside of the building. The enormous and famous Kalmar Nykel ship rests silently upon the Christina River for all spectators to see. There a tours and rides given. I am not sure about the prices, but the Kalmar Nykel is truly representative of Delaware history.

We went for a 90 minute cruise on this beautiful ship filled with history. The captain, staff and volunteers were all so helpful and informative. They also have a small but interesting museum. We had no problem parking. Drinks and snacks are available on the ship and there is a scavenger hunt for the little ones.

A fun site on the national park tour of DE. Wish we could’ve gone on the boat tour!

The Copeland museum was very interesting. The Forney Model Boat collection was also great

Very cool ship, and facility. No where in Delaware can transport you back to the 1600s like the Kalmar Nyckel ship can. This is an extremely close, working, full size replica of the original. The only think more amazing than the ship is the people and volunteers. They are always helpful, knowledgeable and willing to tell how things were almost 400 years ago. If you can, take a ride on the Kalmar, this is very cool!! Enjoy

The home of the magnificent Kalmar Nyckel, Delaware’s Tall Ship! Cool winter events & education programs, awesome summer boat tours and sailing excursions.

141" LOA Historic Recreation of Peter Minuit flagship, the only US tall ship with permission to fly the Royal Swedish Navy flag, great crew and officers. Wonderful volunteers and administrative staff. Exponential Learning possibilities and experiences

If you are visiting Wilmington DE and the ship is available to tour or take a day sail on, this is a must! This tall ship is really unique and beautiful, and the educational center is fantastic for people interested in boats and history. They have educational events for kids regularly as well. The Kalmar Nyckel also sails up and down the east coast - so you might be able to take a tour even if you aren't in Delaware. Call the foundation to see their schedule.

What a jewel for the state of Delaware. Conveniently tucked away in Wilmington you'll find a small group dedicated to preserving the legacy, skills, and crafts of the 17th century explorers. The foundation operates a fantastic education center and the hands on experience of the Kalmar Nyckel! 🏴‍☠

Such an incredible ship and Museum. The people there are made up mostly of volunteers and are so welcoming and well-informed! Whether it's by yourself or in a group

I would definitely make this a destination at some point especially during the summer to enjoy the ship sailing!

We didn't sail with them but we visited their on-site museum called Copeland Maritime Center, which I thought was a good way to spend an hour (and the $5 we paid for admission). The museum has some really cool exhibitions, such as a roomful of ship models from many parts of the world, vintage photos of Wilmington in its heyday as an industrial center, and a log cabin display (apparently, a Finnish export). Also, don't miss scenic views of the Christina River at the back of the museum!

The staff at the museum were very welcoming and passionate about sailing and history. One of them gave us a quick tour and patiently answered our questions. There is a small gift shop for those interested in souvenirs.

The Copeland Maritime Center welcomes visitors year-round for unique maritime programs and exhibits. The Tall Ship of Delaware's sailing season starts in May with river cruises in Wilmington then day sails in Historic New Castle and ports from Maryland to New England.

Historical attraction that brings back to life an important and often neglected part of history...maritime history. Where would we all be without the brave sailors who made world travel possible? Today it is a rare occasion to ride on a tall ship from centuries past. True she is a reproduction but a fine one with knowledgeable crew. I highly recommend!