When are tours available?
Tours of the John Dickinson Plantation are available on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 10 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 1:15 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. The grounds of the museum are open for outdoor visitation only on Wednesdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
How long will the tour be?
Up to 45 minutes. Please arrive on time because the end of the tour cannot be extended due to the time needed to clean the museum between tours.
Do I need a reservation?
Yes, reservations are required. They are free, and available by calling the John Dickinson Plantation at
302-739-3277.
Can I make a reservation through Facebook or by email?
No, reservations are only available over the phone at this time.
Are there special rules in place for these tours?
Yes, all visitors and staff must properly wear a cloth face covering at all times while at the museum. Everyone must keep a proper distance of at least six feet from everyone in the building that is not a part of their household. Please follow the instructions of museum staff members, especially when entering and exiting the building. Please do not touch anything in the museum unless it is absolutely necessary.
When I arrive for my tour, where do I go?
Once you arrive, please wait in the designated visitor area outside the visitor center. A museum staff member will be outside to greet you five minutes before your scheduled tour time.
Are restrooms available?
Restrooms are not available at the John Dickinson Plantation. Please use the facilities prior to your arrival.
Is this a guided tour?
Tours will largely be self-guided, but museum staff will be on-hand to answer any questions and provide additional information. Guided tours of the grounds are available by request, weather permitting.
Since the tour is self-guided, does that mean I can wander around wherever I want once I get inside?
In the interest of everyone’s health and safety, the tour is limited to the visitor center and the grounds of the plantation. At this time, the mansion is not open due to space constraints. A self-guided or guided tour, your choice, of the grounds will be available.
How many people can be on the tour at one time?
The maximum number of people that can be on a tour is six. One to three households can be on the tour at the same time as long as the total number of people on the tour does not exceed six.
What is the definition of a household for these tours?
We are considering one household to consist of people who have been living together during the lockdown. You do not have to be related to be considered part of the same household. Family members who live in separate locations do not count as one household.
Is the National Parks Passport stamp available at the John Dickinson Plantation?
All hands-on activities have been removed for safety at this time, including the passport stamp. It will return to the visitor center when it is safe to do so.
I’m not sure if I am comfortable visiting a museum yet. Is there another way for me to interact with the John Dickinson Plantation or any of the other museums of HCA?
