Top 10 Attractions in Delaware

From outdoors activities and zoos, to museums and thrill rides, here are the Top 10 Delaware attractions.

1. Dover Downs
   1131 North Dupont Highway
   Dover, DE   19901
   302-674-4600
   

   Visit one of Delaware's largest entertainment venues, featuring one of the top U.S. race tracks and a 97,000 sq. ft. facility with over 2,700 slot machines! And don't miss the Rollins center, which offers boxing, music and live shows. From November through April, watch an exciting horse race at Dover Downs, or take part in the excitement of year-round NASCAR races at the Dover International Speedway. Dover Downs also offers many dining locations for great tasting gourmet meals or a quick snack between all the excitement.

2. Hagley Museum and Library
   298 Buck Road East
   Wilmington, DE   19807-0630
   302-658-2400
   

   The Hagley museum takes a historical look at the history of American enterprise as it has unfolded since our country's founding. Be sure to check out featured exhibits including DuPont Science and Discovery, Eleutherian Mills, and Workers' Hill. Stop by the Hagley library, which furthers the study of business and technology in America. And no visit would be complete without a visit to the Hagley Store, with a wide selection of unique museum gifts. Tours are also offered, ranging from two to five hours, and can be customized to match group interests.

3. Longwood Gardens
   1001 Longwood Road
   Kennett Square, PA   19348
   610-388-1000
   

   The Longwood Gardens was founded in 1906 when Pierre S. Du Pont purchased the Peirce Arboretum to save its trees from being cut for lumber. Today, the spectacular site features over 1,500 acres of gardens, woodlands, and meadows, showcasing over 11,000 types of plants and thousands of magnificent fountains. Make sure to stop by for the daily fountain show at the Open Air Theater and the Main Fountain Garden. Special events and educational programming are offered throughout the year. Discount admission offered for groups of 15+.

4. Riverfront Wilmington
   Wilmington, DE   19801
   302-425-4890
   

   The Riverfront in the city of Wilmington offers entertainment, shopping, dining, nightlife, and arts along the Bradywine and Christina Rivers in the City of Wilmington. Enjoy events such as Wednesdays on the Water, which features live entertainment and wine tasting on the river taxi. Check out summer concerts and festivals throughout the year. Whatever your interests, the Riverfront Wilmington offers something for everyone.

5. Kalmar Nykel Sailing Ship
   1124 East 7th Street
   Wilmington, DE   19801
   302-429-7447
   

   Visitors are invited to experience a taste of New England history, with a step back in time to 1638! The Kalmar Nyckel, often referred to as the Tall Ship of Delaware, is a re-creation of the original historic vessel and now offers daily onboard tours, daytime sails and private charters. Sailings start at the Cape May Lewes Ferry terminal in Lewes Delaware.

6. Winterthur Museum & Country Estate
   Route 52
   5105 Kennet Pike
   Winterthur, DE   19735
   800-448-3883
   

   Winterthur Museum welcomes visitors to a beautiful historic American country estate in the heart of Delaware's magnificent Brandywine Valley. Tours, exhibitions, and programs are offered for individuals and groups of all ages to enjoy. Don't miss featured exhibits including Enchanted Woods: A Familypack Experience; Gold Peteran: Furniture Meets Its maker; and Quilts in a Material World: Selections from the Winterthur Collection. After visiting the museum, stop by the nationally renowned research library for a look at American art and material culture. Finish the day by wandering the beautiful 60-acre garden surrounded by woodlands, waterways and meadows.

7. Fort Delaware
   Delaware City, DE   19706
   302-834-7941
   

   Situated on Pea Patch Island, Fort Delaware State Park offers visitors a unique look at American civil war history. Accessible by ferry from Delaware City, guests arrive at the dock where they can hop aboard a jitney to the entrance of the fort that was once a Confederate prison. Tours of the fort are offered throughout the year. And don't forget to take advantage of the special programs offering lessons in "hands-on history," with activities ranging from firing a giant cannon to experiencing the enticing aroma of meals past being prepared in the officer's kitchen.

8. Rockwood Museum
   610 Shipley Rd
   Wilmington, DE   19809
   302-761-1730
   

   This historical museum features the architecture and design of the Victorian Era. Rockwood was built between 1851 and 1854 by Joseph Shipley, a Quaker merchant banker, and has been restored to the way it looked in its early years. The Victorian mansion features Gothic revival architecture and an enchanting landscape designed to reflect the beauty of an English country estate. Guided tours of the museum are offered every hour on the hour Tuesday through Sunday, closed on Mondays.

9. Delaware Beaches
   Delaware offers many popular Atlantic Ocean beaches including Rehoboth Beach, Bethany Beach, Dewey Beach, Lewes and Fenwick Island. For summertime fun, activities are available with events, dining, fishing, lodging, shopping and surfing!
   
   
10. University of Delaware
    104 Hullihen Hall
    Newark, DE   19716
    302-831-2792
    

    The main campus of the University of Delaware is a popular place for visitors. Enjoy the beautiful town of Newark, fifteen minutes west of historic New Castle, which offers a small town college atmosphere with easy access to major cultural and entertainment centers in the nearby metropolitan areas. Athletics are a large part of this college town experience, so make sure to fit in a Blue Hens game while you are here!

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