Location: Wilmington
Top Things to do in Wilmington
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What to do and see in Wilmington, Delaware (DE): The Best Things to do
Wilmington, Delaware was first settled by the Swedish in 1638. Over time, the area has also been home to the Dutch, the British and the Quakers, a long diverse history that has left its mark on the surrounding area. Visit Fort Christina and experience what it was like to be one of the first colonists in Wilmington. The Delaware Art Museum, with a extensive collection of American art, celebrates the Brandywine School, a style of painting named for the nearby Brandywine Creek.
Restaurants in Wilmington
1. Hagley Museum And Library
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 773 reviews
Hagley is the former industrial site of the original black powder works of the DuPont Company founded in Delaware in 1802 and powered by the natural resources that surrounded it. Today, it is 235 acres of wooded rolling hills along the rushing Brandywine River dotted with hundreds of stone ruins of the black powder industry, dozens of restored buildings associated with the business, and the first du Pont family home built in America. Here, for more than 200 years, the DuPont Company and family experimented, innovated, and pursued the American Dream. Hagley has been accredited by the American Alliance of Museums since 1972. The site is a National Historic Landmark, National Recreation Trail, and a Historic Engineering Landmark.
Reviewed By JPGPhilly - Worcester, United States
Hagley is a gem and definitely worth a visit, even during the abbreviated winter tour schedule. our tour was memorable in large part due to the wit and wisdom of our tour guide / interpreter - Rodney. the tour encompasses two parts - the beginnings of the DuPont fame and fortune as black powder makers and their first manor house on site. honestly Winterthur and Nemours are more impressive, but it all began here at Hagley and the black powder making process is unique. there is a restored and working 19th century water powered machining building on site that is fascinating
2. Delaware Art Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 220 reviews
A collection of American art from 1840 to the present.
Reviewed By suesaut - Delaware, United States
This art museum does a great job of both blending in (it's situated in an amazingly beautiful residential neighborhood) and standing out (largest collection of pre-raphaelite art outside of europe, as well as revolving, thoughtful exhibits). There's also a lovely outside sculpture garden. Lot's of parking behind the museum as well as a lovely cafe and gift shop. Thursday nights in summer there's a happy hour from 5-7PM and admission is free; it's also free on Sundays. Great way to spend a few hours relaxing.
3. Nemours Estate
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 673 reviews
Opening April 1st, 2021 Owned and developed by our founder, Alfred I. duPont (1864-1935), Nemours Estate comprises an exquisite 77-room Mansion, the largest formal French gardens in North America, a Chauffeur's Garage housing a collection of vintage automobiles used on the Estate, and nearly 200 acres of scenic woodlands, meadows and lawns.
Reviewed By rochelleforster - Randolph, United States
We had a few hours before our return home and stopped at this museum. Given the cold weather, we toured the house. It is worth taking a guided tour as we learned so many interesting facts about the family, their possessions and the history of the estate. The furnishings are intact to the time when the family lived here which makes it so neat. And Alfred DuPont was way ahead of his time in so many ideas he created for the house and the things he put into it, like a back up generator; controls in his bathroom to make sure tings were working properly; bottling his water, 2 tanks with 1 for back up and so on. Fascinating to hear the stories too.
4. Grand Opera House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 228 reviews
Reviewed By jimcor71 - Wilmington, United States
Great venue, good selection of shows, moderately priced Be wary of some seats that are obstructed view behind columns - can still see most of stage Bar tenders are volunteers and horrendously slow Start promptly at 8pm and end by 10pm generally
5. Wilmington and Western Railroad
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 173 reviews
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Wilmington & Western Railroad is Delaware's only operating Museum. Take a ride on this scenic line and you will be transported back to a Golden Era when passenger trains rolled majestically through the land and steam whistles echoed off the hills. The W&W operates Steam and Diesel train excursions - primarily on the weekends. Special railroading adventures are available for railroaders of all ages. Whether you want to explore history, celebrate holidays, wine & dine or just have fun, The Wilmington & Western Railroad has just the event for you.
6. Frawley Stadium
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 163 reviews
302-888-2015, Home of the Wilmington Blue Rocks Minor League Baseball
Reviewed By 301patrickm - Wilmington, United States
Home to the Blue Rocks minor league baseball team has a hometown feel. Many activities for the family between innings. The food vendors are on the moderate side pricewise. And at the end of the game they had a massive fireworks display.
7. Bellevue State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 93 reviews
A Park For All Seasons Bellevue Hall mansion commands a grand view of this historic estate, and its present form reflects alterations made by William du Pont, Jr. Mr. du Pont surrounded his home with the finest facilities: tennis courts, equestrian stables, gardens, and a picturesque pond, amid woodlands and fields overlooking the Delaware River. The park was acquired by the State of Delaware in 1976. The Delaware Division of Parks and Recreation has retained the historic charm of Bellevue while providing many opportunities for recreation. Walking and jogging are popular activities at any time of the year. A 1-1/8 mile fitness track circles a catch-and-release fishing pond while the nearby exercise trail offers a refreshing workout. Hiking trails allow you to explore other parts of the estate. If you prefer cycling, both paved and unpaved paths lead you on a leisurely tour. A popular spot for picnics, weddings and get-togethers.
Reviewed By ShoreCollins1 - Wilmington, United States
This is right off of I-95 in Wilmington. The grounds are beautiful, truly left in their natural state. They have a huge track for walking /running, nature trails, facilities for boarding horses,changing of the trees during fall is amazing as it reflects in the pond, perfect for pictures. Hayrides. Bellevue Hall is great for weddings/parties, the backdrop is beautiful. If you want something country, Cauffiel House (off of Governor Printz Blvd.) is on a hill that looks down to the Delaware River. During the summer, concerts on the lawn at the bandshell, not a bad seat in the house, just bring your chairs and your favorite person for a night out under the stars to music. It helps if you have a State Park Pass otherwise their is a fee of $4.00 for residents, $8.00 for non. All and all just a beautiful way to reconnect with nature and clear your mind.
8. Wilmington Riverwalk
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 411 reviews
Reviewed By bww649 - Wilmington, United States
been here many times - for meals at multiple restaurants , dinner cruise on river , fund raising 5k , Constitution Yards outdoor beer garden (summer) , mini-golf (summer), outdoor skating rink ( winter), children's museum , indoor trampoline park, indoor car shows, movie theater w IMAXX. Many varied and fun venues. Area is expanding w an additional new hotel , 3 mile boardwalk across marsh land to N Castle De., new bridge giving access to Rt 13 & interstate hwys.
9. Delaware Children's Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 185 reviews
Reviewed By 214salinab - New Castle, United States
I went out on a friend-date with a girlfriend whose son, Parker, is just shy of 3 years old. LIke every other young patron in the building, he had a blast! Me - I'm more "grandparent" age, so my recollection of kids museums is musty and dated. When I walked into this intelligently designed, colorfully kid-centric mecca, I was floored! There are activities for every possible interest a child about 8 and younger could possible have: 1) coloring books and light and shape art for the artistic 2) Climbing features and a giant maze (temp attraction) for the adventurer 3) A car mechanic stop and boats to 'drive' and large roads with cars for the transportation intrigued 4) A water world (with aprons) for those who love things that splash and float 5) A science exploration area - they had the parts of the body, including stuffed pieces like brain cells, blood cells, liver, etc. 6) A restaurant and kitchen and grocery area for the culinary-minded. Truly - it's an experience that no child local or visiting should miss! Every single one who I saw leaving the building was exhausted with joy.
