Although there are an incredible number of things to see, do, and experience in the first state, we’ve narrowed down the list to 10 must-see Delaware landmarks of all different categories. From historical sites to awe-inspiring bridges, here are the spots not to miss on your next venture through Delaware.
Top Landmarks in Delaware
Delaware Landmarks
Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library
The Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library was originally the private home of Henry Francis du Pont, an antique-collector and horticulturist who lived in the late 1800s and early-to-mid 1900s. Today, true to its origin story, this astounding home hosts a vast array of exhibitions. In fact, it is known for being home to one of the most important collections of Americana in the country.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Located in the northernmost reaches of Delaware, the Winterthur Museum is near destinations like the Mt. Cuba Center, Alapocas Run State Park and Brandywine Creek State Park.
Camping can be found at Philadelphia-West Chester KOA.
Brandywine Creek State Park
Brandywine Creek State Park is one of the most stunning natural areas in the state and given that it’s just three miles north of Wilmington proper, it’s no surprise that it’s a very popular place to while away a sunny afternoon. Along with its miles of hiking and biking trails, as well as a disc golf course, 5k cross-country course, canoeing and tubing opportunities, Brandywine Creek State Park also offers nature programs for visitors of all ages.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Just minutes from Wilmington, Brandywine Creek State Park is an easy drive to other area destinations such as the Grand Opera House and The Delaware Contemporary.
You can set up camp at Four Seasons Family Campground.
Hagley Museum
The historic site of the du Pont family’s gunpowder works, the Hagley Museum and Library encompasses about 230 acres along Brandywine Creek. It displays the ancestral home and gardens of the family as well as protecting and preserving papers, records, and other legacy material surrounding business and technology in America. The library offers modern-day research opportunities and the museum hosts exhibits including the historic powder yard and a gallery of patent models.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Another Wilmington-area destination, the Hagley Museum is surrounded by both beautiful natural preserves and urban attractions, depending on what you’re in the mood for. We recommend the Delaware Art Museum.
When you finish exploring, set up camp at Adventure Bound Tall Pines.
Fort Delaware State Park
Next up, Fort Delaware State Park, which preserves and displays an incredible piece of American history. This Civil War-era defensive fort is located on an offshore island accessible only by ferry, and once housed Confederate prisoners of war. Take the boat ride in to enjoy demonstrations and reenactments by costumed actors who will make you feel as though you’ve stepped back in time.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
The park is located in the small town of Delaware City just a short drive from communities like Williamsburg and St Georges. Make sure to check out Fort DuPont State Park and Nemours Estate.
Lums Pond State Park is a great nearby spot to grab a campsite!
Dover International Speedway
Think you have to travel as far south as Alabama or even Florida to enjoy some incredible race car driving? Think again. Dover International Speedway offers all of your favorite NASCAR excitement right in the capital city of Dover. It is open for track tours as well as scheduled racing events.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Located just north of Dover, there are plenty of shops, restaurants, museums, and other attractions nearby to add to your itinerary. You’ll also find natural attractions like the Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge and Little Creek Wildlife Area.
As far as camping goes, you can actually camp onsite at the speedway, making it easy to immerse yourself in the fun.
John Dickinson Plantation
Not all plantations were built south of the Mason-Dixon line. John Dickinson Plantation is also known as Poplar Hall, and is located in the southeastern outskirts of Dover. Dickinson himself was a Revolutionary War-era statesman, as well as one of the Founding Fathers. This place is where he spent his boyhood, and he did return to it over the course of his life.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
A short drive into Dover offers a multitude of things to eat, see and do, such as the Air Mobility Command Museum and Biggs Museum of American Art. There are also plenty of state parks nearby, including the next item on our list of landmarks!
Some of the best camping in the area is found at Killens Pond State Park.
Cape Henlopen State Park
Beaches to bask on, waters to splash in, and nature trails to wander along are just the beginning of the idyllic to-dos at Cape Henlopen State Park. The park is also home to a seaside nature center, museum, and preserved historic site (Fort Miles). Its unique position on its namesake Cape offers stunning views of both the Delaware Bay and the wider Atlantic Ocean, all within a short drive of larger communities.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
If you’re in need of even more beachy goodness, you’re in luck; Cape Henlopen is only a 15-minute drive from Delaware Seashore State Park, which encompasses a beautiful stretch of barrier island and also offers a seaside campground.
You can stay in the park and will have water and electric hookups for your RV.
Funland
Is there anything that says “summer” quite the same way as a beachside amusement park? In Delaware, the go-to spot for this sort of fun is Funland, which offers rides, attractions, arcade games and more suited to adventurous visitors of all ages. Wander along the boardwalk and enjoy a funnel cake or take a spin aboard the Crazy Dazys. Just give yourself some time between those two activities for best results.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
The seaside town of Rehoboth Beach is small, but full of fun coffee shops, eateries, and bookstores to peruse. Plus, you’re simply surrounded by gorgeous beaches, including Delaware Seashore State Park.
When you’re finished exploring, set up camp at Cape Henlopen State Park.
Charles W. Cullen Bridge
Otherwise known as the Indian River Inlet Bridge, the Charles W. Cullen Bridge spans 2,600 feet across the Indian River Inlet. Originally constructed in 2012, the bridge was preceded by a variety of lesser iterations, the earliest of which opened all the way back in 1934. Today’s bridge carries four lanes of traffic along Delaware Route 1 between Dewey Beach and Bethany Beach. At night, the bridge is brilliantly lit up.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
If you’re near this bridge, you’re near some of the most iconic shorelines Delaware has to offer, so be sure to bring your towel and plan to spend some time sunbathing.
RV campsites can be found at Delaware Seashore State Park, which the bridge runs through.
Fenwick Island Lighthouse
The Fenwick Island Lighthouse dates back to 1859. Both the 87-foot light tower and its accompanying Gothic-style, wood-framed keeper’s house have been preserved well. Today, visitors can enter the base of the tower and peruse a small museum that offers information about what life was like back in the days that this landmark and its unique Fresnel lens served on the front line of marine navigation.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Located in the extreme southern part of Delaware near Fenwick Island State Park, this lighthouse is a great first stop in the state — or last stop before you make your way into Maryland.
Some great camping can be found at Treasure Beach RV Park.
Planning an RV Trip to Delaware
A Delaware RV trip is a great way to see all of these amazing landmarks in Delaware. You’ll also want to make sure to stay at some of the best campgrounds in the state, check out the best state parks in Delaware, and make stops in both Wilmington and Dover.
