A message from Delaware Governor, Ruth Ann Minner
There is no place quite like Delaware. Escape to “Chateau Country” for riveting landscapes made famous by Andrew Wyeth’s paintings. Watch the sun rise over the ocean at the Great Dune near Lewes and a great blue heron as it takes flight from the marshlands of Bombay Hook Wildlife Refuge. This year, retrace history along the Nanticoke and Broad Creek rivers with the Captain John Smith Reenactment Voyage.
Our state capital, Dover, is home to one of the most beautifully preserved capitol complexes in the nation, captured by the First State Heritage Park. Old New Castle is a charming town to visit with its original cobblestone streets, colonial homes and guided historical tours. And don’t forget the coastal town of Lewes, which tells the story of Delaware’s seafaring past that dates back to the 1600s.
Enjoy the best opera, dance, drama and music or get inspired by a showcase of galleries featuring our state’s finest artists. Shop tax-free at Delaware’s brand name outlet stores, boutiques and antique shops.
We invite you to experience the wonder and diversity the First State has to offer. Delaware, it’s good being first.
Featured Attractions & Events
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Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse
Built in 1901, the only lighthouse on Delaware's coast that still operates.
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Trap Pond State Park
Freshwater wetlands once covered a large portion of southwestern Sussex County. Trap Pond State Park retains a part of the swamp's original beauty and mystery, and features the northernmost natural stand of baldcypress trees in the United States. The pond was created in the late 1700's to power a sawmill during the harvest of large baldcypress from the area. The Federal Government later purchased the pond and surrounding farmland during the 1930's and the Civilian Conservation Corps began to develop the area for recreation. Trap Pond became one of Delaware's first state parks in 1951. Visitors have many opportunities to explore the natural beauty of the wetland forest. Hiking trails surround the pond, providing opportunities to glimpse native animal species and many flowering plants. Birdwatching is a popular activity and the observant hiker may spot a Great Blue Heron, owl, hummingbird, warbler, Bald Eagle or the elusive Pileated Woodpecker.
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Amstel House, The
Built in the 1730s by Dr. John Finney. Reflects New Castle's unique style. Prominent historical figures visited or resided here, including signers of the Declaration of Independence, George Washington and Gov. Nicholas Van Dyke in the 1780s. Come be absorbed in this present-day microcosm of 18th- and 19th-century life.
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University of Delaware Mineralogical Museum
Internationally recognized repository of important mineral specimens from around the world.
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Hendrickson House Museum
Hendrickson House, built in 1690 near Crum Creek in Pennsylvania and was moved to its present site on the grounds of Old Swedes Church in 1950. The farmhouse, featuring a great fireplace and winding corner stairs, contains colonial artifacts, Old Swedes Library and a Swedish gift shop.
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