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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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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Air Mobility Command Museum
An excellent collection of military aircraft, from a combat veteran C-47 and the first C-141A to the only remaining C-54M modified to haul coal during the Berlin Airlift. A beautifully restored B-17 sits proudly beside a P-51. Entertaining and educational exhibits for visitors of all ages.
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Old Swedes Church
Holy Trinity (Old Swedes) Church, built in 1698 by Swedes and Finns who came to America on the Tall Ship Kalmar Nyckel, is the oldest church still standing as originally built and in regular use.
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Bethany Beach
Take a walk on the mile-long boardwalk or watch the sunset over the bay. Enjoy a stroll in the sand, or visit historic points such as the Fenwick Lighthouse. Fish, sail, bike, or just relax on the beach. Located within three hours of metropolitan areas.
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Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge
Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge comprises 15,978 acres, approximately four-fifths of which is tidal salt marsh. The refuge has one of the largest expanses of nearly unaltered tidal salt marsh in the mid-Atlantic region. It also includes 1,100 acres of impounded fresh water pools, brushy and timbered swamps, 1,100 acres of agricultural lands, and timbered and grassy upland. The general terrain is flat and less than ten feet above sea level. Bombay Hook was established in 1937 as a link in the chain of refuges that extends from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico. It is primarily a refuge and breeding ground for migrating birds and other wildlife. The value and importance of Bombay Hook for the protection and conservation of waterfowl has increased greatly over the years, primarily due to the loss of extensive surrounding marshland to urban and industrial development. Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge hosts 100,000 visitors a year to view wildlife in natural settings.
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