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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Overfalls Maritime Museum Foundation, The
A steel lightship built in 1938. In service with the Coast Guard until 1971. Docked in the city of Lewes Harbor since 1972. Restoration began in 2000. All volunteer labor. Come and see our work in progress on one of only 17 remaining lightships.
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Winterthur Museum & Country Estate
The home of collector and horticulturist Henry Francis du Pont (1880-1969), Winterthur is one of the greatest surviving country estates of its kind in the nation. Magnificent mansion tours, holiday tours, garden tram tours, new exhibitions, annual events, dining and tax-free shopping. It will be even more than you expected.
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Governor Ross Mansion and Plantation
A restored Italian Villa-style structure circa 1859, featuring a three-story entry tower. Once a 1400-acre plantation, it today consists of 20 acres and features eight unique outbuildings, including a log slave quarter and honeymoon cottage. Docents available for tours. Buses welcome. Group rates. Special events.
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Harrington Raceway
Watch and wager on the region's finest horses. Parking and admission are free. Check out the calendar of events online.
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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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