Location: Dover
Top Things to do in Dover
The 10 Best Free Things to do in Dover, Delaware (DE)
With NASCAR at the Speedway, harness racing at Dover Downs, 10 nationally recognized museums, plus historical attractions galore, it's easy to see why the capital of Delaware is a great weekend destination. Check out the world's largest cargo plane, stationed at Dover Air Force Base, or explore the beginnings of recorded sound at the Johnson Victrola Museum. It's the perfect time to visit the Biggs Museum of Art, which is running a special exhibition to celebrate its 10th anniversary. "Artful Living: the Legacy of Sewell C. Biggs" features fine and decorative art gems from the private collection of the local patron and museum namesake. Also worth a visit: the Delaware Agricultural Museum and the John Dickinson Plantation, where staff, dressed in period costume, explain and reenact life in the late 18th and 19th centuries. Round out the day with a meander around Green and Loockerman Streets downtown. Lined with historic Colonial and Victorian buildings, plus specialty book, candle and jewelry stores, it's a great place to shop or sample the local fare at a neighborhood cafe or restaurant.
Restaurants in Dover
1. Johnson Victrola Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 130 reviews
Named in honor of local inventor E.R. Johnson, this museum explores the sound recording industry from its beginnings and includes displays of early talking machines, records and other relics from the 1890s to 1929.
Reviewed By 804thelmag - Felton, United States
Having purchased a Victor Talking Machine at an auction, I wanted to visit the mueseum to learn about the company and the machines. Entered a 1920s-era store inside the museum and was greeted by a very knowledgeable lady who explained how the company got started. She demonstrated numerous talking devices using 78-rpm records; fun to listen to the old records. Also learned prices of the machines back in the day. Many of the recording artists were black, to include Fats Waller, Jelly Roll Morton, Duk Ellington, Enrico Caruso, John McCormack, Nellie Melba, Rosa Panselle and Marian Anderson. Also learned the color of the label determine the type of music that was recorded. For example, Red was Classical, Black was Popular, Green was Educational, etc. In Europe the color of the label determined the price of the record. Heard the story of Nipper, the dog who heard his master's voice, becoming one of the most famous canines in history. The museum highlights the life and achievements of Delaware's native son, Eldridge R. Johnson, founder of the Victor Talking Machine Company. The tour lasted about an hour but you were welcome to stay longer to read the information presented.
2. Air Mobility Command Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 818 reviews
Located on the Dover Air Force Base, this museum showcases the history of military aviation through exhibits and a sizeable collection of planes that have been used throughout history. Coronavirus Operations: Our outside aircraft ramp will be available for you to see 25 historical military aviation aircraft. The below guidelines apply: Museum Hours: Thursday–Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. No tours will be provided Inside museum will be closed Mobile Museum Store will be available (red trailer) Portable restrooms will be available Social distancing is required Masks are required when social distancing cannot be maintained
Reviewed By BarryBagels
Very informative and wonderful exhibits featuring military aerial transport and aerial refueling operations. Staff and volunteers take great pride and are a wonderful source of information that brings the exhibits to life. Michael, the operations manager, took us on a tour in his 8 seat golf cart of the 30 or so aircraft on the museums grounds. Seeing the giant C5A transport engineering marvel from the inside out was an outstanding experience. The museum is open 7 days a week, is free, has plenty of parking and has a wonderful gift shop that the kids, little and adult, would love. You can easily spend two to four hours there.
3. Delaware Public Archives
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 32 reviews
Reviewed By 155larryt - Milford, United States
I can only speak to the First Saturday Programs that the archives offers free to the public on the first Saturday of each month. Programs begin at 10:30 A.M. and last approximately an hour. The programs are very varied and are of historical interest. The programs go beyond Delaware history as I have attended programs on the Civil War, World War I and II, genealogy, photo and paper conservation. The presenters are very professional and knowledgeable of their topic. We get a good attendance but there is room for more people. This is an excellent way to spend part of a Saturday morning.
4. Old State House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 114 reviews
Reviewed By TXMARTINS - Atlanta, United States
This large area full of history and government buildings with stunning architecture is a must when you are in Dover! We drove in too late for the tour, but stayed over an hour and a half walking the grounds, seeing so many of the historical buildings and houses. Very well maintained and easy parking when we were there. Kid friendly & a great place for them to run around!
5. John Dickinson Plantation
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 132 reviews
Once owned by a wealthy Quaker tobacco planter, this plantation has been converted to a living museum where visitors can tour the grounds and interact with staff dressed in period costume.
Reviewed By Grayhare - Macungie, United States
Had passed the sign many times never stopped. Glad we finally did. You get a nice film then a tour of the main house guided by reenactors. The plantation is small now but in its heyday was huge. Worth the stop to learn more about a lesser known founding father if our country..
6. Christ Episcopal Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 27 reviews
Reviewed By sageandsunflowers
We have been members here for many years. The music is so inspiring [particularly when there isn't a pandemic!]. They sing the psalms, the gloria, the sanctus, and the kyrie [as they are meant to be!]. The staff and the parishioners are loving, kind, and welcoming.
7. Byler's
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 67 reviews
Reviewed By shannonh340GOD - Dover, United States
Candy and ice cream are very good. This store is a lot better than Harrington one. It does have a stove shop and more things. They sell expire food, so watch out.
8. Dover Downs Casino
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,038 reviews
A huge entertainment venue that features horse racing, a hotel and restaurant, plus 2,000 slot machines ranging from a nickel to $50 per play.
Reviewed By 872bernettas
My husband and I stayed 3 nights at Dover Downs Hotel and Casino. The hotel is clean, comfort and quiet. We danced the night away at Fire & Ice to the music of a live band, enjoyed a delicious seafood meal at the Festival Buffet, we had an intimate dinner one night at Michelle's, and enjoyed the wide variety of gaming options in the casino. And to top it off Dover Downs is located in an area near a mall and is bustling with other business and resturants in the same vicinity, so went to the movies one day, did some shopping and took advantage of a couple cultural events that was happening in the area. We had it all during our visit.
9. Spence's Bazaar
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 100 reviews
Reviewed By just_up_ahead_9
The highlight was the market - beautifully displayed meats, breads, cheese. And all of it fresh and delicious. Wish I could go there every week, but we live in Texas!
10. Delaware State Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 21 reviews
Visitor center includes two galleries of state-related exhibits.
Reviewed By shannonh340GOD - Dover, United States
It the same place as DE Public Archives which it can be confusing because it have the same address. You can do reseach at the archives and they do have a exhibit
