Location: Wilmington
Top Things to do in Wilmington
What to do and see in Wilmington, United States: The Best Places and Tips
Wilmington, Delaware was first settled by the Swedish in 1638. Over time, the area has also been home to the Dutch, the British and the Quakers, a long diverse history that has left its mark on the surrounding area. Visit Fort Christina and experience what it was like to be one of the first colonists in Wilmington. The Delaware Art Museum, with a extensive collection of American art, celebrates the Brandywine School, a style of painting named for the nearby Brandywine Creek.
Restaurants in Wilmington
1. Hagley Museum and Library
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 634 reviews
Hagley is the former industrial site of the original black powder works of the DuPont Company founded in Delaware in 1802 and powdered by the natural resources that surrounded it. Today it is 235 acres of wooded rolling hills along the rushing Brandywine River dotted with hundreds of stone ruins of the black powder industry, dozens of restored buildings associated with the business, and the first du Pont family home built in America. Here, for more than 200 years, the DuPont Company and family experimented, innovated, and pursued the American Dream. Hagley has been accredited by the American Alliance of Museums since 1972. The site is a National Historic Landmark, National Recreation Trail, and a Historic Engineering Landmark.
Reviewed By ephyfe - Wilmington, Delaware
Hagley is a bargain for the $14 entrance fee. This is start of the DuPont company from about 1800 to about 1921 when they got out of the dynamite business. The admission includes a small museum at the visitor center on the physical geography and...MoreThank you for writing such a great review of your trip to Hagley! It sounds like you had a great visit, and we would be happy to welcome you back. The property is beautiful year-round so please come see us again in warm weather!
2. Nemours Mansion & Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 532 reviews
Nemours Estate will close on January 8th for the winter and will reopen in May 2018.
Reviewed By nckun8 - Staten Island, New York
Very nice visitor center where you can watch a short movie about Alfred DuPont. Afterwards take a shuttle to mansion. Mansion is beautiful. Very well informed guides are in most of the rooms. Be sure to also visit carriage house which is a five minute walk or shuttle will take you. I look forward to returning in warm weather to explore the beautiful gardens.
3. Grand Opera House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 190 reviews
Reviewed By travelsalot416 - Wilmington, Delaware
I enjoy the productions at the Grand as well as The Playhouse of Rodney Square. Our recent events include Straight No Chaser and Rudolph the Musical. They offer something for everyone and every age. A trip to the Grand/Playhouse should be on everyone “to do” list.
4. Delaware Art Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 182 reviews
A collection of American art from 1840 to the present.
Reviewed By CATTSAR - Provincetown, Massachusetts
This proved to be an exceptional cultural experience. The exhibits of art work and sculptures are world class. The museum is divided into several sections and numerous rooms. Each division exhibits different styles, mediums and or periods. The floor plan is easy to follow and the descriptions of the art are easy to understand as well. This is a great gem in the Wilmington area and a wonderful inside activity in inclement weather. There is also a cafe' to to grab a bite to eat right on site.
5. Wilmington Riverwalk
Overall Ratings
4 based on 310 reviews
Reviewed By Jasmaine P - Wilmington, Delaware
Great place to go for a walk, have a picnic, or play with the kids. Lots of open space with a clean mile marked pathway right along the water. Also well lit at night.
6. Wilmington and Western Railroad
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 141 reviews
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Wilmington & Western Railroad is Delaware's only operating Museum. Take a ride on this scenic line and you will be transported back to a Golden Era when passenger trains rolled majestically through the land and steam whistles echoed off the hills. The W&W operates Steam and Diesel train excursions - primarily on the weekends. Special railroading adventures are available for railroaders of all ages. Whether you want to explore history, celebrate holidays, wine & dine or just have fun, The Wilmington & Western Railroad has just the event for you.
Reviewed By bala2803 - McLean, Virginia
Went on the autumn leaf special trip for 1.5 hours and enjoyed the experience. Train route was lacking fall colors but the ride was quite comfortable with the conductor providing occasional commentary and history about the surrounding area. After the ride, few moments spent at the gift store and museum. Parking gets little crowded in the weekend but can be managed with the directions provided by parking staff. Recommend this for kids and anyone fascinated by old time train rides
7. Bellevue State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 76 reviews
A Park For All Seasons Bellevue Hall mansion commands a grand view of this historic estate, and its present form reflects alterations made by William du Pont, Jr. Mr. du Pont surrounded his home with the finest facilities: tennis courts, equestrian stables, gardens, and a picturesque pond, amid woodlands and fields overlooking the Delaware River. The park was acquired by the State of Delaware in 1976. The Delaware Division of Parks and Recreation has retained the historic charm of Bellevue while providing many opportunities for recreation. Walking and jogging are popular activities at any time of the year. A 1-1/8 mile fitness track circles a catch-and-release fishing pond while the nearby exercise trail offers a refreshing workout. Hiking trails allow you to explore other parts of the estate. If you prefer cycling, both paved and unpaved paths lead you on a leisurely tour. A popular spot for picnics, weddings and get-togethers.
Reviewed By chrisdente - Atlanta, Georgia
State park with a wide variety of activities. Hiking trails, a large running/walking/biking track. Wellspring farms on the property is a sizable and well run horse barn. Plenty of facilities for cook outs. Some nice playgrounds. Plenty to do for everyone in the family.
8. Frawley Stadium
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 133 reviews
302-888-2015, Home of the Wilmington Blue Rocks Minor League Baseball
Reviewed By Justin H - Morton, Pennsylvania
Me and the family love it here. My son now 5 years old loves coming to the bluerocks. We have been going since he was 3 years old and he has done a couple of the on field games in between innings and has gotten countless souvenirs. Autographs are very easy to get for both teams by each dugout. My son loves talking to the players and most of then are very friendly and joke around with him. Staff is friendly, parking is free, food is your typical stadium food overpriced, but they do have some deals on ticket and food combos, bathrooms are fairly clean and tickets are cheap.
9. Brandywine Creek State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 69 reviews
Reviewed By Intrepid_Traveler13 - New York City, New York
This is one of the most beautiful places I've ever been. I ran through along the Brandywine Creek during a half marathon and was amazed by how pretty it was!
10. Delaware Children's Museum
Overall Ratings
4 based on 162 reviews
Reviewed By gostartraveler - Forked River, New Jersey
My 3-year-old kid spent four hours here until closing; they could have stayed longer. Lots of stuff for a child to do (and not that expensive compared to other children's play museums), although it can be somewhat disorganized (like trying to find puzzle pieces) with all the kids here (although staff was seen mopping floors by the water table and putting things back where they belonged.) Only saw one set of family restrooms. There's lockers and a coat rack by the lefthand bathrooms (as you walk in the door, by the cardboard maze), something they don;t tell you (we wound up picking up our stuff and moving it from bench to bench as our kid went from activity to activity.) Despite all the kids, it didn't seem that crowded. They sell drinks and snacks in the gift shop, but it would be nice had they a dedicated cafe. Definitely will be back (and we live two hours away!)
