Discover the Treasures: A Closer Look at the 12 Attractions
From historic estates and mesmerizing gardens to museums rich with art and culture, these destinations await to fill your getaway with wonder and discovery.
1. Longwood Gardens
Feel rejuvenated as you explore 1,100 acres of whimsical meadows, gardens, and woodlands, including a 4-acre Conservatory. With over 9,000 species and varieties of plants, dazzling horticulture displays, open-air fountain shows, and a fun Bamboo Maze, Longwood Gardens promises an unforgettable experience.
2. Nemours Estate
Step back in time at this 1910 mansion, where 77 rooms showcase an array of treasures, including a vintage bowling alley and a collection of rare automobiles in the Chauffeur’s Garage. Its 200-acre French-inspired formal gardens, modeled after the Palace of Versailles, transport you to another era while fascinating stories of the staff add depth to your visit.
3. Mt. Cuba Center
Discover the beauty of native plants at Mt. Cuba Center, once voted by USA Today as the "Best Botanical Garden." Formerly the private estate of Pamela and Lammot du Pont Copeland, notable locals in land conservation, this center offers 30 acres of gardens and three miles of scenic trails, promising enlivening spring and summer outings.
4. Hagley Museum and Library
Although the du Pont family would eventually become one of the wealthiest families in America, their journey began humbly. Visit the historic estate where their story unfolded, including Eleutherian Mills, their first home in America, and explore the innovative spirit of the 19th century through the second-largest collection of patent models in the world.
5. Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library
Explore Henry Francis du Pont's former estate, boasting a remarkable collection of decorative arts amidst 60 acres of gardens. Wander through the extensive landscapes featuring 25 miles of marked paths and don't miss the Enchanted Woods children’s garden!
6. Delaware Museum of Nature & Science
Curious about the dinosaurs that roamed Delaware's prehistoric times? Engage with exhibits that fascinate visitors of all ages including life-sized dinosaur displays and some of the largest shell and bird collections in the country.
7. Brandywine Museum of Art
For another fascinating excursion during your getaway, explore an art collection from the esteemed Wyeth family. Dubbed the "First Family of Art," this dynasty three generations deep of skilled painters helped shape American realism. Admire their works and those of other American artists in a unique setting blending history with a rich artistic tradition.
8. Delaware Art Museum
Experience local art history at its finest with galleries featuring Brandywine school illustrators, a 9-acre sculpture garden, and a diverse collection of American and British Pre-Raphaelite art and illustration. Focused primarily on pieces produced, exhibited, and collected in the area, it offers a unique glimpse into Delaware's artistic heritage.
9. Read House & Gardens
Experience a rare opportunity to explore the historic Read House, built between 1797 and 1804 for George Read, Jr., son of one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. This distinguished residence, the largest and most sophisticated in the state at the time, stands as a remarkable early example of high-style Federal period architecture.
10. The Delaware Contemporary
Elevate your weekend getaway with contemporary art at this dynamic space, where rotating exhibitions spark imagination and dialogue. Founded by artists in 1979, it features both established and emerging artists, inspiring discussions about societal issues and social change.
11. Rockwood Park and Museum
Crafted between 1851 and 1854 by Quaker merchant banker Joseph Shipley, this mansion seamlessly blends Gothic Revival architecture with picturesque landscapes reminiscent of an English estate, offering visitors a serene oasis that captures history's grandeur.
12. Delaware History Museum and Mitchell Center for African American Heritage
Uncover the rich history of the First State and the diverse stories of its people, from colonial times to the present, in engaging exhibits and programs. Within the museum, the Jane and Littleton Mitchell Center for African American offers visitors a deep dive into the African American journey through captivating artifacts, oral histories, and art, spanning from 1639 to the present. It celebrates the Mitchells' civil rights legacy and the impactful contributions of African Americans to Delaware's narrative, making your visit enlightening and inspiring.
