As nature bursts into a spectrum of colors with the arrival of spring and summer, there’s no place quite like Wilmington, Delaware, and the Brandywine Valley for an enchanting weekend escape. With the 2024 Brandywine Treasure Trail Passport, you gain access to 12 of the region's most captivating attractions, including the garden once voted “Best Botanical Garden in America” and a majestic mansion with its own private bowling alley.
This all-access pass, priced at $49 for individuals and $99 for a family package covering two adults and up to three kids ages 17 and under, not only streamlines your adventure by eliminating the need for individual tickets but also offers substantial savings of up to $300. Valid from May 25 through October 31 the passport invites you to leisurely discover the region's wonders, recently highlighted by Condé Nast Traveler as one of the "Best Places to Go.”
Designed to enrich your spring and summer with vivid memories, whether through the camaraderie of a girls' trip, the joy of a family adventure, or on a romantic couple's retreat, the Brandywine Treasure Trail Passport weaves these diverse experiences into the very essence of your journey.
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.
Learn more about these unique attractions
Longwood Gardens
- 1001 Longwood Rd.
Nemours Estate
- 1600 Rockland Rd
Mt. Cuba Center
- 3120 Barley Mill Rd.
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.
Learn more about these unique attractions
Hagley Museum and Library
- 200 Hagley Creek Rd.
Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library
- 5105 Kennett Pike
Delaware Museum of Nature and Science
- 4840 Kennett Pike
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.
Learn more about these unique attractions
Brandywine Museum of Art
- 1 Hoffman's Mill Rd.
Delaware Art Museum
- 2301 Kentmere Pkwy.
Read House & Gardens
- 42 The Strand
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.
Learn more about these unique attractions
The Delaware Contemporary
- 200 S. Madison St.
Rockwood Park & Museum
- 4651 Washington St. Extension
Delaware History Museum
- 505 N Market St
Tax-Free Shopping and Dining
In addition to the enriching attractions featured in the passport, visitors can enjoy tax-free shopping and dining experiences. Whether strolling through charming downtown boutiques, perusing museum gift shops, or dining at local eateries, you'll relish the added value of tax-free shopping during your getaway. The restaurant scene in Wilmington and the Brandywine Valley has garnered national acclaim, offering farm-to-table delicacies influenced by our Pennsylvania Dutch heritage and seafood fresh from the Delaware shore, all without the burden of sales tax.
Your Invitation to Enchantment
As spring and summer unfold, let the Brandywine Treasure Trail Passport be your ultimate companion for enriching weekend getaways. Capture picture-perfect moments as you wander through flower gardens with your closest friends, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Watch as the kids delight in outdoor adventures, their laughter echoing through the scenic landscapes. And for couples seeking romance, let the passport unlock the door to enchanting experiences, where every step is a journey of love and connection. With something for everyone, this passport promises to turn ordinary weekends into extraordinary escapades, filled with joy, discovery, and endless possibilities—all for just $49 for individuals or $99 for a family package.
Start Planning Your Spring and Summer Escapade Brandywine Treasure Trail Passport
Start planning your spring and summer escapade: Order your passport online for instant delivery to your smartphone.