As the temperatures dip and leaves take on their vibrant hues, Wilmington & the Brandywine Valley come alive with thrilling adventures and exciting events. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or just looking for some autumn fun, this is the perfect time to explore our charming region. To get your trip planning started, we've curated a list of five fantastic attractions and events that promise unforgettable memories. Let's dive into the heart of fall in Wilmington and the Brandywine Valley! 

1. Fall Foliage Drives

Grab your favorite travel companions and embark on a picturesque journey through Wilmington's Brandywine Valley. The Brandywine Valley National Scenic Byway and other scenic drives promise stunning landscapes that are nothing short of Insta-worthy. Who says summer gets to have all the travel fun? Fall unveils some of the country's best-kept secrets, and you'll want to capture every moment. 

 

2. Fall Fun on the Railroad

Take a step back in time and hop aboard the Wilmington and Western Railroad, one of the area’s oldest landmarks. Originally chartered in 1867 to transport goods, it's now your ride to an extraordinary adventure. This historic railway chugs through 10 miles of picturesque tracks, offering scenic views of Wilmington's suburbs and the Red Clay Valley Scenic Byway. Keep an eye out for the Autumn Leaf Special and other exciting fall events in October and November. 

3. Fall on the Farm

Pumpkins, hayrides, and corn mazes—fall wouldn't be complete without them! Head to Ramsey's Farm, just north of downtown Wilmington, for a family-friendly autumn experience. The Ramsey family has owned and operated this farm since 1995, making it the perfect spot for seasonal fun. Don't forget to check out their Instagram page for stunning aerial views of the 2023 Corn Maze and updates on the Ramsey Market's latest events and products. 

4. Spooky Adventures

Prepare for spine-tingling thrills this fall at Delaware's haunted hotspots. Join the New Castle Historical Society for Hauntings in History tours throughout New Castle, where you'll delve into eerie tales of ghosts, legends, and chilling funerary practices. Old Swedes Historic Site's ancient cemetery calls ONLY the brave as visitors wander through centuries-old graves, where some say restless spirits linger. Fort Delaware, a former Civil War POW camp, offers Paranormal Adventures and Victorian Halloween events, exploring its dark past. Rockwood Park & Museum, known for housing a spirit or two, invites any who dares to investigate its eerie interior and haunted grounds.  

5. Du Pont Mansion Tours

The legacy of the Du Pont family is woven deeply into the fabric of Wilmington & the Brandywine Valley.  The former estates have blossomed into cultural attractions, and fall is the ideal time to explore them. Hagley Museum and Library, with its historic gunpowder manufacturing site, offers a glimpse into the family's industrial heritage. Nemours Estate showcases French-inspired formal gardens created by Alfred A.I. DuPont himself. Mt. Cuba Center shares its premier plant garden formerly owned by Mr. and Mrs. Lammot du Pont Copeland. Finally, Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library, once home to Henry Francis DuPont, houses an awe-inspiring collection of American decorative arts. 

 

Hagley Museum and Library

  • 200 Hagley Creek Rd.

Hagley is a large, indoor-outdoor museum experience with hundreds of years of history. Explore the new Nation of Inventors exhibition celebrating diverse stories of American…

Nemours Estate

  • 1600 Rockland Rd

Please note: Nemours Estate is now closed for the season and will reopen on April 2, 2024. Explore the elegance of a 77-room Mansion, a Chauffeur's Garage with vintage…

Mt. Cuba Center

  • 3120 Barley Mill Rd.

Please Note: Our Gardens are closed for the season. Join us for the 2024 season starting April 3. Voted “Best Botanical Garden” in the 2020 USA Today 10Best Reader’s Choice…

Your autumn adventure awaits in Wilmington & the Brandywine Valley. Whether you choose to explore fall foliage, ride historic railroads, revel in the DuPont legacy, or put your bravery level to the test, Wilmington & the Brandywine Valley has it all. Create your own fall road trip itinerary and be sure to share your adventures with us using #VisitWilm on Instagram.  

 

Take Advantage of the Season in #VisitWilm