Wilmington & the Brandywine ValleyYour Getaway Starts Here
Explore the du Pont Estates of Wilmington & the Brandywine Valley
Grand estates. Magnificent gardens. American history.
In Wilmington and the Brandywine Valley, the legacy of the du Pont family unfolds across some of the region's most extraordinary historic homes, museums and gardens.
Over two days, follow the du Pont story from its beginnings along the Brandywine River to the grand country estates and gardens created by later generations. Along the way, discover American industry, art, architecture, horticulture and the family whose influence helped shape the Brandywine Valley.
Allow two days to experience the highlights at a relaxed pace - and consider staying an extra night to discover even more of Greater Wilmington.
Set along the banks of the Brandywine River, Hagley preserves the site of the original DuPont Company gunpowder works founded by E. I. du Pont in 1802. Explore historic mills, demonstrations, workers' communities and Eleutherian Mills, the du Pont family's first home in America.
Beginning your itinerary here provides valuable context for everything that follows. You'll discover how an immigrant family established a successful enterprise along the Brandywine and laid the foundation for a legacy that would influence industry, architecture, art, horticulture and philanthropy for generations.
Allow plenty of time to explore the sprawling historic site and enjoy its picturesque setting along the river.
Midday: Lunch in Greenville or Centreville
From Hagley, travel into the scenic countryside of northern Delaware for lunch in Greenville or Centreville. Pick up something from Janssen's Fine Foods, a longtime Greenville favorite, or choose from the cafes and restaurants along Kennett Pike.
You're now traveling through the heart of Delaware's Chateau Country, where winding roads, wooded hillsides, stone walls and historic estates make the drive part of the experience.
The magnificent 175-room house showcases one of the world's foremost collections of American decorative arts, while the surrounding landscape includes a 60-acre naturalistic garden amid rolling meadows and woodlands.
Tour the house to experience Henry Francis du Pont's passion for American craftsmanship and collecting, then spend time outdoors exploring the estate's celebrated gardens and grounds.
Winterthur reveals another chapter of the du Pont story - one in which art, collecting, horticulture and preservation take center stage.
Have More Time: Explore Mt. Cuba Center
If your schedule allows, add Mt. Cuba Center, the former estate of Lammot du Pont Copeland and Pamela Cunningham Copeland.
Today, the property is a renowned botanical garden dedicated to native plants and their conservation. Wander through formal gardens, peaceful woodlands, ponds and meadows while discovering the beauty and diversity of plants native to the eastern United States.
Mt. Cuba Center offers yet another perspective on the du Pont legacy and its connection to horticulture and conservation.
Planning Tip: Mt. Cuba Center operates seasonally. Check current hours, admission information and availability before adding it to your itinerary.
"Everyday gourmet!" We provide a pleasant shopping experience with…
Day 2: Nemours Estate and Longwood Gardens
Morning Step Inside Nemours Estate
Begin your second day at Nemours Estate in Wilmington. Built by Alfred I. du Pont, the spectacular 77-room mansion combines Gilded Age elegance with French-inspired architecture and design.
Inside, explore beautifully appointed rooms filled with fine furnishings, art and personal objects. Outside, wander through 200 acres of formal gardens, grounds and woodlands. Don't miss the Chauffeur's Garage, where a collection of vintage automobiles provides another glimpse into life on the estate.
The scale is impressive, but leave time for the details - from fountains and sculptures to intimate rooms and personal touches that reveal the people behind the grandeur.
Afternoon Experience Longwood Gardens
Cross into nearby Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, for Longwood Gardens, the living legacy of Pierre S. du Pont.
Pierre purchased the property in 1906, initially to preserve a historic collection of trees. Over the decades that followed, he transformed the property into an extraordinary destination inspired by the gardens, architecture, fountains and cultural experiences he encountered during his travels.
Today, Longwood combines spectacular indoor and outdoor gardens, conservatories, fountains and horticultural displays into one of the region's signature attractions. The expanded garden experience created through Longwood Reimagined provides even more to discover, so leave plenty of time to explore.
Depending on the season, consider staying into the evening for illuminated fountains, performances or special programming.
The du Pont estates are best experienced at a leisurely pace. Staying overnight in Greater Wilmington puts you close to these extraordinary properties while giving you time to enjoy acclaimed restaurants, tax-free shopping and the attractions of downtown Wilmington and the Riverfront.
For an especially fitting overnight experience, consider The Inn at Montchanin Village & Spa. The historic village was once associated with workers of the DuPont Company and today offers an intimate retreat in the heart of the Brandywine Valley.
Extend Your Historic Estate Tour
Have another day? Visit Rockwood Park & Museum in Wilmington. The 19th-century Gothic Revival mansion and surrounding park offer a different perspective on the region's historic country estates - and a story that extends beyond the du Pont family.
You can also explore Historic New Castle, where centuries-old homes, gardens and cobblestone streets reveal an earlier chapter of Delaware history.
House Interior Temporarily Closed Please Note: Rockwood Museum's interior galleries are temporarily closed for renovations, which are expected to last up to one year (through…
Frequently Asked Questions About the du Pont Estates
Which du Pont estates can you visit in Wilmington and the Brandywine Valley?
Where should I start exploring the du Pont estates?
Start at Hagley Museum & Library in Wilmington. Hagley preserves the site of the original DuPont Company gunpowder works and the du Pont family's first American home, making it the ideal place to understand the family's beginnings before visiting the grand estates created by later generations.
How many days do I need to visit the du Pont estates?
Plan on at least two days to comfortably experience Hagley, Winterthur, Nemours Estate and Longwood Gardens. A third day allows you to add Mt. Cuba Center, spend more time exploring the gardens and estates, or visit other historic attractions in Greater Wilmington.
How close are the du Pont estates to Philadelphia?
Greater Wilmington is approximately 30 minutes south of Philadelphia, making the du Pont estates an easy weekend getaway or addition to a Philadelphia-area trip. Many of the major estates are clustered within northern New Castle County, Delaware, and nearby Chester County, Pennsylvania.
What is the best time of year to visit the du Pont estates?
Spring through fall offers the greatest opportunity to combine mansion tours with gardens and outdoor experiences. Spring brings spectacular blooms, summer showcases lush gardens and fountains, and fall adds colorful foliage to the Brandywine Valley landscape. The holiday season also brings elaborate seasonal displays and special programming to several properties.
Do I need reservations to visit the du Pont estates?
Admission, tours, hours and reservation requirements vary by attraction and season. Check each property's current visitor information before your trip, particularly if you want a specific house tour, are visiting during a special event or plan to visit several attractions in one day.
Are the du Pont estates only for history lovers?
Not at all. The estates combine history with architecture, art, gardens, decorative arts, nature and scenic landscapes. That variety makes the itinerary especially appealing for couples, garden enthusiasts, architecture lovers and travelers looking for a distinctive cultural weekend getaway.
