Wilmington Sights, Activities & Attractions | Hotel du Pont, Wilmington, Delaware

Alapocas Run State Park & Blue Ball Barn

1914 West Park Dr, Wilmington, DE 19803 302-577-1164

Description: Opened in 2007, with landscaping and work ongoing, much is already in place to enjoy. At the center is the Blue Ball Barn, a much loved local landmark once part of A. I. du Pont's Nemours property. It was renovated using all "green" technologies and now houses historic exhibits of the barn and the Delaware Folk Art Collection in an upstairs gallery. Biking and walking trails are part of the Delaware Greenway trail, a nearly continuous link of existing parklands between the Delaware River and Brandywine Creek. Trails between Alapocas Drive and the Brandywine Creek pass through an old quarry and beautiful valley. Rock climbing, hikes, and other activities are led by park staff throughout the year. See website for latest schedule and details.
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Chateau Country & America's Byway: Brandywine Valley Scenic Byway

Rt 52 & Rt 100 from downtown Wilmington to PA state line, Wilmington, DE 19807

Description: Northwest of Wilmington, a beautiful scenic route through what is known as "Chateau Country," is the first Delaware route to be recognized as a national "America's Byway" by the US Department of Transportation. The Brandywine Valley Scenic Byway includes Routes 52 (Kennett Pike) and 100, and is one of about 125 byways in the National Scenic Byways program which preserves routes of significant beauty, history and culture. Stretching north in a "y" shape from downtown, the byway traces the legacy of the du Pont family and their impact on the landscape and history of the Brandywine Valley. The byway passes through rolling open spaces and by historic du Pont mansions, gardens, museums, villages, state parks and farms. Sites along the way include Hagley, Winterthur, Montchanin Village, Centreville Village, and Brandywine Creek State Park.
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Delaware Art Museum

2301 Kentmere Pkwy, Wilmington, DE 19806 302-571-9590

Description: ROCKFORD PARK. Located along the residential tree-lined boulevards of Kentmere Parkway, the Delaware Art Museum has a rich tradition integral to the Wilmington community. Founded in 1912, the museum's original collections were Delaware artist Howard Pyle's work and famous illustrations, including many of Pyle's famous pirate paintings. The museum's collections feature four main galleries: Howard Pyle & American Illustration; the country's largest collection of British Pre-Raphaelite Art; John Sloan; and American Art, 1757 - Present. With a major expansion and reopening in 2005, artist studios, sculpture garden, new galleries, children's interactive area, restaurant and gift shop were added. The Museum's annual Holiday House Tour provides access into distinctive Wilmington homes each December. Check website for details. Free admission on Sundays.
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Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts

200 S Madison St, Wilmington, DE 19801 302-656-6466

Description: RIVERFRONT. In its industrial-style metal building in the heart of the revitalized Riverfront, seven sleek and airy galleries house regional, national and international exhibits at the Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts. Dedicated to bringing art experience and education to the community, the DCCA does not house a permanent collection. Instead, a schedule of more than 30 exhibitions annually, onsite artist studios, classrooms and educational programs expose visitors to a range of modern styles and the creative process. Founded by a group of artists and volunteers, the center has become an innovative arts leader. Free admission on Saturday morning and Wednesday.
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Delaware History Museum

504 N Market St, Wilmington, DE 19801 302-656-0637

Description: DOWNTOWN. The Delaware History Museum uses hands-on displays and educational presentations to interpret Delaware's history. "Grandma's Attic Kids Museum" offers games, toys, an old-fashioned corner store, and stations to learn by doing. Located on Market Street in a renovated Woolworth's store, it is easy walking distance to Willingtown Square, a small historic park of 18th-19th century homes.
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Delaware Museum of Natural History

4840 Kennett Pike, Wilmington, DE 19807-0937 302-658-9111

Description: GREENVILLE. Delaware Museum of Natural History explores natural wonders large and small for all ages. Educational displays rotate with changing programs from reptiles to birds, to bats to butterflies, and dinosaurs to microbes. A nature trail and butterfly garden encourage outdoor discovery. Lifelike sculptures of wildlife on the grounds will make you look twice! The museum hosts special events including Earth Day and special Dinosaur Days. Check the website for details.
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Hagley Museum and Library

200 Hagley Rd, Wilmington, DE 19807 302-658-2400

Description: GREENVILLE. Here in 1802, on a quiet hillside that slopes to the Brandywine River, E. I. du Pont founded his family estate, Eleutherian Mills, and blackpowder factory what would become the DuPont Company. The serene setting does not prepare visitors for the power of the mills and the significant scientific discoveries that began here with the first du Pont mill. About 235 acres of the original property along the Brandywine River are preserved along with the Georgian-style family home and French-design gardens. Interpretive and living history demonstrations depict a restored workers village, school, machine shop, and the operating Eagle Roll Mill. Year-round, the museum hosts numerous special events, seminars and lectures including the Invention Convention, Hagley Car Show, Bike and Hike days and Yuletide tours. An onsite restaurant is open for lunch and refreshments. See website for complete list and details. Winter weekdays offer one guided tour at 1:30pm.
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Kalmar Nyckel Tall Ship of Delaware

1124 E 7th St, Wilmington, DE 19801 302-429-7447

Description: Depicted on the city seal, the colonial tall ship Kalmar Nyckel brought the first European settlers in 1638 to found Fort Christina what is now present day Wilmington. If you look to the river, you may see her still! A replica of the ship, built by the private non-profit Kalmar Nyckel Foundation to commemorate Delaware's history, sails today as the state's goodwill ambassador. With authentic details from sails, rigging and working canons, the Kalmar Nyckel brings pioneer sailing history to life. When in port, the Kalmar Nyckel is open for boarding, tours and sails on weekends April - October at 7th Street Shipyard at almost the exact location where the settlers landed. Tours offered also at Dravo Plaza on the Riverfront and during city Fourth of July celebration. See website for complete details.
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Nemours Mansion & Gardens

1600 Rockland Rd, Wilmington, DE 19803 302-651-6912

Description: Nemours, the 300-acre estate home of industrialist and philanthropist Alfred I. duPont, is a treasure hidden behind a long expanse of stone wall. Built in 1910 and named for the duPont's ancestral home in France, the chateau and gardens are designed in the elegant style of Louis XVI and Versailles. Nemours completed a $39 million renovation and reopened May 2008. The mansion, with more than 47,000 square feet, is furnished with an eclectic collection of antiques, rugs and art. Beautiful manicured gardens, mazes, sculptures, fountains, lanes and vistas stretch in every direction. Open by guided tour only. Extensive walking is required; handicap accessible. Tours book far in advance and are in high demand. Nearby on the property is another great treasure and duPont legacy: The Nemours A.I. duPont Children's Hospital. This world-renowned hospital for ill and disabled children was created by The Nemours Foundation, funded by duPont's estate.
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Old New Castle and New Castle Court House Museum

211 Delaware St, New Castle, DE 19720 302-323-4453

Description: NEW CASTLE. Just a few minutes south of downtown Wilmington, a residential colonial town thrives on the shores of the Delaware River where William Penn landed. Old New Castle's historic lanes are preserved along with homes and buildings dating to 1700s and before. Founded in 1651, and the center of colonial government, the town still has important structures within easy walking, including the George Read II House and Gardens, the Dutch House, and the New Castle Court House the centerpoint of the 12-mile circle marking Delaware's northern border and part of the Mason-Dixon Line. The city is not an "attraction"; it is the real deal, where people live their modern lives on the old cobblestone streets and paths along the town Green. Shopkeepers, attorneys, bed & breakfast houses, and businesses hang their old-style shingles by their doors. Shops, taverns and restaurants cater to residents and visitors; Jessop's Tavern offers colonial ambiance and a cozy fireplace. Battery Park along the river offers walking paths and a playground. Once a year, in May, the city hosts its town-wide festival and garden tour, A Day in Old New Castle.
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Wilmington & Western Railroad

2201 Newport Gap Pike, Greenbank Station, Wilmington, DE 19808 302-998-1930

Description: PRICES CORNER. To see the beauty of the back roads of the Wilmington area without getting lost climb aboard the historic Wilmington & Western Railroad. The vintage steam and diesel-electric locomotives and cars carry passengers along the wooded Red Clay Creek Valley, across bridges, past mills, scenic vistas and historic homes. This is a rare opportunity to ride trains of the Golden Age in an unspoiled setting. Operated by a non-profit organization and volunteers, the railroad is a great source of community pride. Themed seasonal tours, restaurant runs, rides with Santa, fall foliage and picnic tours and more are offered. Board at Greenbank Station near Prices Corner (Route 41, 1/4 mile north of Route 2).
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Winterthur Museum & Country Estate

5105 Kennett Pike, Rt 52, Winterthur, DE 19735 302-888-4600

Description: In the heart of "chateau country" only minutes from downtown, Winterthur Museum & Country Estate is the former home of Henry Francis du Pont. Surrounded by acres of naturalized gardens and forests, the mansion now houses du Pont's priceless collection of 17th-19th century American furniture and decorative arts. Several guided tours through the period rooms are offered. Visitors should allow plenty of time to explore the gardens; marked walking paths and a tram bus take guests to every corner. A children's Enchanted Woods is a garden of whimsy and play with hollowed trees, "serpentine path," stone cottage with thatched-roof, and May Pole green. In the galleries, a "Touch-it Room" offers a special exhibit providing hands-on learning for all ages. The museum's famous research, conservation studios and library are also onsite. Winterthur hosts special events throughout the year including Point-to-Point Steeplechase and Yuletide tours. The onsite restaurant offers meals, refreshments and a popular Sunday brunch.
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Choose from many attractions, sights and activities near the Hotel du Pont in Wilmington.

Set in the historic Brandywine Valley, the Hotel du Pont is close to popular attractions including Winterthur Museum & Country Estate, Garden and Library. The Delaware Art Museum, spectacular Longwood Gardens and Conservatories and Hagley Museum are also convenient to the Hotel du Pont.

Explore and enjoy the country estate of Henry Francis du Pont. Tour the museum of magnificent American antiques showcasing the best in style and craftsmanship. The Galleries offer permanent and changing exhibitions. Stroll in the 60-acre garden and delight in the children’s Enchanted Woods. Shopping, dining and special events are also features of this historic Brandywine Valley estate. Call for admission fees.


The Hagley Museum Library collects, preserves, and interprets the unfolding history of American enterprise. Located on 235 acres along the banks of the Brandywine River, Hagley is the site of the gunpowder works founded by E.I. du Pont in 1802. View early American Industry with restored mills, a worker’s community, and the ancestral home and gardens of the du Pont family.


Longwood Gardens, sometimes referred to as the Du Pont Gardens, was created by industrialist Pierre S. du Pont. Attracting nearly one million visitors annually, Longwood Gardens features 1050 acres (425 hectares) of gardens, woodlands and meadows, 20 outdoor gardens, and 20 indoor gardens with 4 acres (1.6 hectares) of heated greenhouses.

Discover 11,000 different types of plants, spectacular fountains, and extensive educational programs including horticultural career training and internships. Open every day of the year, Longwood Gardens offers 800 horticultural and performing art events each year, including flower shows, gardening demonstrations and courses, children’s programs, concerts, organ and carillon recitals, musical theatre and fireworks displays.

The distinguished collections of the Delaware Art Museum are comprised of 12,000 works of art and focus on American Art of the 19th through the 21st centuries and English Pre-Raphaelite art of the mid-19th century.

Its outstanding overview of the evolution of American art includes a pivotal collection of works from the "Golden Age" of American illustration and the country's largest collection of the work of John Sloan. The Samuel and Mary R. Bancroft collection is the premier public collection of Pre-Raphaelite art outside the United Kingdom.


Housed in a restored 19th century Gristmill, the museum showcases an extensive collection of Wyeth family art, plus American illustrations, still life and landscape painting. Adults, $8; Seniors, Students & Children 6-12, $5; Children under 6 and Members FREE.

Opulent 102-room Louis XVI-style chateau built 1909-10 as the home of Alfred I. du Pont. 36 rooms are featured on the tour, featuring fine antique furniture, rugs, tapestries, paintings, and china. Nemours is home to the largest formal garden in North America, with 300 acres filled with fountains and sculpture, and antiquities including gates once owned by Catherine the Great and Henry VIII. One fo the grandest "Grand Homes" of America.


Rural Gothic mansion built 1851 by Joseph Shipley. 12 Rooms are open to the public of this gothic country house, set within 72 acres of serene parkland with six acres of formal landscape in the gardenesque style, and 2.6 miles of paved hiking trails.