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All United States Delaware

The Atlas Obscura Guide To Delaware

32 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Delaware

Updated March 10, 2023

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Cities

Front entrance of the Gibraltar Mansion.
Wilmington
Lewes
Golden Fleece Tavern in Dover, Delaware.
Dover
Steampunk Tree House
Milton
Attractions
Map
Leaderboards

Unusual Attractions in Delaware

Front entrance of the Gibraltar Mansion.

Wilmington, Delaware

Marian Coffin Garden

Enchanting gardens surround a derelict mansion, all hidden in plain sight behind a stone wall.
Nemour Mansion's Beax-Arts facade.

Wilmington, Delaware

Nemours Estate

This splendid Versailles-inspired mansion has the largest French-style formal gardens in North America.
Chinese Parlor in the House of Henry Francis du Pont.

Wilmington, Delaware

Winterthur

A blend of art, antiquities, and Americana fill this museum, surrounded by whimsical, enchanting gardens.
Steampunk Tree House

Milton, Delaware

Steampunk Tree House

What began as an art installation is now the private drinkhaüs for a brewery's employees.
Merman.

Fenwick Island, Delaware

Discoversea Shipwreck Museum

A desiccated merman and a walrus penis bone are among the oddities in this eclectic collection of shipwreck treasures.
Rothschild Patent Museum

Wilmington, Delaware

Rothschild Patent Model Collection

This collection of odd proofs of concept is like taking a walk through the imagination of a Victorian engineer.
Library - Fort Delaware

Delaware City, Delaware

Fort Delaware

A scenic fort on the harbor protected Philadelphia from an attack that never came.

Lewes, Delaware

The Cannonball House

The historic home still shows the scars from a little run-in with the British in 1813.
See All 32 Things To Do in Delaware

Delaware is Full of Surprises

Experience it yourself.

Sponsored By Visit Delaware

One of the grandest spaces in the Nemours Estate, The Reception Hall is where the duPonts would celebrate Christmas.

Itinerary

Only In Delaware

This nine-stop itinerary highlights the rich history and natural beauty of America’s First State.
Sponsored by Visit Delaware
Milton Theater

Milton, Delaware

Milton Theater

This unassuming brick building has survived fires, storms, and more to bring entertainment to one Delaware town.
Sponsored by Visit Delaware

Wilmington, Delaware

Enchanted Woods at Winterthur Gardens

An award-winning children’s garden enchants visitors at the intersection of natural beauty and fairy tales.
Sponsored by Visit Delaware

Wilmington, Delaware

Wilmington & Western Railroad

This heritage rail line meanders through Delaware’s Red Clay Valley.
Sponsored by Visit Delaware
In partnership with KAYAK

Plan Your Trip

Sponsored by Visit Delaware

Delaware is Full of Surprises.

Experience it Yourself.

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Atlas Obscura Itineraries

Only In Delaware

Delaware may not be the largest state in the country (in fact, it’s the second-smallest, and could squeeze into the next biggest state, Connecticut, two times comfortably). It’s not the most metropolitan, either (in fact, its capital city, Dover, is one of the least populated capital cities in the country). Delaware is, however, the oldest state in the country. The rich history therein, along with the natural beauty of the Blue Hen State and the unique characters who have called it home, make it a true hidden gem. From opulent family gardens to cannonball-riddled homes to fascinating defense structures, this itinerary will guide you through some of the state’s most extraordinary attractions. Beside outdoor activities like kayaking, horseback-riding, and fishing, there’s also historic homes, museums, and art installations of unthinkable scale. Sometimes, it’s true what they say—the best things do come in small packages. Welcome to Delaware.

View Itinerary
One of the grandest spaces in the Nemours Estate, The Reception Hall is where the duPonts would celebrate Christmas.

Explore Delaware

Museums And Collections 8
Aletrail 6
Gardens 4
Art 4
Sculptures 4
Mansions 4

Delaware Leaderboard

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