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All United States Delaware Wilmington

The Atlas Obscura Guide To Wilmington

14 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Wilmington, Delaware

Updated October 3, 2023

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Unusual Attractions in Wilmington

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.
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.
Inside the museum.

Wilmington, Delaware

Delaware Art Museum

This local gem houses the largest collection of pre-Raphaelite paintings outside of the U.K.
Crying Giant.

Wilmington, Delaware

The Crying Giant

This weeping, 10-foot-tall sculpture was a maquette for a 9/11 memorial.
Hendrickson House Museum

Wilmington, Delaware

Hendrickson House Museum

One of the oldest surviving Swedish-American homes in the United States.
Ebright Azimuth

Wilmington, Delaware

Ebright Azimuth

The highest point in Delaware is located under a trailer so this marker across the street will have to do.
See All 14 Things To Do in Wilmington
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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.

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

Explore Wilmington, Delaware

Museums And Collections 4
Gardens 4
Mansions 4
Bridges 3
Plants 3
Estates 3
Art 2
Technology 2
Sculptures 2
Sculpture Gardens 2

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Recent Wilmington Activity

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Stories About Wilmington

Podcast: Enchanted Woods

A Wilmington garden invites kids to drop screens and rules and just play.
by The Podcast Team
October 3, 2023

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