places to visit in wilmington delaware

Wilmington, Delaware, is a city with a rich history and culture, offering a diverse range of attractions for visitors. From stunning gardens and historic mansions to world-class museums and vibrant entertainment venues, Wilmington has something to offer everyone. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly adventure or a romantic getaway, Wilmington is the perfect destination.

Nemours Estate

Nestled in the heart of Wilmington, Delaware, Nemours Estate is a breathtaking Gilded Age mansion and gardens that transport visitors to a bygone era of opulence and grandeur. Built by Alfred I. du Pont as a wedding gift for his wife, Nemours Estate is a testament to the wealth and extravagance of the du Pont family.

Today, Nemours Estate is open to the public as a museum and gardens. Visitors can explore the lavishly decorated mansion, which features 77 rooms filled with priceless antiques, artwork, and tapestries. The estate also boasts 200 acres of stunning gardens, designed by the renowned landscape architect, Ernest W. Bowditch.

Highlights of Nemours Estate include the Grand Hall, with its soaring 30-foot ceiling and marble staircase; the Music Room, with its exquisite Steinway grand piano; and the Sun Room, with its panoramic views of the gardens; The gardens are a horticultural masterpiece, featuring a variety of formal gardens, fountains, and sculptures.

Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, or simply beautiful gardens, Nemours Estate is a must-see attraction in Wilmington, Delaware. Allow plenty of time to explore the mansion and gardens, and be sure to take advantage of the guided tours offered by knowledgeable docents.

Here are some tips for visiting Nemours Estate⁚

• Advance tickets are recommended, especially during peak season.
• Guided tours are available and highly recommended.
• Allow at least 2-3 hours to explore the mansion and gardens.
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
• Photography is permitted for personal use only.
• No food or drinks are allowed inside the mansion.
• Picnics are permitted in designated areas of the gardens.

Delaware Art Museum

Located in the heart of Wilmington’s cultural district, the Delaware Art Museum is a world-renowned institution dedicated to the preservation and exhibition of American art. Founded in 1912, the museum houses a vast collection of over 12,000 works of art, spanning from the colonial era to the present day.
The Delaware Art Museum is particularly renowned for its collection of Pre-Raphaelite art, which is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the world. The museum also has a strong collection of American Impressionism, as well as works by contemporary artists.

Highlights of the Delaware Art Museum’s collection include⁚

• “Nighthawks” by Edward Hopper
• “Christina’s World” by Andrew Wyeth
• “The Gross Clinic” by Thomas Eakins
• “The Swan” by John Singer Sargent
• “Arrangement in Grey and Black No. 1” (Whistler’s Mother) by James McNeill Whistler

In addition to its permanent collection, the Delaware Art Museum also hosts a variety of special exhibitions throughout the year. The museum also offers a variety of educational programs, including lectures, workshops, and family-friendly activities.

Whether you’re an art enthusiast or simply looking for a beautiful and inspiring place to visit, the Delaware Art Museum is a must-see attraction in Wilmington, Delaware. Allow plenty of time to explore the museum’s vast collection, and be sure to take advantage of the guided tours offered by knowledgeable docents.

Here are some tips for visiting the Delaware Art Museum⁚

• Advance tickets are recommended, especially during peak season.
• Guided tours are available and highly recommended.
• Allow at least 2-3 hours to explore the museum.
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
• Photography is permitted for personal use only.
• No food or drinks are allowed inside the museum.
• The museum has a cafe and a gift shop.
• Strollers are welcome in the museum.

Brandywine Zoo

Nestled along the banks of the Brandywine River, Brandywine Zoo is a 12-acre zoological park that is home to over 100 species of animals from around the world. The zoo is dedicated to providing a fun and educational experience for visitors of all ages, and is committed to the conservation of endangered species.

Brandywine Zoo is divided into several different habitats, each of which is designed to replicate the natural environment of the animals that live there. The zoo’s habitats include⁚

• African Savanna
• Asian Highlands
• Australian Outback
• Delaware Wetlands
• Northern Territory
• South American Rainforest

Some of the most popular animals at Brandywine Zoo include⁚

• African elephants
• Amur leopards
• Australian koalas
• Bald eagles
• Black-handed spider monkeys
• Giant anteaters
• Red pandas
• Snow leopards
• White-handed gibbons

In addition to its animal exhibits, Brandywine Zoo also offers a variety of educational programs and activities for visitors of all ages. These programs include⁚

• Animal encounters
• Behind-the-scenes tours
• Educational workshops
• Summer camps

Brandywine Zoo is a great place to visit for a fun and educational day out with the family. The zoo is open every day of the year, and admission is free for children under 2 years old.

Here are some tips for visiting Brandywine Zoo⁚

• Advance tickets are recommended, especially during peak season.
• Strollers are available for rent.
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
• Food and drinks are available for purchase at the zoo.
• Picnics are welcome in designated areas.
• Photography is permitted for personal use only.

Hagley Museum and Library

Hagley Museum and Library is a 235-acre museum and library complex that tells the story of American industrial history. The museum is located on the site of the original DuPont gunpowder mills, and it features a variety of exhibits on the history of the DuPont Company and the American Industrial Revolution.

Hagley Museum and Library is divided into several different sections, each of which focuses on a different aspect of American industrial history. The museum’s sections include⁚

• The DuPont Story⁚ This section tells the story of the DuPont Company, from its founding in 1802 to its present-day status as a global chemical company.
• The American Industrial Revolution⁚ This section explores the history of the American Industrial Revolution, from its beginnings in the late 18th century to its peak in the early 20th century.
• The Workers’ Experience⁚ This section tells the story of the workers who built and operated the DuPont gunpowder mills.
• The Land and the Environment⁚ This section explores the relationship between the DuPont gunpowder mills and the surrounding environment.

Hagley Museum and Library also has a number of special collections, including⁚

• The DuPont Archives⁚ This collection contains over 2 million documents and artifacts related to the history of the DuPont Company.
• The Hagley Library⁚ This library contains over 100,000 books and manuscripts on the history of American industry and technology.
• The Winterthur Library⁚ This library contains over 200,000 books and manuscripts on the history of American decorative arts.

Hagley Museum and Library is a great place to visit for anyone who is interested in American history, industry, or technology. The museum is open every day of the year, and admission is free for children under 6 years old.

Here are some tips for visiting Hagley Museum and Library⁚

• Advance tickets are recommended, especially during peak season.
• Strollers are available for rent.
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
• Food and drinks are available for purchase at the museum.
• Picnics are welcome in designated areas.
• Photography is permitted for personal use only.

Rockford Tower

Rockford Tower is a 16-story observation tower located in Wilmington, Delaware. The tower offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding area, including the Delaware River, the Brandywine River, and the rolling hills of Pennsylvania.
Rockford Tower was built in 1912 as a water tower for the city of Wilmington. The tower is made of reinforced concrete and stands 165 feet tall. In 1969, the tower was converted into an observation tower, and it has been open to the public ever since.

Today, Rockford Tower is a popular tourist destination, and it is also used for special events, such as weddings and corporate functions. The tower is open to the public every day of the year, and admission is free of charge.

Here are some tips for visiting Rockford Tower⁚

• The tower is open to the public every day of the year, from 9⁚00 AM to 5⁚00 PM.
• Admission is free of charge.
• There is a small gift shop at the base of the tower.
• The tower is not accessible to wheelchairs or strollers.
• There are 226 steps to the top of the tower.
• The views from the top of the tower are spectacular.

Here are some of the things you can see from the top of Rockford Tower⁚

• The city of Wilmington
• The Delaware River
• The Brandywine River
• The rolling hills of Pennsylvania
• The Port of Wilmington
• The Christiana River
• The Delaware Memorial Bridge

Rockford Tower is a great place to visit for anyone who wants to experience the beauty of Wilmington and the surrounding area. The tower is open to the public every day of the year, and admission is free of charge.