Delaware: Marshlands, Coastal Trails and History

Wetlands, coastal walks and historic sites reveal different sides of Delaware. Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge focuses on protecting one of the largest remaining areas of tidal salt marsh in the Mid-Atlantic region. Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge offers a different scale: it protects more than 10,000 acres of wildlife habitat.

Marshland, Forest and Trails

About 80 percent of Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge is made up of a mix of freshwater and saltwater wetlands. Visitors who want to explore the landscape on foot will find 7.5 miles of hiking trails of varying lengths and difficulty. This makes it possible to choose a route based on the desired distance and level of challenge, as not all trails offer the same difficulty. The refuge also hosts the Horseshoe Crab Festival every May; check the event dates if you are planning your visit around it.

Other places have their own distinct features. Cape Henlopen State Park offers opportunities for coastal hiking. At White Clay Creek State Park, the forest provides habitat for migrating and nesting birds, including the rare cerulean warbler. White Clay Creek itself is protected as a National Wild and Scenic River and is stocked with fish for anglers. The state park also includes the Judge Morris Estate, dating from the 1790s. Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library lists a total of 25 miles of marked trails and footpaths—an independent measure of trail length alongside those at Prime Hook Refuge.

History in Specific Places

In Dover, the Old State House was built in 1791. It was the city’s first permanent capitol building and continued to serve as Delaware’s capitol until 1933. The Zwaanendael Museum commemorates Swanendael, Delaware’s first European colony, and focuses on the maritime, military and social history of the Lewes area.

The history of maritime rescue also comes to life at a particular site: the Indian River Life-Saving Station was built in 1876. Its crew responded to more than 60 shipwrecks and saved 419 lives. The station’s museum is designed to reflect its appearance in 1905. The John Dickinson Plantation offers another historical perspective. It shares the life stories of the tenant farmers, indentured servants, and free and enslaved Black men, women and children who lived, worked and died on the plantation.

Museums and Unique Perspectives

Hagley Museum and Library is located on the former industrial site of the DuPont Company’s original gunpowder mills. At Nemours Estate, you can explore the mansion, chauffeur’s garage and gardens on your own. The garage displays a historic automobile collection that belonged to the duPonts. Specific tour offerings may change seasonally; check the latest visitor information if you are planning your visit around them.

Delaware’s five state museums present the First State’s contribution to the history and culture of the United States. Nature and science take center stage at the Delaware Museum of Nature and Science, with hands-on, interactive experiences. Its Regional Journey Gallery explores Delaware’s diverse ecosystems. The permanent exhibition “Whittlin’ History” interprets works by Delaware folk artist Jehu Camper, who lived from 1897 to 1989. Loockerman Landing illustrates life in a rural Delaware village.

The Brandywine Zoo is home to wildlife ranging from common to highly endangered species. Keeper-led Animal Encounters may include feeding or training sessions; availability may vary. The “Visit the Lemurs” program lets visitors watch lemurs forage in their enclosure every day at 10:30 a.m. Since schedules can change, check the latest information before your visit.

Getting There and Choosing a Location

Delaware is centrally located along the Interstate 95 corridor and within driving distance of New York, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. The First State Heritage Park Welcome Center is easy to reach via a major highway and has plenty of parking. Use your priorities as a starting point when choosing a hotel: wetlands and trails, coastal walks or historic sites. First decide which destinations matter to your stay, then base your location search on them.

More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Kent, New Castle County and Sussex County.

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