Discover Delaware: Nature, Art, and History

Hike nature trails, paddle a tidal stretch of Darby Creek by canoe, or admire works by the Wyeth family: Delaware offers a variety of nature and cultural attractions for your stay. Historic sites and performing arts venues add to the options.

Woods, Trails, and Water

The Delaware County Parks and Recreation Department manages nearly 1,000 acres of parkland with scenic nature trails, picnic groves, playgrounds, and sports fields. Ridley Creek State Park covers more than 2,606 acres of woodland and meadows. It is home to Hunting Hill Mansion, a large English country house. In 1915, an original Pennsylvania stone farmhouse dating to 1789 was added to the mansion.

John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum has 10 miles of trails, as well as guided and self-guided nature walks. At the visitor center, you can borrow binoculars and fishing rods free of charge. For a different way to experience nature, visitors can paddle a 4.5-mile tidal stretch of Darby Creek by kayak or canoe.

Tyler Arboretum has 17 miles of trails, including the ADA-compliant Scenic Loop. Historic and state-record trees, meadows, woodlands, and gardens add to the trail offerings. At John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, guided and self-guided walks and a water route are highlights; at the arboretum, the varied tree and garden landscapes are also part of the experience.

For additional trail guidance, the middle section of the Chester Creek Rail Trail is a distinct route: it runs through Middletown and Aston townships, is 2.8 miles long, and was the first section to be completed, in late 2016. The trail follows Chester Creek along the Chester Creek Branch of the Pennsylvania Railroad, which dates to the Civil War era. Delaware County's Primary Trail Network connects to the East Coast Greenway.

Art and Local History

The Brandywine Museum of Art focuses on American art from the Brandywine region. Its collection includes landscapes, still lifes, trompe-l’œil, illustrations, and works by three generations of the Wyeth family. The museum offers guided tours of the Andrew Wyeth Studio, the N. C. Wyeth House and Studio, and Kuerner Farm.

Buildings and collections also bring history to life. Admission to Brandywine Battlefield Park currently includes an 18-minute orientation film, access to the museum, and a guided tour of Washington's headquarters and the Gideon Gilpin House. During the Battle of Brandywine, George Washington used the Benjamin Ring home as his headquarters.

The working grist mill is a defining feature of Newlin Grist Mill; Newlin Grist Mill and Park also includes twelve historic buildings. Scheduled demonstrations of 18th-century skills and crafts take place there, including woodturning, papermaking, and candlemaking. At the Christian C. Sanderson Museum, visitors can explore eight rooms. They showcase more than 200 years of American history, objects related to the history of Chadds Ford, and memorabilia reflecting the American experience.

Performances and Regional Products

The Media Theatre presents musical productions, intimate concerts, and performances for children. Hedgerow Theater offers a diverse year-round calendar of performances, classes, and workshops. For outdoor music, Rose Tree Park has an outdoor amphitheater where the Delaware County Summer Festival concert series takes place annually.

Regional products can also be part of your travel plans. Linvilla Orchards is a 300-acre farm that has been run by the Linvill family for more than 100 years. Visitors can pick fresh fruit and vegetables there. Penns Woods Winery makes wines from grapes grown in Pennsylvania. The winery has a rustic tasting room and outdoor seating amid the vineyards.

When choosing a hotel, your main plans for your visit may be the deciding factor: nature trails and scenery offer a different focus than art collections, historic sites, or performances. When making your choice, consider which location best suits the places you plan to visit during your stay.

Discover more destinations: Media, Chester, Rose Valley, Glen Mills, Elwyn, Ridley Park, Springfield, Chadds Ford, Darby, Swarthmore, Tinicum Township, Radnor, Aldan

Return to the main travel overview: Pennsylvania.