Top 50 best museums in Delaware

The Winterthur Museum and Country Estate is a unique combination of a mansion, botanical garden, arboretum, and museum. It is located in Winterthur, Delaware, and offers a diverse range of attractions for visitors. The estate is a testament to the rich history and culture of the region, and it provides a fascinating insight into the life and interests of its former resident, Henry Francis du Pont.

The Delaware Legislative Hall, situated in the state capital city of Dover on Legislative Avenue, serves as the state capitol building of Delaware. This significant structure houses the chambers and offices of the Delaware General Assembly, making it a central hub for the state's legislative activities.

The Brandywine Zoo, located in Wilmington, Delaware, is a small but charming 4.7-acre zoo that first opened its doors in 1905. Situated in the scenic Brandywine Park, the zoo is nestled on the banks of the Brandywine River, providing a picturesque setting for visitors.

The Winterthur Museum and Country Estate is a unique combination of a mansion, botanical garden, arboretum, and museum. It is located in Winterthur, Delaware, and offers a diverse range of attractions for visitors. The estate covers a vast area of 979 acres, providing ample space for exploration and discovery.

The New Castle Court House Museum holds a unique geographical significance. It is situated at the center of a circle with a 12-mile radius, which defines most of the border between the states of Delaware and Pennsylvania, as well as parts of the borders between Delaware and New Jersey and Maryland. This unique positioning makes the museum a focal point of regional history and geography.

The University Museums at the University of Delaware is a collective term for the university's collections of American art, minerals, and Pre-Columbian ceramics. These collections are open to the public and offer a diverse range of exhibits, from American art to minerals and ceramics from the Pre-Columbian era.

The Delaware Historical Society, founded in 1864, has grown into a significant statewide historical institution. It boasts several buildings, including the Old Town Hall and the Delaware History Museum in Wilmington, and the historic Read House & Gardens in New Castle. These sites offer a rich insight into the history and culture of Delaware, making them a worthwhile visit for tourists interested in history.

The University of Delaware Botanic Gardens (UDBG) is a unique blend of preserved wilderness and cultivated gardens. Spanning 35 acres, the wilderness area provides a serene backdrop to the 6-hectare botanic garden. The gardens are conveniently located on the campus of the University of Delaware in Newark, Delaware, making it an accessible destination for visitors.

The Mt. Cuba Center is a non-profit botanical garden nestled in the gently rolling hills of the Delaware Piedmont, in Hockessin, Delaware, near Wilmington. This location offers a serene and picturesque setting for visitors to explore and enjoy the diverse flora of the region.

The Delaware Museum of Nature & Science, also known as DMNH, is a museum that has been located since January 1, 2022. It was formerly known as the Delaware Museum of Natural History. This museum is a significant part of the state's cultural and scientific heritage, offering a wide range of exhibits and collections for visitors to explore.

The Air Mobility Command Museum is a military aviation museum situated at the Dover Air Force Base in Dover, Delaware. It is dedicated to the history of the Air Transport Command, Military Air Transport Service, Military Airlift Command, and Air Mobility Command. The museum is a testament to the rich history of military aviation and offers a unique insight into the evolution of air transport.

First State Heritage Park is open to visitors all year round. Special tours of the various sites within the park are conducted on the first Saturday of each month. These tours provide a deeper understanding of the historical and cultural significance of the sites within the park.

The John Dickinson House, also known as Poplar Hall, is a National Historic Landmark. It is situated on the John Dickinson Plantation in Kent County, Delaware, just 5 miles south of Dover. This historic site was the boyhood home of Founding Father John Dickinson, a key figure in the formation of the United States.

The museum traces the history of agriculture and farming in Delaware and it's really worth a visit. Take your kid!

The Holy Trinity Church, also known as Old Swedes, is a historic site located at East 7th and Church Street in Wilmington, Delaware. The church was consecrated on Trinity Sunday, June 4, 1699, by a predominantly Swedish congregation that was formerly part of the colony of New Sweden. This makes it a significant part of the history of Swedish settlement in the United States.

Rockwood is a historic English-style country estate and museum situated in Wilmington, Delaware. The estate was constructed between 1851 and 1854 by Joseph Shipley, a prominent banker of the time. This architectural marvel stands as a testament to the Rural Gothic Revival Architecture, making it a significant site for those interested in history and architecture.

The Amstel House, also known as the Dr. Finney House, is a preserved building located in New Castle, Delaware, United States. This historic building was constructed in the 1730s and stands as a testament to the architectural style of that period. It offers visitors a glimpse into the past and the opportunity to learn about the history of New Castle and its architectural heritage.

The Gov. William H. Ross House, also known as The Ross Mansion, is a historic home located near Seaford, Sussex County, Delaware. This two-story, brick mansion was built in 1859 and is designed in an 'H'-shape. The mansion is a representation of the Italianate style and features a three-story tower in the central space. The interior of the mansion retains its original plaster mouldings, Victorian trim, doors, and original inside shutters.

The Robinson House, a historic guest house, is situated at the intersection of Naamans Road (Delaware Route 92) and The Kings Highway (now U.S. Route 13, Philadelphia Pike) in Claymont, Delaware, in the United States. This location is easily accessible and offers a glimpse into the rich history of the area.

Today, the Lightship Overfalls is preserved as a museum ship in Lewes, Delaware. Visitors can tour the ship and learn about its history, construction, and the role it played in maritime navigation. The ship offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience a piece of maritime history firsthand.

The Delaware Center for Horticulture (DCH) is a significant location in Wilmington's Trolley Square. Established in 1977, the center has been a cornerstone of the community, cultivating greener communities and inspiring appreciation for the environment through horticulture, education, and conservation. The center's headquarters is an oasis in the city, hosting numerous weddings and corporate events.

The Hale-Byrnes House is a significant historical site located at 606 Stanton-Christiana Road, Stanton, New Castle County, Delaware. This location is easily accessible and offers a glimpse into the rich history of the area.

Covering approximately 360 acres, Auburn Valley State Park offers several miles of trails open for walking and biking. This includes a 1.2 mile paved loop, providing a perfect opportunity for visitors to explore the park's natural beauty and historical sites. The park's extensive trail system caters to both casual walkers and avid bikers.

First State Heritage Park, located in Dover, Kent County, Delaware, is a unique urban park that links various historic and cultural sites. It is the first of its kind in Delaware, offering a unique experience for visitors who are interested in exploring the rich history and culture of the state. The park is a partnership of state and city agencies under the leadership of Delaware State Parks.

The Parson Thorne Mansion, also known as Silver Hill, is a historic mansion situated in Milford, Kent County, Delaware. This mansion is a significant part of the local history and offers a glimpse into the architectural style and lifestyle of the past.

The Old Town Hall is a significant historical site located in Wilmington, New Castle County, Delaware. This historic town hall has been a part of the city's history since its construction in 1798. It's a large two-story brick building designed in a late-Georgian / early-Federal style, which adds to its historical charm.

The Iron Hill Museum, originally known as Iron Hill School No. 112C, is a historic one-room school building situated near Newark in New Castle County, Delaware. This museum offers a unique glimpse into the past, showcasing the history of education in the region.

The Delaware Contemporary is a non-collecting museum, meaning it does not maintain a permanent collection. Instead, it focuses on showcasing the work of local, regional, national, and international artists. This approach allows the museum to constantly present fresh and diverse exhibitions, making each visit a unique experience.

First State Heritage Park is open to visitors all year round. To enhance the visitor experience, special tours of the sites are organized on the first Saturday of each month. These tours provide a deeper understanding of the historical and cultural significance of the sites within the park.

The Delaware Sports Hall of Fame, established in 1976, is a membership-based organization. This institution has a rich history and has been a part of the Delaware community for over four decades. It is a place where sports enthusiasts can learn about the history of sports in Delaware and the athletes who have made significant contributions to it.

The Old First Presbyterian Church of Wilmington is a historic Presbyterian church situated on West Street on Brandywine Park Drive in Wilmington, New Castle County, Delaware. This church, built in 1740, has a rich history and is a significant landmark in the area. It's a one-story brick structure measuring 30 feet by 40 feet and features a gambrel roof. The church was originally located on the east side of Wilmington's Market Street between 9th and 10th Streets.

The Delaware Governor's Mansion, also known as Woodburn or Governor's House, is the official residence of the governor of Delaware and the governor's family. It is located in Dover and has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places as "Governor's House" since 1972. This historic site offers a unique glimpse into the state's history and the lives of its governors.

The Delaware Art Museum's collection has a strong focus on Pre-Raphaelite art, American illustrations, and landscape paintings by John French Sloan and his circle. This diverse collection provides a comprehensive overview of these art movements, making it a valuable resource for art enthusiasts and scholars alike.

The Read House & Gardens is a historic house museum located at 42 The Strand in New Castle, Delaware. This house was built between 1797 and 1804 for George Read, Jr. and was considered the largest and most sophisticated residence in the state at the time. It is a significant early example of high-style Federal period architecture.

The Nemours Estate is a sprawling 200-acre country estate located in Wilmington, Delaware, United States. The estate features a French neoclassical mansion and jardin à la française formal gardens, offering a unique blend of architectural and natural beauty. The mansion, built to resemble a French château, is a testament to the grandeur of the past, while the meticulously maintained gardens provide a tranquil retreat.

The Dutch House, located in New Castle, Delaware, is a significant historical site dating back to the late 17th century. It is recognized as one of the oldest houses in the state, offering a unique glimpse into the architectural and cultural history of the region. The house's age and historical significance make it a noteworthy destination for those interested in exploring Delaware's past.

The Indian River Life-Saving Station, located at Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, was established in 1876. Its primary purpose was to rescue mariners who were shipwrecked along the Delaware coast. This station was a part of the United States Life-Saving Service, a government organization dedicated to saving the lives of shipwrecked mariners and passengers.

The Delaware Legislative Hall, the state capitol building of Delaware, is situated in the capital city of Dover on Legislative Avenue. This historic building is home to the chambers and offices of the Delaware General Assembly. It's a significant landmark that showcases the state's political history and architectural grandeur.