Are you interested in exploring historic homes? Here are the must-see historic houses in Delaware:
1WWinterthur Museum, Garden & Library
Greenville, DEThe 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. 2Delaware Legislative Hall
Dover, DEThe 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. 3Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library
Winterthur, DEThe 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. 4New Castle Court House Museum
New Castle, DEThe 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. 5Delaware Historical Society
Wilmington, DEThe 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. 6Johnson Victrola Museum
Dover, DEFirst 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. 7John Dickinson Plantation
Dover, DEThe 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. 8Old Swedes Historic Site
Wilmington, DEThe 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. 9Rockwood Museum and Park
Wilmington, DERockwood 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. 10Amstel House Museum
New Castle, DEThe 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. 11Gov. Ross Mansion
Seaford, DEThe 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. 12Robinson House
Claymont, DEThe 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. 13Hale-Byrnes House
Newark, DEThe 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. 14Auburn Valley State Park
Hockessin, DECovering 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. 15First State Heritage Park
Dover, DEFirst 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. 16Parson Thorne Mansion
Milford, DEThe 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. 17Old Town Hall
Wilmington, DEThe 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. 18Iron Hill Science Center
Newark, DEThe 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. 19Biggs Museum of American Art
Dover, DEFirst 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. 20Old First Presbyterian Church
Wilmington, DEThe 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. 21Delaware Governor's Mansion (woodburn)
Dover, DEThe 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. 22Read House & Gardens
New Castle, DEThe 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. 23Nemours Estate
Wilmington, DEThe 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. 24Dutch House Museum
New Castle, DEThe 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. 25Indian River Life-Saving Station Museum
Rehoboth Beach, DEThe 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. 26The Old State House
Dover, DEThe 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.- 27
Delaware State Police Museum
Dover, DEFind something about history of Delaware state police, their vehicles, uniforms, patches and more. Recommended also for kids.