Wilmington Delaware Lodging and Attractions. Best Western Wilmington Delaware. Look for fun things to see and do on your vacation or business travels in Wilmington DE.
Things to do in Wilmington
Afro-American Historical Society of Delaware
Presents the African – American heritage through educational programs, tours and lectures. Operated a gallery that is open by appointment with a gift shop. Best Western Wilmington lodging is nearby. Call 302-571-1699 for more information.
512 Fourth Street, Wilmington, DE
Baby Grand
This 300-seat venue is for art films and chamber music. Affiliated with the Grand Opera House. Call 800-374-7263 for more information.
818 N Market Street, Wilmington, DE
Brandywine Zoo
Delaware’s only zoo features wild and exotic animals from North and South America and Temperate Asia. Located on the banks of the Brandywine River in the heart of a 180-acre city park. Call 302-571-7788 for more information.
1001 N Park Drive, Wilmington, DE
Candlelight Music Dinner Theatre
Fine dining and superb musical theater entertainment. Children’s theater is offered with matinee performances. Open Thursday, Friday and Saturday for dinner performances and Sunday for a brunch performance. Located in beautiful historic Ardentown. Call 302-475-2312 for more information.
2208 Millers Road, Wilmington, DE
Christina Cultural Arts Center
Exhibits, concerts and special events such as dance theater and a cappella gospel music. Call 302-652-0101 for more information.
705 N. Market Street, Wilmington, DE
Christina River Boat Company
Enjoy a ride on this unique river taxi, operating April – October Noon – 9pm; April – December by appointment. The river taxi gives history tours on the Brandywine and Christina rivers. Dining vessel cruises the Delaware River. Call 302-984-2722 for more information.
201 A. Street, Wilmington, DE
City Theater Company
Produces new and challenging works of contemporary theatre, with a focus on addressing vital and diverse social concerns relevant to our changing times. Based at eh baby Grand Theater. Call 302-654-4468 for more information.
818 N. Market Street, Wilmington, DE
Delaware Art Museum
Distinguished 19th and 20th century American art with renowned Pre-Raphaelite and Golden Age of American Illustration collections. Traveling exhibitions, art classes and a new children’s interactive gallery. Open Tuesday – Saturday 9am – 4pm; Wednesday 9am – 9pm; Sunday 10am – 4pm. Call 302-571-9590 for more information.
2301 Kentmere Parkway, Wilmington, DE
Delaware Center for Horticulture
Gardens full of perennials, shrubs and ornamental trees. Containers add excitement to the courtyard. Classes, tours and workshops for adults and children are offered. Open Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm. Call 302-658-6262 for more information.
1810 N. DuPont Street, Wilmington, DE
Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts
This renovated early 20th-century passenger railroad car factory serves as the home of Delaware’s only professional contemporary arts organization. Seven galleries showcase innovative national and regional artists, 26 private artist’s studios, education programs, artist services, an auditorium, café and unique gift shop. Open Monday, Tuesday & Thursday, Friday 10am – 6pm; Wednesday 10am – 8pm. Call 302-656-6466 for more information.
200 S. Madison Street, Wilmington, DE
Delaware Children’s Theater
Enjoy favorite classics presented in a century old theater house listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Call 302-655-1014 for more information.
1014 Delaware Avenue, Wilmington, DE
Delaware Division of the Arts Mezzanine Gallery
One person exhibitions by Delaware artists with each month spotlighting a different artist working in a variety of media from painting to sculpture. Located at the Carvel State Office Building. Open September – June Monday – Friday 8am – 4:30pm. Call 302-577-8278 for more information.
820 N. French Street, Wilmington, DE
Delaware History Museum
Renovated 1940s Woolworth’s houses a high-tech, interactive exhibition of Delaware history form the state’s first settlement in the 1600s through its incarnation as a 20th-century corporate capital. Changing exhibits. Operated by the Historical Society of Delaware. Open Monday – Friday noon – 4pm; Saturday 10am – 4pm. Call 302-655-7161 for more information.
504 Market Street, Wilmington, DE
Delaware Museum of Natural History
Dioramas, exhibits and special programs present nature from the wilds of Africa to the local area. Permanent exhibits include Delaware’s only dinosaurs, a walk across the Great Barrier Reef ad a 500-pound clam. Interactive Discovery Room offers families new worlds to explore. Open Monday – Saturday 9:30am – 4:30pm; Sunday noon – 4:30pm. Call 302-658-9111 for more information.
4840 Kennett Pike, Wilmington, DE
Delaware Symphony Orchestra
Delaware’s own professional symphony orchestra presents a full season of classical and pops concerts at the Grand Opera House, a chamber series at the Hotel DuPont and Winterthur and Kent and Sussex performances. Call 302-656-7442 for more information.
818 N. Market Street, Wilmington, DE
Delaware Theatre Company
This 389-seat house is Brandywine’s only resident professional theater. The annual season of plays brings a mix of the classics as well as contemporary and new works to the stage. Located within walking distance of the Wilmington Riverfront. Open Monday – Friday 10am – 4pm. Call 302-594-1100 for more information.
200 Water Street, Wilmington, DE
Delaware Toy & Miniature Museum
World-class collection of unique antique and contemporary toys, cars, trains, games, dolls, dollhouses, room boxes ad miniatures of all types. Enthralling for all ages. Call 302-427-8697 for more information.
6 Old Barley Mill Road, Wilmington, DE
First State ballet Theatre
Founded in 1999 by Pasha Kambalov and Kristina Dipple, formerly principal dancer and ballerina with the Russian ballet Theater of Delaware. Profession quality dance performances of classical and contemporary repertory presented throughout Delaware and in nearby states. Call 302-633-1577 for more information.
41 W. Newport Pike, Wilmington, DE
First USA Riverfront Arts Center
Host of major world-class exhibitions. Gift shop, public dining area and banquet facility seating 1,100 also included Originally a World War II ship assembly building. Call 888-395-0005 for more information.
800 S. Madison Park, Wilmington, DE
Fort Christina Park
This is the site of the first permanent settlement in the Delaware Valley where the Swedes landed in 1638. Historic Park and early log cabin can be seen here. Open during daylight hours only. Call 302-652-5629 for more information.
Seventh Street, Wilmington, DE
Fort Delaware State Park
This is the first state park for Delaware, created in 1951. On the National Register of Historic Places, the Union fortress dates back to 1859 and once served as a prison for confederate prisoners of war. It was originally built to protect the ports of Wilmington and Philadelphia. Visitors take a ½ mile ferry ride to Pea Patch Island aboard the Three Fort Ferry and a jitney provides transportation to the dock and brick fortress. Authentically clad historic interpreters begin your journey back to the summer of 1863. Open Wednesday – Sunday 10am – 6pm.
Clinton Street, Wilmington, DE
Gibraltar (Marian Coffin Gardens)
Restored early 20th-centruy gardens featuring marble terrace, grand staircase, garden ornaments and statuaries, ironwork, fountains, and a reflecting pool. Stately trees, shrubs, perennials and annuals. Open Monday – Friday 9am – 3pm or by appointment. Call 302-651-9617 for more information.
1405 Greenhill Avenue, Wilmington, DE
Goodstay Gardens
Located at the University of Delaware. Tudor gardens surround a 1700s mansion that has been converted to a conference center. Gravel paths, perennial borders, boxwood-lined rooms, woodland area with a stream and magnificent magnolia and allee that are among the oldest in the state. Call 302-573-4450 for more information.
Grand Opera House
Delaware’s premier center for the performing arts, located in a restored 1871 Victorian theater with a cast iron façade. Year round program of classical concerts, popular entertainment and dance are offered here. Call 302-374-7263 for more information.
818 N. Market Street, Wilmington, DE
Greenbank Mill
See early 19th-century Delaware in a 300-year-old gristmill, textile mill and farm site with agricultural exhibits and livestock. Living history presented on Fridays June – August. Mill is open Friday & Saturday 10am – 4pm or by appointment. Call 302-999-9001 for more information.
Hagley Museum
Original DuPont mills, estate and gardens on 235 acres along the Brandywine River. Diverse demonstrations and features include a massive water wheel, vintage steam engine and machine shop.. Open March 15 – January 1 daily 9:30am – 4:30pm with special winter hours. Call 302-658-2400 for more information.
Route 141, Wilmington, DE
Holy Trinity Church & Hendrickson House Museum
Timeless beauty and sagas of survival in Colonial New Sweden as told beside the great fireplace in the 1690 farmhouse. Open Monday – Saturday 10am – 4pm. Call 302-652-5629 for more information.
606 Church Street, Wilmington, DE
Kalmar Nyckel Shipyard
Living history shipyard and museum. Home of Delaware’s Tall Ship Ambassador, Kalmar Nyckel, which is an authentic re-creation of the historic vessel that brought the first settlers to the Delaware Valley. Tours, charters, weddings and private functions. Winter hours are Thursday – Sunday 10am – 4pm; Summer by appointment only. Call 302-429-7447 for more information.
1124 E. Seventh Street, Wilmington, DE
Lincoln Collection, University of Delaware
Memory of Abraham Lincoln is captured in pictures, and other memorabilia and library of books and documents. Open October – May noon – 4pm. Call 302-573-4468 for more information.
Nemours Mansion & Gardens
Set among spectacular French formal gardens, the Louis XVI style chateau was built for Alfred DuPont and contains 102 rooms furnished with fine examples of antique furniture, rare rugs, tapestries and outstanding works of art. Open May 1 – November 30 Tuesday – Sunday. Call 302-651-6912 for more information.
1600 Rockland Road, Wilmington, DE
Old Asbury Methodist Church
Dedicated in 1789 by Francis Asbury, first American bishop of the Methodist church. Revolutionary hero Allan Mc Lane is buried in an adjacent cemetery. Open Monday – Friday. Call 302-655-7060 for more information.
Walnut Street and Third Street, Wilmington, DE
Old First Presbyterian Church
Built in 1740 by a group of Scottish-Irish on land purchased from the Swedes. Original location was Tenth and Market Streets, where the library now stands. In 1918, the “Little Church” as purchased by the National Society of the Colonial Fames of America and moved to its present location. Open April – October the 2nd Sunday of each month 2 – 4pm for by appointment. Call 302-656-3994 for more information.
S. Park Drive and West Street, Wilmington, DE
Old Town Hall Museum
Georgina-style building that was built in `1798 – 1800. It has functioned as the center of city government and social activities through the early 20th century. The exhibits found here are devoted to Delaware’s history and artistic achievements. Part of the Delaware History Center complex is operated by the Historic Society of Delaware. Call 302-655-7161 for more information.
505 Market Street, Wilmington, DE
Opera Delaware
One of the oldest opera companies in the nations, with 56 seasons of fine performances. Open September – May. Call 800-374-7263 for more information.
818 N. Market Street, Wilmington, DE
Playhouse Theater
Presents touring companies of Broadway shows and New York bound productions. Infrared listening devices available. Located at the DuPont building. Call 800-338-0881 for more information.
Tenth and Market Streets, Wilmington, DE
Port Wilmington
This is the first inbound, deep-water port on the Delaware River. Located midway between New York City and Washington, DC at the heart of the Northeast consumer market. It is the #1 port in North America for the import of fruit, concentrated juice and meat. Open Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm. Call 302-472-7678 for more information.
1 Hausel Road, Wilmington, DE
Quaker Hill Historic District
Wilmington’s first residential neighborhood was settled in 1738. Three original homes survive, along with examples of 19th century architecture. John Dickinson is buried in nearby Quaker Meeting Cemetery. Guided tours for groups or self-guided tours are available. Open Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm. Call 303-658-9295 for more information.
521 N West Street, Wilmington, DE
Ramsey’s Farm
Ramsey's Farm and Pumpkin Patch is open from mid-September through October. We offer day and evening activities (often by reservation) and are open to the public on weekends for pumpkin picking, hayrides, corn and other field mazes, food and more. There is no fee to enter the farm. We are family-run and family-oriented. Visit our website or call 302-477-1499 for more information.
Rockwood Museum
Mid 19th-century Victorian manor house illustrates rural gothic architecture. Lush, gardenesque landscape complemented by conservatory with period flora. Museum shop with Victorian and tea memorabilia. Open Tuesday – Saturday 11am – 4pm.
610 Shipley Road, Wilmington, DE
Three Little Bakers Dinner Theatre
A 1,000 seat theater featuring Broadway musicals, country music, big bands, '50s and '60s music and Christina concerts. Spacious, tiered seating, buffet style dinners. Performances held Friday, Saturday and Wednesday evenings with Thursday and Sunday matinees. Call 800-368-3303 for more information.
3540 Foxcroft Drive, Wilmington, DE
Wilmington & Western Railroad
Ride through Delaware's historic Red Clay Valley on an authentic steam- or diesel-powered train along the rolling waters of the Red Clay Creek. Many family-friendly events are offered throughout the year. Site includes historic visitor’s center showcasing the rich history of the valley. A gift shop and snack bar are also on site. Open Sundays in April, May, June and September; Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in July and August; Saturdays and Sundays October - December. Call 302-998-1930 for more information.
2201 Newport Gap Pike, Wilmington, DE
Wilmington Drama League Community Theatre
Celebrating more than 65 years of Community Theater. Open September – June. Call 302-764-1172 for more information.
10 W Lee Blvd., Wilmington, DE
Wilmington Music School Concert Hall
Classical and alternative music performances in a 300-seat concert hall. Matinee and evening concerts. Call 302-762-1132 for more information.
4101 Washington Street, Wilmington, DE
Wilmington Square
Six historic Wilmington homes were moved in the mid-1970’2 to create an urban park. They are now used by the Historical Society of Delaware for office and meeting space. Call 302-655-7161 for more information.
505 Market Street, Wilmington, DE
Wilmington State Parks
Wilmington State Parks is the newest addition to the Delaware State Parks system. Centrally located in the City of Wilmington, this cluster of parks offers recreation, education, sports and community events. Connected by trails, these parks are the perfect place to relax, hike, picnic or just enjoy the beauty. The main areas are Brandywine Park, Rockford Park, H. Fletcher Brown Park and Alopocas Woods Natural Area. Open 8am – Sunset 7 days a week.
1021 West 18th Street, Wilmington, DE
Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library
This country estate is filled with Henry Francis DuPont’s collection of antiques made or used in early America. A 60-acre garden is colorful throughout the year. Activities include tours, exhibition, and special events. Programs for families and collectors, a garden tram, shopping and dining. Call 800-448-3883 for more information.
Route 52, Wilmington, DE