Delaware is full of amazing secrets – it’s obvious why the state’s slogan is “Endless Discoveries.” There are so many underrated, overlooked spots in the First State that you wouldn’t know were hiding right in plain sight. Check these out this spring and get to know these secret Delaware spots.
Please note, The Biggs Museum of American Art is temporarily closed.
- Winterthur’s Enchanted Woods
Facebook / Winterthur Museum Lots of Delawareans have been to Winterthur to explore the estate and 1,000 acres of ornate garden. But did you know there’s also an amazing fairy garden hiding here? The Enchanted Woods will take you on a journey through a magical forest - it’s perfect for children and adults alike. Bring your imagination, and whatever you do, don’t step into a Fairy Ring!5105 Kennett Pike Winterthur, Delaware
- The Newark Reservior
Flickr / Geneva Wirth This little-known spot is great for a quick evening stroll when you want some solitude in busy Newark. The waterfront views are something you wouldn’t expect from the middle of the state! This is a photographer’s paradise.240 Old Paper Mill Road, Newark, DE.
- The Goodstay Gardens
Facebook / Friends of Goodstay Gardens The Goodstay Gardens are Wilmington’s little secret garden. Learn more about the history and magicifent magnolia walk in our full article about the oasis, or just visit and see for yourself! 2600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Wilmington, Delaware
- The Biggs Museum of American Art
Facebook / Biggs Museum of American Art The Biggs Museum is one of the best displays of American Art on the east coast. This spring, they’re displaying original Ansel Adams photographs - so get in touch with the American West right here in Dover, Delaware!406 Federal St Dover, DE
- Lavender Fields
Facebook / Lavender Fields Enjoy the fresh smell of Lavender, beautiful rolling acres and the legendary Soap Fairy at Lavender Fields in Milton, where you can stroll the fields and pick up luxurious handmade soap and frangraces. 18864 Cool Spring Rd Milton, DE
- The Lightship Overfalls
Flickr / Mike Mahaffie The Lightship Overfalls is kind of a secret Delaware spot hiding in plain sight! Many people pass by the Lightship every year, only to forget about it when looking for something to do. The floating museum here is amazing, and absolutely worth the trip. You’ll learn about the history of the Lightship program and all of the stories behind the Overfalls’ legendary career.Lewes Canalfront, Delaware
- C.R. Hummingbird to Mars
Facebook / C. R. Hummingbird to Mars I can’t tell you too much about this secret Delaware spot - but you’ll need a password to get in. If the lantern is lit next to Catherine Rooney’s, this speakeasy is open and serving up prohibition era cocktails. Come dressed in your best, because they’ll turn you away if you don’t fit the scene. 1616 Delaware Ave Wilmington, Delaware
- Marian Coffin Gardens at Gibraltar
Facebook / Marian Coffin Gardens at Gibraltar The Marian Coffin Gardens were recently restored and are now open to the public! Delaware is certainly blessed with some amazing landscape architecture, and the Coffin Gardens at Gibraltar are no exception.1405 Greenhill Ave Wilmington, Delaware
- Blackbird Creek Reserve
Flickr / Mike Mahaffie This little known tract of public land is great for paddling and picnicking! Drop in anywhere and enjoy the public land. There’s no park office or visitor’s center, so you’re on your own for a solitary paddle.801 Blackbird Landing Rd, Townsend, DE 19734
- 3 Palms Zoo
Facebook / 3 Palms Zoo 3 Palms Zoo is the coolest little animal sanctuary in Delaware! Meet their rescued alligators, Tik Tok, Wendy Darling and Mr. Smee, and make friends with Dominick the Donkey. 3 Palms quickly becomes a favorite of everyone that visits.924 Blackbird Forest Rd, Clayton, DE 19938
- Russell W. Peterson Urban Wildlife Refgue
Facebook / Russel W. Peterson Urban Wildlife Refuge (Patty Shaw) The Russell W. Peterson Refuge is the first urban wildlife refuge in the area, and it’s a wonderful escape from busy Wilmington life. Enjoy the waterfront critters that hang out here and get to know your state a little better at the Visitor’s Center. This is a great quick trip from anywhere in New Castle County. 1400 Delmarva Ln Wilmington, DE
Beautiful nature preserves and stunning museums aren’t all that’s hiding in the First State – there are also a lot of delicious Restaurants That Don’t Look Like Much, But WOW They’re Good. Check them out this spring!
Facebook / Winterthur Museum
Lots of Delawareans have been to Winterthur to explore the estate and 1,000 acres of ornate garden. But did you know there’s also an amazing fairy garden hiding here? The Enchanted Woods will take you on a journey through a magical forest - it’s perfect for children and adults alike. Bring your imagination, and whatever you do, don’t step into a Fairy Ring!5105 Kennett Pike Winterthur, Delaware
Flickr / Geneva Wirth
This little-known spot is great for a quick evening stroll when you want some solitude in busy Newark. The waterfront views are something you wouldn’t expect from the middle of the state! This is a photographer’s paradise.240 Old Paper Mill Road, Newark, DE.
Facebook / Friends of Goodstay Gardens
The Goodstay Gardens are Wilmington’s little secret garden. Learn more about the history and magicifent magnolia walk in our full article about the oasis, or just visit and see for yourself! 2600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Wilmington, Delaware
Facebook / Biggs Museum of American Art
The Biggs Museum is one of the best displays of American Art on the east coast. This spring, they’re displaying original Ansel Adams photographs - so get in touch with the American West right here in Dover, Delaware!406 Federal St Dover, DE
Facebook / Lavender Fields
Enjoy the fresh smell of Lavender, beautiful rolling acres and the legendary Soap Fairy at Lavender Fields in Milton, where you can stroll the fields and pick up luxurious handmade soap and frangraces. 18864 Cool Spring Rd Milton, DE
Flickr / Mike Mahaffie
The Lightship Overfalls is kind of a secret Delaware spot hiding in plain sight! Many people pass by the Lightship every year, only to forget about it when looking for something to do. The floating museum here is amazing, and absolutely worth the trip. You’ll learn about the history of the Lightship program and all of the stories behind the Overfalls’ legendary career.Lewes Canalfront, Delaware
Facebook / C. R. Hummingbird to Mars
I can’t tell you too much about this secret Delaware spot - but you’ll need a password to get in. If the lantern is lit next to Catherine Rooney’s, this speakeasy is open and serving up prohibition era cocktails. Come dressed in your best, because they’ll turn you away if you don’t fit the scene. 1616 Delaware Ave Wilmington, Delaware
Facebook / Marian Coffin Gardens at Gibraltar
The Marian Coffin Gardens were recently restored and are now open to the public! Delaware is certainly blessed with some amazing landscape architecture, and the Coffin Gardens at Gibraltar are no exception.1405 Greenhill Ave Wilmington, Delaware
This little known tract of public land is great for paddling and picnicking! Drop in anywhere and enjoy the public land. There’s no park office or visitor’s center, so you’re on your own for a solitary paddle.801 Blackbird Landing Rd, Townsend, DE 19734
Facebook / 3 Palms Zoo
3 Palms Zoo is the coolest little animal sanctuary in Delaware! Meet their rescued alligators, Tik Tok, Wendy Darling and Mr. Smee, and make friends with Dominick the Donkey. 3 Palms quickly becomes a favorite of everyone that visits.924 Blackbird Forest Rd, Clayton, DE 19938
Facebook / Russel W. Peterson Urban Wildlife Refuge (Patty Shaw)
The Russell W. Peterson Refuge is the first urban wildlife refuge in the area, and it’s a wonderful escape from busy Wilmington life. Enjoy the waterfront critters that hang out here and get to know your state a little better at the Visitor’s Center. This is a great quick trip from anywhere in New Castle County. 1400 Delmarva Ln Wilmington, DE
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