Picturesque Brandywine Park in the heart of Wilmington sets the tone for this lovely, historically significant Delaware port city.  It is the perfect spot in which to enjoy a stroll or a jog along the river, have a picnic lunch, and view  the park’s monuments, formal gardens, and natural areas. The Josephine Fountain, a favorite place to make a wish, is located there. Visually-impaired visitors can enjoy the wonders of nature by walking the Sensory Trail.

Rockford Park boasts large open spaces surrounded by beautiful wooded areas, making it  ideal  for picnics, jogging, flying kites, playing ball, tennis, and hiking. The observation deck near the top of the tower, offers stunning views of the Wilmington skyline.  In the residential districts to the north are some of the city's oldest and most elegant houses, many dating from the Revolutionary War, when Wilmington's flour mills fed the American troops.

Located along the Brandywine River, Alapocas Woods is an oasis at the edge of the bustling city. This forested retreat is home to native plants and abundant wildlife. Because the park is situated between the Piedmont and coastal plain zones, it contains spectacular geologic formations that are unique to this region of Delaware.

This seaport in northern Delaware is the largest city in the state and an anchor city for the Delaware Valley metropolitan area.  The county seat of New Castle County, it was named by Thomas Penn for his friend Spencer Compton, Earl of Wilmington, who was prime minister in the reign of George II of Great Britain.

Its surrounding Brandywine Valley holds the manor homes, gardens, and factories of the Du Ponts, all of which are open to the public and provide an inside look at the First State's First Family.   

Most of Wilmington's surprising numbers of important colonial sites are hidden away amid the heavily industrialized waterfront to the east of downtown. In that area, a sign proclaims "Historic Wilmington" indicating a loop  from the foot of Seventh Street to Church St, the site of the Hendrickson House Museum and Old Swedes Church.   

Wilmington sponsors a number of quality arts and entertainment venues. The Grand Opera House is the home of the Delaware Symphony Orchestra and Opera Delaware and presents touring performers from around the world. The Baby Grand, which recently opened next door to the Grand Opera House, attracts modern rock bands and  contemporary theater companies to the city. The DuPont Theater brings to Wilmington national touring productions of Broadway shows. The Delaware Theater Company offers first rate  theatrical productions with casts including professional Broadway actors.

The Wilmington area abounds in fine museums, including the Delaware Art Museum, the Delaware Museum of Natural History, Winterthur Museum, the Delaware History Museum, the Brandywine River Museum, Longwood Gardens, the Hagley Museum and the Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts.

Wilmington is home to the Blue Rocks, a minor league team affiliated with the Boston Red Sox. Its riverfront stadium was built specifically for the team. Wilmington also supports the Delaware Smash, featuring World Team tennis competitors. The University of Delaware provides Division I college sports and a world-renowned ice skating training center. Wilmington also offers a range of public and private golf courses and  indoor and outdoor tennis facilities. 

In addition to activities in and around Wilmington, the city’s central location provides easy access to Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, D.C. and New York City. Wilmington is approximately 25 miles southwest of Philadelphia and an hour from Baltimore, making either city an easy option for an evening’s entertainment or a sporting event.

Wilmington’s ethnic diversity contributes to several very popular festivals held locally in the spring and summer. The most popular festival is the Italian festival which closes down 6 blocks in the west side of the city for traditional Italian music, food, and activities, along with carnival rides and games. Another festival that draws large crowds is the Greek Festival featuring traditional Greek food and drink along with a craft display area.

The Wilmington and Western Railroad offers one and two hour scenic rides through the Red Clay Valley area, self-guided walking tours are available in the Quaker Hill Historic District, making Wilmington a joy to visit.  It is a city kept youthful by its green and growing State Parks and its thriving University; yet steeped in history and a well documented past.

Population:  72,664

Elevation:  134 feet

Time Zone:  Eastern Time Zone (5 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (-5 GMT)). Daylight Saving Time is observed from the first Sunday in April to the last Sunday in October.  When it is 12:00 noon in New York City, it is also 12:00 noon in Wilmington and 9:00 AM in Los Angeles. 

Average Temperatures:

When to Visit:  The climate is moderate throughout the year, but there are four distinct seasons. Summer temperatures can rise above 90 F with high humidity. Winters are cold enough for snow to fall some of the time, and it can be as much as 4 degrees F/2 C colder in the north than in the south. Spring and fall are changeable, with temperatures ranging 42-67 F/6-19 C. Air temperatures along the Atlantic are about 10 degrees warmer in winter and cooler in summer than they are in the rest of the state.

Holidays Observed:  

New Year's Day Jan. 1

Martin Luther King, Jr., Day 3rd Mon. in Jan.

President's Day 3rd Mon. in Feb.

Good Friday (date varies)

Memorial Day last Mon. in May

Independence Day July 4

Labor Day 1st Mon. in Sept.

Columbus Day 2^nd Monday in October

Veterans Day, Nov. 11

Thanksgiving Day 4th Thurs. in Nov.

Christmas Day Dec. 25

Getting There

By Plane

Most people flying into Northern Delaware use the Philadelphia International Airport (tel. 215/937-6800), about a half-hour ride from downtown Wilmington. Many Wilmington hotels operate courtesy shuttles to and from the airport. Car-rental agencies are located at the airport.   

Shuttle van service is available from Delaware Express Shuttle (tel. 800/648-5466 or 302/454-7800) from the Philadelphia airport to the Wilmington area. For the most prompt service, and a better price, reserve by phone or online at least 24 hours in advance. Otherwise, look for the phone near the customer service center near baggage claim.

By Train

Wilmington is a stop on Amtrak's Northeast Corridor line (tel. 800/USA-RAIL), with Acela, Metroliner, and unreserved trains stopping here several times daily. The Wilmington Amtrak station is at Martin Luther King Boulevard and French Street, on the Riverfront. There's a taxi stand outside.

By Car

I-95 cuts across the city's center. The Delaware Memorial Bridge (part of I-295) connects Wilmington to the New Jersey Turnpike and points north. From southern Delaware and the Eastern Shore of Maryland and Virginia, Route 13 enters the city.

By Bus :   Daily service is provided into the Wilmington Transportation Center at 101 N. French St. (tel. 302/655-6111) by Greyhound (tel. 800/229-9424) and Trailways/Peter Pan (tel. 800/343-9999).

Getting Around

By Bus 

Wilmington has a bus system known as DART (Delaware Administration for Regional Transit). Blue-and-white signs indicating stops are located throughout the city, and regular routes can take you to some hotels, museums, theaters, and parks, as well as the malls and historic New Castle. Fares are based on a zone system; the minimum fare for one zone is $1.15. Exact change is required. For information on schedules and fares, call DART First State (302)577-3278.

By Shuttle

DART operates the Trolley, a 25¢-bus, (exact change required) that takes visitors from Rodney Square to the Amtrak Station to the Riverfront. Shuttles run weekdays from 7am to 7pm. The route goes up Walnut Street north via Rodney Square and West Street to 13th Street and down Market Street and King Street to the starting point. Service is provided every 30 minutes. The whole ride takes about 10 minutes.

By Car

Wilmington's attractions are scattered around town.   As many visitors combine a visit to the city with a tour of Brandywine Valley attractions, a car is almost a necessity.

Delaware Art Museum
2301 Kentmere Parkway
Wilmington, DE 19806
302-571-9590
The new Delaware Art Museum features expanded galleries displaying 19th- and 20th-century American art and the Brandywine Valley’s first sculpture park.

Delaware Center for Horticulture
1810 N. Dupont Street
Wilmington, DE 19806
302-658-6262

Free admission.
Enjoy inspiring gardens just minutes from downtown near Trolley Square. The gardens showcase ideas for the urban gardener . There are also ideas for the creative recycling of discarded materials. Horticultural exhibits, resource library, events, and greening programs.

Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts
200 South Madison Street,
Wilmington DE
302/656-6466
Museum Hours: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday: 10am – 5pm Wednesday & Sunday: Noon – 5pm

The DCCA, at 33,000 square feet, houses seven galleries, one high-tech auditorium, a classroom, museum store, & twenty-six artists’ studios. In addition to its annual schedule of over 30 exhibitions of regionally, nationally and internationally recognized artists. the DCCA has a long-standing commitment to community outreach efforts.

Delaware Museum of Natural History
4840 Kennett Pike (Rt. 52)
Wilmington, DE 19807
302-658-9111
Mon-Sat 9:30-4:30, Sun 12-4:30

Admission charged; under age 2 free.

Explore an African watering hole, look a leopard in the eyes, journey across the Great Barrier Reef, and discover life-sized dinosaurs. Experience dynamic traveling exhibitions and special events; attend distinguished educational programs and explore the interactive Discovery Room.

 

Delaware Sports Museum & Hall of Fame
Frawley Stadium
801 South Madison
Wilmington, DE 19801
302/425-FAME
Winter Hours: November 1 - March 31

Spring-Fall Hours Tuesdays through Saturdays from Noon to 5PM

Admission charged;  Under 12 Free with paying adult.

See artifacts and memorabilia representing over 200 inductees including Olympic gold metal winners and members of the National Baseball & Football Halls of Fame. The Delaware Sports Museum recognizes accomplishments of Delaware sports figures. Exhibits trace contributions by athletes, coaches, administrators, officials, sportswriters and broadcasters to Delaware history. Computers allow you direct access to inductee biographies and other sports hall of fame websites.

Greenbank Mill
500 Greenbank Road,
Wilmington DE 19808
302/999-9001
Experience early 19th century Delaware in a 300-year-old gristmill, textile mill, and farm site.  An eighteen foot water wheel is powered by nearby Red Clay Creek. The banquet hall and kitchen in the grist mill are available to rent for special events. The beauty and tranquility of the grove and grounds provide much enjoyment to visitors.

Delaware History Center
504 Market Street Mall
Wilmington DE

(302) 655-7161

noon to 4 p.m. Mon.-Fri., and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

The History Center campus dominates the 500 block of Market Street, Wilmington, in the heart of the downtown cultural district. It is comprised of the Delaware History Museum, Grandmas Attic Kids Museum, Old Town Hall, Willingtown Square historic park, and the Historical Society of Delaware Research Library.
Delaware History Museum features a fun, colorful, and very hands-on permanent exhibition, "Distinctively Delaware." Changing exhibits of art, costumes, dolls and toys, photographs and more explore social history through the centuries.
Grandma’s Attic Kids Museum
A learn-and-play discovery center with vintage dress up, old-fashioned marketplace, puppet theater, low-tech office, 1940s kitchen, historic games and toys.
Old Town Hall
Built in 1798, this Georgian-style building was the site of abolitionists meetings and public functions.
Willingtown Square
An historic park bordered by six 18th-19th century homes currently used as office and meeting space.
The Research Library specializes in Delaware genealogy and photographs. Admission is free. 1-9 p.m. Mon., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tue.-Fri.

 

Kalmar Nyckel Foundation
1124 E. 7th street,
Wilmington DE
302-429-7447
302-429-0350
With it's re-creation of the original 1638 colonial tall ship Kalmar Nyckel, the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation serves an educational, cultural and historical mission.

The Nemours Mansion and Gardens
1600 Rockland Road
Wilmington DE 19803
302/651-6912

Open May-Dec. Reservations recommended
Louis XVI style chateau furnished with fine examples of antique furniture. Rare rugs, tapestries and outstanding art.

Holy Trinity (Old Swedes) Church and Hendrickson House Museum
606 Church St.
Wilmington DE 19801
302/652-5629
Wed - Sat 10 AM - 4 PM. Santa Lucia Celebration Sunday in mid-December.

Built in 1698 by children of Swedish Lutherans who came over on the Tall Ship Kalmar Nyckel. It is the nation's oldest church building still standing as originally built and in regular use for worship. An Episcopal parish since 1791, the church's graveyard (dating from 1638) is the final resting place of more than 15,000 men, women and children from a wide variety of religious traditions. The church property includes the Hendrickson House, a Swedish stone farmhouse built on Crum Creek in 1690 and moved to this site in 1959. The church is close by the Kalmar Nyckel Shipyard and Ft. Christina Park, where the Kalmar Nyckel's Swedish, Finnish, Dutch and German settlers landed and -- along with Anthoni "the Black Swede," a freeman from the Caribbean -- built the original fort and the first log cabins in America.

Rockwood Mansion Park
610 Shipley Road,
Wilmington DE
302-761-4340;
A rural Gothic mansion, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Enjoy the Butler's Pantry, a self-service Victorian Cafe and roam 72 acres of parkland. Hike along 2.5 miles of lighted trails that are part of the Delaware Greenway.

Goodstay Center
2600 Pennsylvania Ave.
Wilmington, DE
(302) 573-4500
Over 2,000 items pertaining to Lincoln's private life and public career are displayed. Items include books, pamphlets, photographs and prints.

Winterthur Museum & Country Estate
Rte 52 Wilmington DE
302-888-4600
800-448-3883
Tues. - Sun. and federal holidays falling on Monday 10 am - 5 pm
Closed: Mondays, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day
Explore and enjoy Henry Francis du Pont's American country estate. The museum displays American antiques celebrating the best in style and craftsmanship.  Stroll the garden, and  miss the children's garden Enchanted Woods. Call for admission fees.

Christina Riverboat Company Water Taxi
Riverfront
Wilmington, DE 19899
302-984-2722
Three-mile route with nine stops, from  the confluence of the Brandywine and Christina Rivers (downstream) to the Shipyard Shops/First USA Riverfront Arts Center/Frawley Stadium (upstream). Lunch, dinner, moonlight and specialty cruises available, too.

 

Wilmington and Western Railroad
Greenbank Station on Route 41,
1/4 mile north of junction with Route 2.
Wilmington DE
302/998-1930
The Wilmington and Western offers steam-diesel powered train tours through the scenic Red Clay Valley of Wilmington. Trains operate rain or shine on weekends throughout the season.

Annual Events

Mid May

Wilmington Flower Market

Rockford Park

Tower Road and West 19th Street

Wilmington, DE  19806

(302) 995-5699

Free

10 am - 7 pm

Since 1920, come and join 150+ exhibitors in raising money for children's benefits through the sale of plants, flowers, food, games, rides.

Mid June

St. Anthony's Italian Festival

St. Anthony's Roman Catholic Church

901 North DuPont Street

Wilmington, DE  19805

(302) 421-3790

Mon - Fri 5:30 pm - 10:30 pm, Sat and Sun 2 pm - 10:30 pm

Free Admission

Since 1972, features food vendors, live entertainment, children's entertainment, midway, 6 outdoor cafes and over 30 vendors.

Early July

Old Fashioned Ice Cream Festival

Rockwood Museum

610 Shipley Road

Wilmington, DE  19809

(302) 761-4340

Since 1982, homemade ice cream, hot air balloons, craft show and antique show.

Early September

Brandywine Arts Festival

Brandywine State Park

18th and Market Streets

Wilmington, DE  19899

(302) 577-7020

Sat 10-5pm, Sun 10-4pm

Free

Arts and Crafts festival held on the banks of the Brandywine River.

Early October

Italian American Celebration

Three Little Bakers Dinner Theatre

3540 Three Little Bakers Blvd.

Wilmington, DE 19808

(800) 368-3303

The Italian American Celebration features world renowned performers who have established themselves as pioneers in the entertainment business.

Mid November

Delaware Antiques Show

First USA Riverfront Arts center

800 South Madison Street

Wilmington, DE  19801

(800) 448-3883

Fri and Sat 10 am - 5 pm, Sun 11 am - 5 pm

Admission charged.  Over 50 exhibitors of early American furniture, decorative accessories, textiles, jewelry and more. 

Arts and Entertainment

Academy Of The Dance
209 W. 14th Street,
Wilmington DE 19801
302/656-8969
A professional training school of classical ballet presents a
mid-year performance and also "The Nutcracker" at the
DuPont Theatre (302/656-4401) featuring international
professional dancers. Live orchestra.

Grand Opera House

818 N Market Street

Wilmington, DE 19801-3011

(302) 658-7897

Home of the Delaware Symphony Orchestra and Opera Delaware, the Opera House  presents touring performers from around the world.

Delaware Symphony Association

Box Office

Wilmington, DE 19801

(302) 652-5577

The Baby Grand Theater at the Grand Opera House

818 N. Market Street

Wilmington, DE 19802

Tickets: 800-37-GRAND

The Baby Grand recently opened next door to the Grand Opera House. It is bringing modern rock bands, contemporary theater companies and others to Wilmington amid an enthusiastic reception.

The DuPont Theater

Tenth and Market, Located in the DuPont Building

Wilmington, DE 19801

The DuPont brings to Wilmington national touring productions of Broadway shows.

The Delaware Theater Company

200 Water Street

Wilmington, DE 19801

(302) 594-1100

The Theater Company offers top rated theatrical productions with casts including professional Broadway actors.

Sports

Wilmington Blue Rocks Baseball

Professional Baseball

801 S Madison St

Wilmington, DE 19801

(302) 888-2015

The Blue Rocks are the minor league affiliate of the World Champion Boston Red Sox.

Their home games are played at Frawley Stadium.

The Delaware Smash

1007 Market Street

DuPont Building

Wilmington, DE 19898

(302) 774-4238

Women’s World Team Tennis League.  The Smash were led in 2005 by Wimbledon Champion  Venus Williams. 

University of Delaware Sports

The athletic teams at the University of Delaware are known as the Fightin' Blue Hens with a blue hen mascot named YoUDee. UD offers 23 varsity sports, which compete in the NCAA Division-I (Division-IAA for football).

Delaware is a member of the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) in all sports except football, which is a member of the Atlantic-10 conference. Football is the biggest sport at Delaware, as the Fightin' Blue Hen football teams have won six national titles

Former head football coaches Bill Murray, Dave Nelson and Harold "Tubby" Raymond are College Football Hall of Fame inductees. Delaware also won the NCAA Division I National Championship  in 1983 for Women's Lacrosse.

Delaware History Center
504 Market Street Mall
Wilmington DE

(302) 655-7161

noon to 4 p.m. Mon.-Fri., and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

The History Center campus dominates the 500 block of Market Street, Wilmington, in the heart of the downtown cultural district. It is comprised of the Delaware History Museum, Grandmas Attic Kids Museum, Old Town Hall, Willingtown Square historic park, and the Historical Society of Delaware Research Library.
Delaware History Museum features a fun, colorful, and very hands-on permanent exhibition, "Distinctively Delaware." Changing exhibits of art, costumes, dolls and toys, photographs and more explore social history through the centuries.
Grandma’s Attic Kids Museum
A learn-and-play discovery center with vintage dress up, old-fashioned marketplace, puppet theater, low-tech office, 1940s kitchen, historic games and toys.
Old Town Hall
Built in 1798, this Georgian-style building was the site of abolitionists meetings and public functions.
Willingtown Square
An historic park bordered by six 18th-19th century homes currently used as office and meeting space.
The Research Library specializes in Delaware genealogy and photographs. Admission is free. 1-9 p.m. Mon., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tue.-Fri.

Kalmar Nyckel Foundation
1124 E. 7th street,
Wilmington DE
302-429-7447
302-429-0350
With it's re-creation of the original 1638 colonial tall ship Kalmar Nyckel, the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation serves an educational, cultural and historical mission.

Brandywine Zoo
1001 North Park Drive,
Brandywine Park,
Wilmington DE
302/571-7788
Open all year 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. April-October

Admission charged.  Free to children under 3 yrs

149 intriguing animals from North & South America and Asia, including an exotic animal house. Different activities daily. Free Parking.

Delaware Museum of Natural History
4840 Kennett Pike (Rt. 52)
Wilmington, DE 19807
302-658-9111
Mon-Sat 9:30-4:30, Sun 12-4:30

Admission charged; under age 2 free.

Explore an African watering hole, watch a leopard in its habitat, journey across the Great Barrier Reef, and discover life-sized dinosaurs. Experience dynamic traveling exhibitions and special events; attend distinguished educational programs and explore the interactive Discovery Room.

Greenbank Mill
500 Greenbank Road,
Wilmington DE 19808
302/999-9001
Experience early 19th century Delaware in a 300-year-old gristmill, textile mill and farm site. An eighteen foot water wheel is powered by nearby Red Clay Creek. The banquet hall and kitchen in the grist mill are available to rent for special events. The beauty and tranquility of the grove and grounds provide much enjoyment to visitors.