Discover the hidden charm of Wilmington, Delaware in this immersive travel guide from Adam at Destination Deca! Whether you're planning a weekend escape, a family adventure, or a solo exploration, this video reveals the top 10 must-see attractions—plus two bonus gems that locals swear by.
Explore the grandeur of Longwood Gardens, where choreographed fountains and exotic conservatories create a sensory masterpiece. Step into history at the Hagley Museum and Nemours Estate, where the legacy of the du Pont family comes alive. Wander through Brandywine Creek State Park’s scenic trails, meet red pandas at Brandywine Zoo, and let your kids unleash their creativity at the Delaware Children’s Museum. From the elegance of The Grand Opera House to the gothic beauty of Rockwood Park & Museum, Wilmington offers something for every traveler.
Bonus stops include the enchanting Winterthur Museum and the vibrant Wilmington Riverwalk—perfect for sunset strolls and waterfront dining.
Packed with fun facts, historical insights, travel tips, and insider recommendations, this guide is your ultimate companion for exploring Wilmington like a pro. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more long-form travel content from Destination Deca.
Featured Locations:
1. Longwood Gardens
2. Delaware Historical Society & Research Library
3. Rockwood Park & Museum
4. Nemours Estate
5. The Grand Opera House
6. Brandywine Creek State Park
7. Hagley Museum
8. Delaware Children’s Museum
9. Brandywine Zoo
10. Bellevue State Park
Bonus: Winterthur Museum & Wilmington Riverwalk
#WilmingtonDE
#DelawareTravel
#LongwoodGardens
#NemoursEstate
#HagleyMuseum
#RockwoodPark
#BrandywineCreekStatePark
#BellevueStatePark
#BrandywineZoo
#DelawareChildrensMuseum
#GrandOperaHouse
#DelawareHistoricalSociety
#WinterthurMuseum
#WilmingtonRiverwalk
#DuPontCountry
#GardenTour
#HistoricHomes
#FamilyTravel
#RoadTripUSA
#DestinationDeca
#TravelGuide
#HiddenGems
Explore the grandeur of Longwood Gardens, where choreographed fountains and exotic conservatories create a sensory masterpiece. Step into history at the Hagley Museum and Nemours Estate, where the legacy of the du Pont family comes alive. Wander through Brandywine Creek State Park’s scenic trails, meet red pandas at Brandywine Zoo, and let your kids unleash their creativity at the Delaware Children’s Museum. From the elegance of The Grand Opera House to the gothic beauty of Rockwood Park & Museum, Wilmington offers something for every traveler.
Bonus stops include the enchanting Winterthur Museum and the vibrant Wilmington Riverwalk—perfect for sunset strolls and waterfront dining.
Packed with fun facts, historical insights, travel tips, and insider recommendations, this guide is your ultimate companion for exploring Wilmington like a pro. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more long-form travel content from Destination Deca.
Featured Locations:
1. Longwood Gardens
2. Delaware Historical Society & Research Library
3. Rockwood Park & Museum
4. Nemours Estate
5. The Grand Opera House
6. Brandywine Creek State Park
7. Hagley Museum
8. Delaware Children’s Museum
9. Brandywine Zoo
10. Bellevue State Park
Bonus: Winterthur Museum & Wilmington Riverwalk
#WilmingtonDE
#DelawareTravel
#LongwoodGardens
#NemoursEstate
#HagleyMuseum
#RockwoodPark
#BrandywineCreekStatePark
#BellevueStatePark
#BrandywineZoo
#DelawareChildrensMuseum
#GrandOperaHouse
#DelawareHistoricalSociety
#WinterthurMuseum
#WilmingtonRiverwalk
#DuPontCountry
#GardenTour
#HistoricHomes
#FamilyTravel
#RoadTripUSA
#DestinationDeca
#TravelGuide
#HiddenGems
Category
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TravelTranscript
00:00Ever driven past Wilmington and thought, what's really here?
00:04You're about to discover a city bursting with DuPont history,
00:07world-class gardens, quirky museums, and natural playgrounds.
00:12I'm Adam from Destination Deca, and today we're diving into the top 10 things to do in Wilmington,
00:18Delaware, plus two bonus spots only locals know about. Let's get started.
00:25Wilmington may seem like a small dot on the map, but it's packed with hidden treasures.
00:30From the gilded age estates of the DuPont family to interactive museums for kids,
00:36from riverside trails to historic opera houses, this city blends history,
00:40culture, and adventure in a way few places can match.
00:44Whether you've got a weekend to spare or you're just passing through on a road trip,
00:49this list will help you plan an itinerary that's as efficient as it is unforgettable.
00:54Number 10. Bellevue State Park.
00:58I'm here at Bellevue State Park, where 331 acres of riverfront woods,
01:04manicured lawns, and historic Bellevue Hall await.
01:08This was once the summer home of the DuPonts, and today it's a haven for families,
01:13anglers, and history buffs alike.
01:16Fun fact. Bellevue Hall was built in 1855 and expanded over the decades.
01:21During World War II, part of the estate was used to house radar equipment to protect east coast
01:28shipping lanes. Trip tip.
01:32Rent a bike from Wilmington's bike share program and tackle the one-and-an-eighth-mile
01:36fitness loop that circles the catch-and-release pond.
01:39There are 20 exercise stations scattered along the trail. Perfect for working in squats,
01:46pull-ups, or stretches while soaking in river views.
01:50Pack a picnic. There are several covered pavilions right by the water.
01:56Number 9. Brandywine Zoo.
02:00Nestled within Brandywine Park, the Brandywine Zoo is one of the smallest accredited zoos in the country,
02:05and one of the most charming. Home to Andean condors, river otters, red foxes,
02:12and our personal favorite, the red panda, it offers intimate animal encounters and educational
02:17keeper chats. History. The zoo sits on land that once hosted Archibald Rowan's 19th-century
02:25amphitheater, where statesmen like Daniel Webster gave speeches on freedom and unity.
02:30Insider tip. Arrive at opening time on a weekday to catch the feeding demonstrations without the
02:37crowds. Afterward, stroll across the street to the Brandywine Rose Garden. Over 1,000 rose bushes
02:45bloom from May through October, creating an Instagram-worthy backdrop.
02:50Number 8. Delaware Children's Museum Parents.
02:54This is pure magic. With themed zones like the Architect's Studio, Treehouse Adventure,
03:00and the Water Play Codex Exhibit, the museum invites kids to experiment with engineering,
03:05art, and storytelling. There's even a 300-year-old tulip poplar you can climb inside.
03:13Fun fact. The museum's founders salvaged that giant tree, measuring over 8 feet in diameter,
03:19when it died of old age. Today, kids can learn about tree rings and ecology while shimmying
03:26through its epic interior. Trip tip. Plan to spend at least two hours here.
03:33Peak times are Saturday mornings, so if you want shorter lines for the climbing net,
03:38hit it Wednesday through Friday right after opening.
03:41Teachers and military personnel enjoy free admission on designated,
03:45Caps Nights, each month. Number 7. Hagley Museum in Amp.
03:52Library Hagley is where America's Industrial Revolution took shape.
03:57In 1802, E.I. DuPont built his first black powder mills on these banks of the Brandywine Creek.
04:05Today you can watch live demonstrations of gunpowder production,
04:09explore the DuPont family's original home, and wander among rolling woodlands and restored machinery.
04:14History. History. In 1875, a boiler explosion destroyed part of the powder yard,
04:21altering safety standards nationwide. Hagley preserves that story and more,
04:27showcasing five generations of DuPont innovation.
04:31Pro tip. Wear sturdy shoes.
04:35You'll be hiking three miles of trails to see every mill, orchard, and family cemetery.
04:39Grab lunch at the museum's cafe for a homemade quiche or seasonal soup,
04:45then pop into the library's research room to flip through original company ledgers,
04:49photographs, and letters.
04:52Number 6. Brandywine Creek State Park spread across 1,063 acres,
04:58this park is a sanctuary for hikers, birdwatchers, anglers, and equestrians.
05:03Early morning kayak excursions along the creek often reveal herons, kingfishers, and the occasional beaver.
05:12In spring, look for wild orchids carpeting the wetlands.
05:17Batch of details. There are seven named trails.
05:20Long Walled Trail for rocky climbs, Hidden Pond Trail for shady glades,
05:25and Hot Watch Hill, where migrating raptors swoop overhead.
05:30The park also has two stocked fishing ponds and equestrian parking with direct access to bridal paths.
05:38Trip tip.
05:39If you're visiting in winter, Brandywine transforms into a cross-country ski and sledding hotspot.
05:46Bring your sled to the open meadow near the main parking lot.
05:50Number 5.
05:52The Grand Opera House.
05:55Originally opened in 1871 as a Masonic temple,
05:58the Grand Opera House has hosted presidents, playwrights, and performers for 150 years.
06:05Its second empire architecture features a stunning cast-iron facade,
06:10and inside you'll find hand-painted ceilings, red velvet seats, and a 189-pipe organ.
06:17History.
06:18During the silent film era, the Grand was converted into a movie palace.
06:22By the 1960s, it had fallen into disrepair until a citizen-funded restoration brought it back to life in 1973.
06:32Today it's home to Opera Delaware, First State Ballet, and touring Broadway musicals.
06:39Insider tip.
06:41Book a backstage tour to see the original stage machinery and the trapdoors through which Haydn's dancers once made their entrance.
06:47If you time your visit for a Friday night performance, you can dine at Varga Bar and Amp, grill next door, just a two-minute walk.
06:58Number 4.
06:59Namur Estate.
07:00Alfred I. Dupont built Namur in 1909 to resemble a French chateau from the Loire Valley.
07:08It boasts 77 rooms, including a grotto, billiards room, and elevator, a rarity in that era.
07:16Outside, 200 acres of formal gardens feature parterres, fountains, a topiary garden, and one of the finest conservatories on the East Coast.
07:25Fun fact. The estate's antique Rolls-Royce collection is tucked away in the garage beneath the main house, complete with 1920s roadsters that once toured Europe.
07:37Trip tip.
07:38Join the mansions, behind the velvet rope, tour for exclusive access to private papers and family heirlooms, then wander the sunken garden at golden hour when the light dances off the water and stone balustrades.
07:50Number 3.
07:54Rockwood Park and Amp, Museum.
07:57Rockwood is Wilmington's hometown manor.
08:00A Gothic revival mansion built in the 1850s by banker Joseph Shipley.
08:06Surrounded by 72 acres of rolling lawn, orchards, and a lily-covered pond, it feels straight out of a Bronte novel.
08:13Inside, original wallpaper, antique furnishings, and a pipe organ await discovery.
08:22Events and Amp, Anecdotes.
08:25In December, Rockwood throws a Victorian Christmas festival, complete with costumed interpreters and carolers, while summer brings the lakeside fireworks over Shipley's Pond.
08:36Travel tip.
08:38Reserve one of the park's guided lantern tours after dusk.
08:41You'll hear tales of Shipley family lore while the moonlight glints off wrought iron gates.
08:48Number 2.
08:50Delaware Historical Society and Amp, Research Library History Buffs, This one's for you.
08:56The Delaware Historical Society operates Old Town Hall, built 1798, Willingtown Square, a reconstruction of 1680s log cabins, and the Reed House and Amp Gardens, a federal-style mansion with boxwood formal gardens.
09:12Their archives hold 3 million items, maps, diaries, newspapers, and more.
09:20Insider advice.
09:22Book a research appointment two weeks in advance if you want to dig into genealogical records.
09:27The society also hosts free, history-on-tap, evenings at local breweries, where you can sample craft beers while learning about Delaware's colonial past.
09:39Trip tip.
09:40Third Saturday Family Days offer free admission to all exhibits.
09:45Arrive at 10 a.m. for the peppered mutton stew demonstration in the reconstructed 18th-century kitchen.
09:50Number 1.
09:53Longwood Gardens No Wilmington list is complete without Longwood Gardens.
09:59Spanning 1,077 acres, it features 4 acres of indoor glasshouses, a mile of fountains, 20 different garden rooms, and over 4,600 plant species.
10:11Pierre S. Du Pont purchased the property in 1906 to protect the native trees, and turned it into America's botanical crown jewel.
10:21Must see.
10:23Highlights.
10:24The Orchid House, with 14,000 blossoms.
10:27The mesmerizing mezzanine pipe organ recitals.
10:30The open-air amphitheater's summer fountain performances.
10:33And the winter lights display that turns the gardens into a Swarovski-level wonderland.
10:39Pro tip.
10:40Download the Longwood app for an interactive map that shows you the best photo-op points.
10:45Arrive at least 90 minutes before a fountain show so you can wander the Rose Garden and Bonsai Courtyard with fewer crowds.
10:54Fun fact.
10:56The mezzanine pipe organ above the Grand Conservatory has more than 10,000 pipes and regularly fills this tropical hall with Bach and Mendelssohn improvisations.
11:04And if you look closely at the fountain spray you might catch tiny rainbows forming in the sunlight, Longwood's own signature magic.
11:14Bonus Number 1.
11:16Winterthur Museum, Garden and Amp, Library.
11:19Just 10 miles northwest of Wilmington, Winterthur is Henry Francis DuPont's 175-room mansion-turned-American Decorative Arts Museum.
11:31Inside you'll find 90,000 objects displayed in period rooms, outside, 60 acres of meandering garden paths.
11:38Don't miss the Ferry Garden and the Seasonal Train Exhibit winding through model landscapes.
11:46Visitor tip.
11:47Take the 40-minute guided tram tour for a narrated deep dive into the history of the estate's plant collection.
11:55Reservations for afternoon tea in the manor house book up weeks in advance, so plan accordingly.
12:01Bonus Number 2.
12:04Wilmington Riverwalk.
12:05The riverwalk spans just over a mile from Trolley Square to the shipyard, offering public art installations, bike and e-scooter rentals, and a lineup of riverside restaurants like Iron Hill Brewery and Rough Water Oyster Bar.
12:20At sunset, the water glows pink and gold, and you can hop aboard the Calmer Nickel Tall Ship for a one-hour cruise through Wilmington's Maritime Past.
12:30Insider tip.
12:31Check the city events calendar for free outdoor concerts on the riverfront stage.
12:36Summer Fridays often feature firework finales over the river.
12:41I hope you loved this deep dive into Wilmington's best, from riverfront parks and DuPont estates to world-class gardens and hidden museums.
12:49Now it's your turn. Tell me in the comments which Wilmington spot you're adding to your bucket list.
12:57If this guide helped you plan your next adventure, hit that like button, it really supports Destination Deca.
13:05Subscribe and ring the bell so you never miss another long-form travel guide.
13:09Share this video with anyone plotting an East Coast road trip or family getaway.
13:16For exclusive behind-the-scenes photos and quick trip tips, follow me on Instagram and Twitter at Destination Deca.
13:24Want more?
13:26Check out my Mid-Atlantic travel playlist for hidden gems from Philadelphia to Virginia Beach.
13:31I'm Adam, thanks for watching, and I'll see you on the next journey.
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