Dover, the capital of Delaware, is a fascinating city with many historic sites and cultural attractions. It is the second-largest city in the state and is located inland from Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.
The city was founded in 1683 and has a rich history, which can be explored through its impressive monuments, museums, and mansions in the city center. Dover also offers a variety of shops and local restaurants, as well as flea markets and farmers markets.
Other exciting activities in Dover include the casino, NASCAR racetrack, and the Firefly Music Festival. Whether you are interested in art, architecture, sports, or aviation, Dover has something that will appeal to everyone.
12. Legislative Hall
Legislative Hall, located in the city center, is the state capitol building of Delaware. It stands out from other state government buildings because of its beautiful Colonial Revival architecture. It was built from 1931 to 1933, replacing the Old State House, which is located on the opposite end of Leg. Green Park.
Over the years, additional wings were added to the building. If you take a tour, you can explore the grand chambers and courtrooms and see impressive portraits and ancient artifacts. The tour also provides a chance to learn about the history of the state capitol and the influential public figures of Delaware. Lastly, you can enjoy a leisurely walk around the lovely grounds and gardens surrounding the building.
11. Dover International Speedway
The Dover International Speedway is a popular destination for car enthusiasts. It holds many thrilling races every year. With its high-speed track and lively audience, attending an event here is truly memorable.
The Speedway is known as the ‘Monster Mile’ because of its intense oval track, and it has been a favorite among race fans since it opened in 1969. In addition to the NASCAR Cup Series, other racing events like USAC and Indy Racing League also sometimes take place here.
Apart from watching the cars race, spectators can enjoy various activities and events in the FanZone. This includes live music performances and even marathons. The Speedway is also famous for hosting the renowned Firefly Music Festival in July.
10. Delaware Governor’s Mansion
The First State Heritage Park includes the old Delaware Governor’s Mansion, also known as Woodburn. This Middle Georgian home has been the official residence of the state’s governors since the 1960s. It was originally built in 1790 and has since become a National Historic Landmark.
The mansion has been beautifully restored and features a red brick exterior with a Flemish bond pattern, bays, a chimney, and a large Dutch door. Inside, you’ll find period pieces, era-appropriate ornaments, and fine furnishings on every available surface.
As you explore the mansion, you’ll learn about its history and the governors who lived there. Don’t forget to take a stroll through its lovely gardens before you leave.
9. Dover Downs Casino
If you’re looking for a place to have fun playing games and watching exciting sports events, Dover Downs Casino is the perfect choice. It’s a huge complex located just ten minutes north of the city center, right next to where the Firefly Music Festival is held.
While the harness horse racing track and the Dover Motor Speedway have been around since 1969, the modern casino wasn’t built until many years later. Here, visitors can enjoy playing slot machines and table games, as well as watching live races and betting on basketball, baseball, and boxing matches.
Moreover, the hotel has plenty of bars and restaurants where they often host concerts, comedy nights, and other entertaining shows. There’s also a spa, indoor pool, and fitness room available for guests to use, adding to the wide range of luxurious amenities offered at the facility.
8. First State Heritage Park Welcome Center
Next to it, you’ll find another popular attraction in Dover called the First State Heritage Park Welcome Center. This urban park is known for preserving many of Dover’s important historical sites and cultural landmarks. Inside the center, there are numerous artifacts, exhibits, and artworks on display.
It was established in 2004 and is a “park without boundaries” that includes not only Legislative Hall and the Old State House but also other impressive buildings. When you visit the visitor center, you can gather more information about these sites and explore exhibitions about the history of Dover and Delaware.
After watching short video clips about the state’s founding and forefathers, you’ll find that most of the mentioned attractions are just a short walk away. Additionally, the center provides brochures and information about all the other attractions, events, and activities available in the Small Wonder.
7. Old State House
Old State House, located in the city center of Dover, is one of the most important and impressive buildings in the area. In the past, it served as Delaware’s seat of government, but now it attracts many visitors who are keen on taking great photos. You can explore the interior of the building by joining a guided tour.
This two-story structure, built between 1787 and 1792, showcases impressive Middle Georgian architecture. Its red brick facade and Palladian window are particularly eye-catching, and its gabled roof is adorned with an octagonal cupola.
Once you’re done capturing photos, step inside to see the various chambers, courtrooms, and a remarkable geometric staircase. In addition to informative plaques and a short video, there are knowledgeable guides available to share the building’s history and highlight some of the most interesting features of the original state capitol.
6. John Dickinson Plantation
The John Dickinson Plantation is located on the southeastern outskirts of the city and offers a serene and charming atmosphere. It is a National Historic Landmark that showcases the life and contributions of John Dickinson, a lesser-known Founding Father and revolutionary leader.
The plantation features a mansion, outbuildings, and expansive grounds that allow visitors to explore and learn about his story. The mansion, built in 1739 by John’s father, is an Early Georgian style and has undergone various expansions and additions throughout the years.
Inside these buildings, you can find period pieces, dioramas, and exhibitions that provide an in-depth look into the life and achievements of John Dickinson, also known as the ‘Penman of the Revolution’.
To enhance the visitor experience, there are informative plaques, a video, and costumed interpreters who animate the plantation and make history come alive. The plantation also acknowledges the struggles of enslaved individuals, with stories and demonstrations showcasing the production of various goods on site.
5. Air Mobility Command Museum
A must-visit place in Dover is the Air Mobility Command Museum, which is located near Dover Air Force Base. This museum houses the largest collection of US military cargo and tanker aircraft in the country.
It is dedicated to showcasing the history and importance of airlift and air refueling operations, as well as honoring the crews who flew and maintained these planes. Inside the museum, you will find a massive hangar from World War II era filled with various artifacts and exhibits.
As you walk around, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about each individual aircraft and admire the shiny jets, bombers, gliders, and helicopters. Additionally, the museum offers flight simulators where visitors can test their piloting skills.
You can also explore a retired control tower cab, and there are other facilities like a theater, shop, and workshop exhibit.
4. Biggs Museum of American Art
The Biggs Museum of American Art is an amazing place with a large collection of paintings, photos, and ceramics. It is located next to the Old State House and the building itself is modern but fits in well with the historic area. The museum has been open to the public since 1993 and is named after Sewell C.
Biggs, who loved art and donated many artworks. Inside the museum, there are three floors with about 1,500 artworks on display. You can see all kinds of things in the elegant galleries, like sculptures, chinaware, antique furniture, and contemporary pieces.
The museum’s rooms are very interesting to explore because of the wide variety of artifacts and artworks. They also have temporary exhibits and local art competitions.
3. Delaware Agricultural Museum and Village
Although Delaware is small, its economy has always heavily relied on farming. At the Delaware Agricultural Museum and Village, visitors can learn about the state’s rich farming heritage and rural history. The museum is located just south of Delaware State University and covers a large area.
In addition to exploring the historic village from the 1890s, there are plenty of interesting artifacts, exhibits, and old farm equipment to see. These items are housed in old barns and farmhouses, with a church, windmill, and schoolhouse also scattered around. The village’s tractors and antique tools help showcase farming techniques of the past.
The museum also displays photographs, memorabilia, and historic buildings to provide a glimpse into the lives of previous generations of farmers.
2. Spence’s Bazaar
If you’re not interested in history or architecture but you want a unique shopping experience, you should visit Spence’s Bazaar. It’s located just a few blocks from downtown and is a huge flea market that sells a wide variety of items.
It’s a lot of fun to explore because there are so many stands and stalls selling amazing antiques, unusual objects, and captivating artworks. In the midst of all the chaos, you can find clothing, collectibles, books, household items, and jewelry.
Aside from getting great deals by bargaining, visitors can also enjoy delicious baked goods and buy local food at the Amish farmers market. But remember, it’s only open on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, so make sure to plan your visit accordingly. Spence’s Bazaar has a lively atmosphere and offers interesting items, making it a must-visit place.
1. Johnson Victrola Museum
One more institution you can explore at the First State Heritage Park is the Johnson Victrola Museum, which is filled with artifacts, photos, and memorabilia that provide a fascinating glimpse into the growth of the sound recording industry. This museum was established in 1967 and is named after Eldridge R.
Johnson, who founded the Victor Talking Machine Company. In addition to showcasing the life and accomplishments of this early sound recording pioneer, the exhibits also place his achievements within their historical and cultural context. The museum also showcases the evolution of the audio industry through various items.
As you wander around the galleries, you can check out phonographs, photographs, and informative displays. These exhibits, along with the opportunity to listen to numerous recordings, emphasize the significance of this incredible technological advancement.
