3 Best Sights in Wilmington, Delaware

Through the restored buildings of a mid-19th-century mill community on 235 acres along the Brandywine River, this indoor-outdoor museum provides an enlightening look at the development of early industrial America and the du Pont family's role in it. This is the site of the first of the family's black-powder mills (founded 1802) and family home. A visitor center has the excellent exhibition "Nation of Inventors," a fun, family-friendly experience that tells the stories of diverse American inventors over the centuries, using more than 120 patent models from various industries. Admission includes a narrated shuttle bus tour with stops at Eleutherian Mills, the du Ponts' 1803 Georgian-style home (guided house tour included); Workers' Hill, where costumed interpreters describe the life of a mill worker; and the Powder Yard, with demonstrations that show the dangerous work of the early explosives industry. The DuPont Company's history is explored in the Machine Shop. You can bring a picnic or buy sandwiches and such from a refrigerator and find a place to eat.  Be prepared for some walking and allow a minimum of two hours for your visit, which can include tours and self-guided exploration.  

The first du Pont gunpowder mills still stand on this site, offering a glimpse of the du Ponts at work and an enlightening look at the development of early industrial America. You can tour the mills, a 19th-century machine shop, and the family home and gardens, all set on 240 acres. Wear comfortable shoes.

Just south of downtown, the city's redeveloped historic waterfront along the Christina draws locals and visitors to its restaurants, sights, and the popular 1½-mile blue-and-white-signed Riverwalk promenade. Businesses and housing have also sprung up in this neighborhood. By the Riverwalk's northeastern end is Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park ( Rosa Parks Dr.), a recreational area that has a statue of abolitionists Harriet Tubman and Thomas Garrett helping enslaved people as they fled to freedom along the Underground Railroad in the state. The Hare Pavilion at the foot of Old West Street hosts events; nearby, away from the river, is Delaware Contemporary ( 200 S. Madison St.), a museum presenting contemporary art exhibits. Also along the Riverwalk, the Delaware Children's Museum ( 550 Justison St.) has interactive exhibits aimed mostly at children ages 8 and under; Riverwalk Mini Golf operates seasonally right nearby. A regional visitor center ( Closed Mon.–Wed.) is at 920 Justison Street, Suite 5. There's parking at a Beech Street lot, at attractions, and on Justison Street.