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Ruins of the church in Dvorine from above.
Dvorine
The three castaways, depicted on the memorial at Fort Vancouver
Japanese Castaways Memorial
Bronze hen near the spring.
Hønekilden (The Hen Spring)
The Bard is represented on the sign.
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The Bard is represented on the sign.
The Shakespeare
This restaurant celebrates a country that only existed for a few weeks.
The Republic of the East
Introducing one of the only train station lobsters that won't leave you filled with regret
Grand Brasserie
A simple box of soba noodles with aburaage (fried tofu), the foxes’ favorite food.
Inari Soba Mansei
Chef Boyardee Statue
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Developed by Farrell Monaco, our Black Banquet included dark loaves of bread, beans, dates, and fish—all inspired by an ancient tombstone.
Recreating an Ancient Roman Dinner of Death
These unassuming lichens growing on rocks in Antarctica may have a sexy secret.
The Secret Sex Lives of Lichens
This pygmy hippo at the 1939 World's Fair Firestone exhibit was probably Gumdrop I, Billy's first surviving calf.
Before Moo Deng, There Was ‘William Johnson Hippopotamus’
Bronzed and pleasantly spicy from a dry-brine of chiles and mint, this turkey is anything but bland or boring.
Talking Turkey With Eric Kim

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All United States Delaware

The Atlas Obscura Guide To Delaware

47 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Delaware

Updated November 27, 2024

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Cities

Front entrance of the Gibraltar Mansion.
Wilmington
Lewes
Golden Fleece Tavern in Dover, Delaware.
Dover
Steampunk Tree House
Milton
Schoolhouse main door
Newark
Rehoboth Beach
Attractions
Food & Drink
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Stories

Unusual Attractions in Delaware

Front entrance of the Gibraltar Mansion.

Wilmington, Delaware

Marian Coffin Garden

Enchanting gardens surround a derelict mansion, all hidden in plain sight behind a stone wall.
Nemour Mansion's Beax-Arts facade.

Wilmington, Delaware

Nemours Estate

This splendid Versailles-inspired mansion has the largest French-style formal gardens in North America.
Chinese Parlor in the House of Henry Francis du Pont.

Wilmington, Delaware

Winterthur

A blend of art, antiquities, and Americana fill this museum, surrounded by whimsical, enchanting gardens.
Steampunk Tree House

Milton, Delaware

Steampunk Tree House

What began as an art installation is now the private drinkhaĂ¼s for a brewery's employees.
Merman.

Fenwick Island, Delaware

Discoversea Shipwreck Museum

A desiccated merman and a walrus penis bone are among the oddities in this eclectic collection of shipwreck treasures.
Rothschild Patent Museum

Wilmington, Delaware

Rothschild Patent Model Collection

This collection of odd proofs of concept is like taking a walk through the imagination of a Victorian engineer.
Library - Fort Delaware

Delaware City, Delaware

Fort Delaware

A scenic fort on the harbor protected Philadelphia from an attack that never came.
Zwaanendael Museum.

Lewes, Delaware

Zwaanendael Museum

A grotesque Fiji merman dwells within this traditional Dutch-style building.
See All 47 Things To Do in Delaware

Cool Places to Eat & Drink in Delaware

Step right up for a shot and a history lesson.

Lewes, Delaware

Sussex Tavern at Rabbit’s Ferry House

Sip colonial-era cocktails at this monthly recreation of a 1740 watering hole.
In partnership with KAYAK

Plan Your Trip

Atlas Obscura Itineraries

Only In Delaware

Sponsored by Visit Delaware

Delaware may not be the largest state in the country (in fact, it’s the second-smallest, and could squeeze into the next biggest state, Connecticut, two times comfortably). It’s not the most metropolitan, either (in fact, its capital city, Dover, is one of the least populated capital cities in the country). Delaware is, however, the oldest state in the country. The rich history therein, along with the natural beauty of the Blue Hen State and the unique characters who have called it home, make it a true hidden gem. From opulent family gardens to cannonball-riddled homes to fascinating defense structures, this itinerary will guide you through some of the state’s most extraordinary attractions. Beside outdoor activities like kayaking, horseback-riding, and fishing, there’s also historic homes, museums, and art installations of unthinkable scale. Sometimes, it’s true what they say—the best things do come in small packages. Welcome to Delaware.

View Itinerary
One of the grandest spaces in the Nemours Estate, The Reception Hall is where the duPonts would celebrate Christmas.

Explore Delaware

History 7
Museums 6
Aletrail 6
Architecture 5
Transportation 4
Mansions 4
Local History 4
History & Culture 4
Gardens 4
Art 4
Sculptures 4

Delaware Leaderboard

Places Added

  1. ianlefk
    9
  2. horticulturcat
    6
  3. dogfishhead
    5
  4. blimpcaptain
    3
  5. aronsd
    2

Places Edited

  1. blimpcaptain
    25
  2. ianlefk
    11
  3. Deniseg2266
    8
  4. horticulturcat
    5
  5. Rachel
    3

Places Visited

  1. Edward Denny
    39
  2. Kev Obie
    37
  3. xzmattzx
    30
  4. ianlefk
    30
  5. AriAlbD
    30
Join the Ranks!
Visit a place in Delaware.

Recent Delaware Activity

  • ryanbeal

    wants to go to Zwaanendael Museum

  • ryanbeal

    has been to Bunkers of Cape Henlopen State Park

  • ryanbeal

    has been to Sussex Tavern at Rabbit’s Ferry House

  • ryanbeal

    has been to Lewes Town Clock

  • alexanderthegreat1928

    wants to go to Zwaanendael Museum

Stories About Delaware

Podcast: Enchanted Woods

A Wilmington garden invites kids to drop screens and rules and just play.
by The Podcast Team
October 3, 2023

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