You Haven't Lived Until You've Experienced This Natural Oasis Hiding In Delaware
By Kim Magaraci|Published October 18, 2016
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Kim Magaraci
Author
Kim Magaraci graduated Rutgers University with a degree in Geography and has spent the last seven years as a freelance travel writer. Contact: kmagaraci@onlyinyourstate.com
“Looking at Mount Cuba one can only admire its rigor and sense of conviction.” – Witold Rybczynski, architect, writer and professor.
If you have yet to experience the wonder of the Mt. Cuba Center in Hockessin, Delaware, you need to plan your visit now. Unique in the DuPont family of estates and mansions, the center focuses on plant and animal life native to Delaware, rather than anything imported at all. The pathways through the hundreds of acres of garden and forest wrap around a beautiful pond, and the scenery here will take your breath away.
Please note, the Mt. Cuba Center is temporarily closed.
The Main House at Mt. Cuba was established by the DuPont - Copeland Family in 1937.
The stunning walkway up to the house is just a taste of the incredible thought that was put into planning the stunning Mt. Cuba center in Hockessin. The family undertook a new and impressive mission in establishing Mt. Cuba, focusing on native plans and wildlife conservation, rather than importing plants, trees, and bushes, like many of the other DuPont mansions and gardens had done.
The result is spectacular - it is the largest botanical garden where everything is native to Delaware.
Inscribed in the garden is a quote from Mrs. DuPont: "I want this to be a place where people will learn to appreciate our native plants and to see how these plants can enrich their lives so that they, in turn, will become conservators of our natural habitats."
To this day, the mission of Mt Cuba lives on, with caretakers, conservationists and students working hard to keep Mt. Cuba thriving.
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In addition to being an amazing day trip location, Mt. Cuba offers classes and certifications for anyone interested.
When you walk through the stunning landscape, you'll feel like you're anywhere but Delaware, which makes it more impressive that everything supported here is native to the First State. I never knew how diverse Delaware truly was!
A visit to Mt Cuba will teach your children the importance of conservation and respect for nature. The Center has family-friendly events all season, so be sure to check their calendar for information about what's currently happening.
While the center is busy and beautiful in the spring and summer, fall is my favorite time to visit.
The astonishing fall display at Mt Cuba will really make you appreciate Delaware. Orange, gold, and red hues mixed with many evergreen plans will make you wonder if you've stepped into another world. There are only a few weeks left to visit Mt. Cuba this year - they close on October 30. However, if you purchase a season pass now, it's valid for all of 2017, as well. Operating hours right now are Wednesday to Sunday, from 10 AM to 4 PM.
If you're looking for a truly unique spot to take friends, family, loved ones - or even explore on your own, you must check out the Mt. Cuba Center.
