9 Historic Places In The First State That Make Perfect Day Trip Destinations
By Kim Magaraci
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Published March 03, 2021
The First State is packed with historic places and amazing museums! Check out a few of our favorite places to get to know the past right here in Delaware and plan a day trip that takes you back through time.
1. The Nanticoke Indian Museum
The Nanticoke Indian Museum is a National Historic Landmark, run by the Nanticoke tribe in Millsboro, Delaware. Visit and you'll hear stories about indigenous culture and the history of the Nanticoke people here in the First State.
Learn more about the museum here .
2. The Zwaanendael Museum
The Zwaanendael is located in Lewes and showcases the story of the earliest colonists in Delaware, the Dutch. This quirky museum is home to a mermaid... and a beautiful park that blooms with tulips early in the spring.
3. Old Swedes Church and Graveyard
Old Swedes is the oldest church in Delaware, and was a significant site to early Swedish settlers who landed near Wilmington and made their life at Fort Christina.
4. The Kalmar Nyckel
Did you know you can take a voyage on a replica of the first ship to land in Delaware? The Kalmar Nyckel foundation hosts tours and events all year long.
5. Historic Odessa
The entire downtown district of Odessa is designated as a National Historic Landmark! While it's best to visit during their "Holidays in Odessa" celebration, this charming town is welcoming all year.
6. The Johnson Victrola Museum
The Johnson Victrola Museum is a one-of-a-kind place in Dover where you can learn all about the history of recorded music. If it wasn't for the Victrola Machine, we'd all be sitting in silence!
7. The Air Command Mobility Museum
Dover's Air Command Mobility Museum may be the finest air military museum in the country. All sorts of planes can be seen from here!
8. The Lightship Overfalls
Did you know that the Lightship Overfalls is one of only a few lightships left in the country? You can tour it right in Lewes.
9. The New Castle Court House Museum
The New Castle Court House Museum is one of the oldest court houses in the country, and it's the center of the 12-mile circle that helped define Delaware's borders. Visit to see their rotating exhibits and learn about the early colonial history of the First State.
When it comes to history, it’s hard to beat the First State! Where do you like to go to step back in time?
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Featured Addresses
211 Delaware St, New Castle, DE 19720, USA
201 Main St, Odessa, DE 19730, USA
Johnson Victrola Museum, 375 S New St, Dover, DE 19901, USA
Air Mobility Command Museum, 1301 Heritage Rd, Dover AFB, DE 19902, USA
Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Hwy, Lewes, DE 19958, USA
Old Swedes Historic Site, 606 N Church St, Wilmington, DE 19801, USA
1124 E 7th St, Wilmington, DE 19801, USA
Lightship Overfalls LV-118, 219 Pilottown Rd, Lewes, DE 19958, USA
Nanticoke Indian Museum, 26673 John J Williams Hwy, Millsboro, DE 19966, USA