Arden DelawareATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Arden, Delaware.
1. Oddporium
UNIQUE CABINET OF CURIOSITIES
The Oddporium is Delaware's first and only oddity shop, offering a fascinating collection of animal oddities and bizarre items. Visitors can explore this quirky cabinet of curiosities filled with unusual items like skulls, embalming fluid bottles, and other strange collectibles. This unique attraction provides an opportunity for visitors to purchase oddities for their own collections while experiencing one of Arden's most eccentric destinations.
2. Arden Craft Shop Museum
LOCAL HISTORY PRESERVED
The Arden Craft Shop Museum preserves the rich history and arts of Arden and its sister villages of Ardentown and Ardencroft. Located just 10 minutes from Arden on Millers Road, this small but significant museum showcases the cultural heritage of these unique communities. The museum serves as an important resource for understanding the artistic and historical significance of the Arden area.
3. Arden Gild Hall
COMMUNITY CULTURAL CENTER
Arden Gild Hall stands as the main attraction in the Village, drawing people from across the region to its concerts and events. The hall serves as the cultural heart of this close-knit community, embodying the village's unique character and community spirit. As a central gathering place, it exemplifies the communal values upon which Arden was founded.
4. Historic Arden Houses
ARCHITECTURAL TIME CAPSULES
The Historic Arden Houses include several remarkable structures designed by Will Price and built between 1909-1910. These architectural treasures include Friendly Gables, The Lodge, Rest Cottage, Green Gate, The Second Homestead, and The Fels House, all preserving the aesthetic vision of Arden's founders. The entire collection of historic homes contributes significantly to Arden's listing on the National Register of Historic Places.
5. Delaware Art Museum
CULTURAL ARTISTIC TREASURE
The Delaware Art Museum offers visitors a renowned collection of American art and Pre-Raphaelite works near Arden. The museum's extensive galleries showcase both historic and contemporary pieces in a setting designed to engage and inspire art enthusiasts of all ages. With rotating exhibitions and permanent collections, the museum provides a cultural cornerstone for the region.
6. Alapocas Run State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION HAVEN
Alapocas Run State Park offers visitors a natural escape with hiking trails, rock climbing walls, and scenic vistas just minutes from Arden. The park's diverse recreational opportunities include the popular Can-Do Playground, designed for children of all abilities to enjoy. Nature lovers appreciate the park's combination of accessible outdoor spaces and preserved natural beauty.
7. The Grand Opera House
HISTORIC PERFORMANCE VENUE
The Grand Opera House stands as a historic cultural landmark offering world-class performances near Arden. Built in 1871, this magnificent venue hosts concerts, Broadway shows, comedy acts, and other performances throughout the year. The ornate Victorian architecture and exceptional acoustics make attending an event at The Grand a memorable experience for visitors and locals alike.
8. Brandywine Creek State Park
SCENIC NATURAL BEAUTY
Brandywine Creek State Park offers visitors over 933 acres of natural beauty with hiking trails winding through forests and meadows along the scenic Brandywine Creek. The park features historic stone walls from the original du Pont property and provides opportunities for fishing, picnicking, and wildlife observation. Nature enthusiasts can explore diverse ecosystems while enjoying the peaceful surroundings just minutes from Arden.
9. Arden Green
COMMUNITY GATHERING SPACE
Arden Green serves as the central community gathering space in this unique village, embodying the town's commitment to preserved open spaces. This verdant area hosts community events, festivals, and informal gatherings throughout the year. The Green represents the village's dedication to maintaining public lands as part of its original Georgist single-tax community vision.
10. Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library
AMERICAN DECORATIVE ARTS
Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library houses one of America's most important collections of American decorative arts in a magnificent 175-room mansion near Arden. The 1,000-acre estate features stunning naturalistic gardens designed by founder Henry Francis du Pont. Visitors can explore the museum's extensive collections spanning 1640 to 1860, offering insights into American craftsmanship and design history.
11. Hagley Museum and Library
INDUSTRIAL HISTORY SHOWCASE
Hagley Museum and Library preserves the site of the original DuPont Company powder mills on the banks of the Brandywine River near Arden. Visitors can explore the historic industrial complex, workers' community, and the ancestral home and gardens of the du Pont family. The 235-acre campus offers insights into American industrial history and the innovations that shaped the nation.
12. The Candlelight Theatre
DINNER AND PERFORMANCE
The Candlelight Theatre offers a unique combination of fine dining and professional theatrical performances in a historic setting near Arden. Each visit includes a delicious buffet meal followed by a Broadway-style production in an intimate theater space. The venue's charm and quality productions have made it a beloved cultural institution in the region for decades.
13. Nemours Estate
FRENCH-INSPIRED MANSION GARDENS
Nemours Estate showcases the magnificent 77-room mansion of Alfred I. duPont and the largest formal French gardens in North America. The 300-acre estate features spectacular fountains, artwork, and meticulously maintained grounds inspired by Versailles. Visitors can tour the opulent mansion filled with rare antiques, artwork, and original furnishings while experiencing the grandeur of America's Gilded Age.
14. Longwood Gardens
SPECTACULAR BOTANICAL DISPLAY
Longwood Gardens captivates visitors with 1,100 acres of spectacular gardens, woodlands, and meadows just a short drive from Arden. The world-renowned horticultural display features dazzling fountains, elaborate conservatories, and seasonal displays that transform throughout the year. Guests can enjoy performing arts events, educational programs, and dining experiences while exploring one of the premier botanical gardens in the United States.
15. Brandywine River Museum of Art
AMERICAN ART COLLECTION
The Brandywine River Museum of Art houses an outstanding collection of American art with special focus on the Brandywine Valley and the Wyeth family of artists. Located in a converted 19th-century mill, the museum offers a unique setting for viewing works by N.C., Andrew, and Jamie Wyeth along with other renowned American artists. The museum's scenic location along the banks of the Brandywine River enhances the visitor experience with natural beauty complementing the artistic treasures inside.