Dover DelawareATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Dover‡, Delaware.
1. Air Mobility Command Museum
MILITARY AVIATION HISTORY
The Air Mobility Command Museum houses an impressive collection of military aircraft and aviation artifacts that tell the story of American air transport history. Visitors can explore numerous restored aircraft ranging from cargo planes to fighters, with many allowing guests to peek inside their cockpits and cargo holds. The museum offers free admission and guided tours by knowledgeable volunteers who often have firsthand experience with the displayed aircraft.
2. First State Heritage Park
HISTORIC URBAN PARK
First State Heritage Park is an urban park that connects many of Dover's most significant historic sites and cultural landmarks. Founded in 2004 and often called a 'park without boundaries,' it encompasses several important buildings including Legislative Hall and the Old State House. The park offers guided tours and special events that bring Delaware's rich history to life for visitors of all ages.
3. Bally's Dover Casino & Resort
GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX
Bally's Dover Casino & Resort is one of Delaware's most popular entertainment destinations featuring 2,300 slot machines and 41 gaming tables. The resort complex includes seven restaurants, multiple bars, a full-service spa, and high-end shops, providing a complete entertainment experience. Bally's regularly hosts musicians, comedians, and other entertainers for live performances throughout the year.
4. Johnson Victrola Museum
SOUND RECORDING HISTORY
The Johnson Victrola Museum celebrates the legacy of Eldridge Reeves Johnson, founder of the Victor Talking Machine Company and pioneer in sound recording technology. The museum showcases an extensive collection of phonographs, recordings, memorabilia, and exhibits that trace the development of sound recording. Visitors can enjoy demonstrations of vintage Victrolas and learn about how these innovations changed the way people experienced music in the early 20th century.
5. The Old State House
HISTORIC GOVERNMENT BUILDING
The Old State House served as Delaware's capitol building from 1791 until 1933 and stands as one of the oldest state capitol buildings in the United States. The Georgian-style structure features a distinctive cupola and houses restored legislative chambers and courtrooms that reflect different periods of the building's history. Free guided tours provide visitors with insights into Delaware's political history and the architectural significance of this National Historic Landmark.
6. Vincenzo's Pizzeria & Gelato
AUTHENTIC ITALIAN CUISINE
Vincenzo's Pizzeria & Gelato is a family-run restaurant that has been serving delicious, old-fashioned Italian cuisine for over a decade. The menu features fresh Italian wedding soup, gourmet pizzas, and classic Italian dishes like salmon with Halpern capers and bruschetta with prosciutto. Diners can complete their meal with a selection of house-made gelato available in various flavors.
7. John Dickinson Plantation
COLONIAL HISTORICAL SITE
The John Dickinson Plantation preserves the boyhood home of John Dickinson, known as the 'Penman of the Revolution' and a framer of the U.S. Constitution. This restored 18th-century plantation offers visitors a glimpse into colonial life with its period furnishings, outbuildings, and gardens. Free guided tours of the property provide insights into Delaware's agricultural past and the complex history of freedom and enslavement in early America.
8. Delaware Governor's Mansion
HISTORIC OFFICIAL RESIDENCE
The Delaware Governor's Mansion, also known as Woodburn, has served as the official residence of Delaware's governors since the 1960s. The Middle Georgian home, constructed in 1790, features distinctive red brick with a Flemish bond pattern, beautiful bays, a chimney, and a large Dutch door. Inside, visitors can explore rooms filled with period pieces and fine furnishings while learning about the mansion's history and its gubernatorial occupants.
9. Rail Haus Beer Garden
CRAFT BREWS AND DINING
Rail Haus Beer Garden is a brand-new establishment offering local craft brews, cocktails, wine, and casual fare in a welcoming atmosphere. The venue features both indoor and outdoor seating areas with plenty of firepits and heaters for year-round enjoyment. This family-friendly beer garden welcomes groups, couples, and even pets to enjoy its Bavarian-inspired menu featuring pretzels, bratwurst, burgers, and sandwiches.
10. Legislative Hall
DELAWARE STATE CAPITOL
Legislative Hall serves as Delaware's current state capitol building, housing both chambers of the General Assembly and other government offices. The Colonial Revival-style building, constructed in 1933, features distinctive red brick architecture and elegant interiors decorated with portraits of Delaware dignitaries. Guided tours allow visitors to see the Senate and House chambers while learning about the state's legislative process and government history.
11. Dover International Speedway
MONSTER MILE RACING
Dover International Speedway, nicknamed 'The Monster Mile,' is a one-mile concrete oval racetrack that hosts major NASCAR events throughout the year. The track is known for its challenging racing surface and the towering Monster Monument statue that stands in Victory Plaza. Beyond race weekends, the speedway offers track tours and hosts the annual Firefly Music Festival on its grounds.
12. Biggs Museum of American Art
REGIONAL ART COLLECTION
The Biggs Museum of American Art houses a significant collection of American fine and decorative arts with a special focus on Delaware Valley artists. The museum's permanent collection spans from the 1700s to the present day, featuring furniture, silver, paintings, and other art forms displayed in period-style galleries. Regular special exhibitions, educational programs, and events make the Biggs a cultural centerpiece of Dover's arts community.
13. Delaware Agricultural Museum and Village
RURAL HISTORY PRESERVED
The Delaware Agricultural Museum and Village showcases the agricultural heritage of the First State through exhibits, artifacts, and a recreated 19th-century rural village. Visitors can explore historic buildings including a farmhouse, schoolhouse, church, and blacksmith shop that have been relocated to the museum grounds. The museum's extensive collection of antique farm equipment and household items illustrates the evolution of agricultural practices and rural life in Delaware.
14. Fordham & Dominion Brewing Company
CRAFT BEER EXPERIENCE
Fordham & Dominion Brewing Company produces award-winning craft beers and sodas at their Dover facility. The brewery offers guided tours where visitors can learn about the brewing process and the company's history dating back to 1995. After the tour, guests can enjoy tastings of their diverse beer portfolio in the taproom, which also features seasonal releases and brewery-exclusive offerings.
15. Cape May-Lewes Ferry
SCENIC BAY CROSSING
The Cape May-Lewes Ferry provides a scenic 85-minute crossing of the Delaware Bay between Lewes, Delaware and Cape May, New Jersey. The ferry accommodates both foot passengers and vehicles, offering panoramic views of the bay and opportunities to spot dolphins and coastal birds during the journey. Onboard amenities include food service, comfortable seating areas, and seasonal special events like sunset cruises and dolphin-watching excursions.