First State Heritage Park Welcome Center & Galleries

Delaware


Delve into the history of Delaware at First State Heritage Park, which also serves as a welcome center for the city of Dover, the state of Delaware and the adjacent state house. This so-called 'park without boundaries' includes 19 historic sites within a few blocks of one another. Start out at the Welcome Center & Galleries, which has exhibitions exploring Delaware's history. You can pick up more info about other key attractions nearby along with a walking map.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Delaware attractions

1. Biggs Museum of American Art

0.17 MILES

Audio clips share evocative stories about the grand folks depicted in various portraits scattered across this small but intriguing museum. Their stories…

2. Old State House

0.19 MILES

Take a moment to enjoy the short docent-led tour of this small but interesting former state capitol building. Built in 1791 and since restored, the Old…

3. Johnson Victrola Museum

0.43 MILES

Throw your doubts aside. This small niche museum is pretty darn cool. Delaware native Eldridge Reeve Johnson founded the Victor Talking Machine Company,…

4. Air Mobility Command Museum

4.38 MILES

If you're into aviation, you'll enjoy this museum; the nearby airfield holds more than 30 restored vintage cargo and freight planes, including C-130s, a…

5. John Dickinson Plantation

5.47 MILES

A restored 18th-century home of the founding father of the same name, also known as the Penman of the Revolution for his eloquent written arguments for…

6. Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge

7.49 MILES

Hundreds of thousands of waterfowl use this protected wetland as a stopping point along their migration routes. A 12-mile wildlife driving trail, running…

7. Redden State Forest

29.43 MILES

Three miles northwest of Georgetown is the largest state forest (9500 acres) in Delaware. You can access some 44 miles of trails in the forest, but for…