Feeling like you’ve run out of things to do in Delaware? It’s time to tap into your inner explorer and check out some attractions in your home state that will pique your curiosity and stir up a little excitement in your life. Delaware has hundreds of hiking trails, cycling routes, parks, and historic areas to keep you on your toes ready to explore what’s around each corner. These are a few adventurous places in Delaware that are sure to win you over, no matter when you decide to explore.

1. Fort DuPont (Delaware City)
Fort DuPont Battery Herring
Aryeh Alex / flickr
Fort DuPont was an active military base from the Civil War through World War II. Today it is used as a state park overlooking the Delaware River and C&D Canal. You'll feel like an explorer as you check out the historic structures on the property, which include an abandoned gun battery.
2. Lums Pond (Bear)
Lums Pond Zip Line
Go Ape USA / Facebook
Lums Pond is home to some of the most exciting outdoor adventures in Delaware. Hike around the entire pond on the 8.1 mile Little Jersey trail and then tackle the treetop adventure course featuring the longest and highest zip lines in the area. The Go Ape! course is run independently, and it's only accessible to park guests.
3. Brandywine Springs (Wilmington)
Brandywine Springs sign
Ken Lund / flickr
In the 1800s and early 1900s Brandywine Springs was an amusement park and vacation spot for many people in the region. Today you can still see remnants of the past and participate in 'history hikes' organized by Friends of Brandywine Springs. If you want to see what the park looked like what back when, click here!
4. Fort Delaware (Delaware City)
Fort Delaware
Simon / flickr
Fort Delaware is a fortress built in 1815 to protect the Wilmington and Philadelphia ports. Today it is part of Fort Delaware State Park, which brings history to life with a little help from actors who play a blacksmith, laundress and more. Visit the POW barracks to see how the prisoners of war lived during the Civil War. You'll also see lots of birds, as the area around Pea Patch Island is home to the largest rookery of mixed species on the East Coast.

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5. Winterthur Enchanted Woods (Wilmington)
Winterthur Enchanted Woods
Harvey Barrison / flickr
Kids and adults alike will get a kick out of the Enchanted Woods at Winterthur. This storybook land was crafted by the faeries of Delaware's largest botanical garden. Visit the Tulip Treehouse and the Acorn Tea Room, cross the enchanted bridge, and hop along the Serpentine Path for a whimsical time.
6. Cape Henlopen State Park (Lewes)
Cape Henlopen Tower
Steve Snodgrass / flickr
Cape Henlopen State Park is one of Delaware's most popular natural wonders. Learn about Delaware's history and coastal ecosystem in between time spent on the beach and splashing in the Atlantic Ocean.
7. Trap Pond (Laurel)
Trap Pond Kayak
Trap Pond State Park / flickr
Trap Pond State Park is one of the most adventurous places in Delaware. The canoe and kayak trail at Trap Pond guides you through the pond and into the swamp. Bald cypress trees will create a canopy overhead as you paddle by turtles, ducks and other critters that call this pond home.
8. Rockford Park (Wilmington)
Rockford Park Tower
Wikimedia Commons
If you're looking for a fun thing to do in Delaware, it's hard to beat Rockford Park. Climb to the top of the hundred-year-old stone water tower and see spectacular views of Wilmington and the Brandywine Valley. In the wintertime, the best sledding hill in the state is located at the base of the tower.
9. Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge (Smyrna)
Snowy Egret at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge
Jay / flickr
You don’t have to be a dedicated birding enthusiast to see remarkable species at Bombay Hook — just open your eyes and look around. Experienced birders will often be seen with their spotting scopes identifying rare species seen only in our area during peak migration.

What are your favorite adventurous places in Delaware? Be sure to let us know! We love hearing all about your days wandering through the First State! Feel free to share your local hidden gems right here.

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More to Explore

Adventurous Places In Delaware

Kim Magaraci | February 15, 2020

What are the best hiking trails in Delaware?

Outdoor enthusiasts will find miles and miles of hiking trails in Delaware! Visit Lums Pond, White Clay Creek State Park, Brandywine Creek State Park, and Redden State Forest for some of the most scenic and peaceful trails around.

What are the best outdoor adventures in Delaware?

One unique way to spend time outdoors is to practice your paddling in Delaware. Drop in kayaks or canoes at one of the many state parks with ponds, or embark on a wildlife safari through Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge. If you would prefer to stay on dry land, exploring Cape Henlopen State Park is always a nature lovers' dream.

What are the most thrilling places in Delaware?

It's hard to beat the thrill of encountering ghosts at Fort Delaware! If you're more interested in adrenaline-fueled thrills, head to Funland or Jungle Jim's in Rehoboth Beach to enjoy rides, slides, and outdoor fun.

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Featured Addresses
Fort DuPont State Park, Wilmington Ave, Delaware City, DE 19706, USA
Lums Pond, Delaware 19701, USA
Wilmington, DE 19808, USA
Fort Delaware State Park, 45 Clinton St, Delaware City, DE 19706, USA
Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library, 5105 Kennett Pike, Winterthur, DE 19735, USA
Cape Henlopen, Delaware 19958, USA
Trap Pond State Park, 33587 Bald Cypress Ln, Laurel, DE 19956, USA
Wilmington, DE 19806, USA
Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, 2591 Whitehall Neck Rd, Smyrna, DE 19977, USA