Blake Walsh

20 Best Things to Do in Dover, DE

  • Published 2022/11/19

Whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff, or an art enthusiast, Dover’s diversity of attractions will reward you with a trip worth remembering.

This vibrant city is brimming with opportunities to engage with the community and experience its rich history.

Join fun festivities, get lost in serene nature, take a trip back in time, see heart-pumping races, and experience a lot more!

Are you planning a trip to this charming, historic city soon?

Below are the 20 best things to do in Dover, Delaware, to make your trip unforgettable!

Learn about the History of Flight at Air Mobility Command Museum

Exterior of Air Mobility Command Museum

Charlotte Evelyn / Shutterstock.com

If you’re interested in military aviation, you should visit the Air Mobility Command Museum!

The museum showcases the fascinating history of flight and its significance in the military history of the United States.

Aircrafts inside Air Mobility Command Museum

Charlotte Evelyn / Shutterstock.com

A tour around the museum allows you to get an up-close look at the historic aircraft that played a huge role in wars.

Plus, you’ll be able to enter some aircraft for a more immersive experience.

An aircraft hanging inside Air Mobility Command Museum

Charlotte Evelyn / Shutterstock.com

Aside from the aircraft, you’ll be able to commemorate the lives and remarkable stories of women and men who flew these aircraft.

The museum is set in a restored World War II hangar located along Heritage Road in Dover, so stop by for an awe-inspiring experience.

An aircraft outside the Air Mobility Command Museum

Lisa Rapko / Shutterstock.com

Stroll through Downtown Dover

A trip to Dover won’t be complete without strolling through the heart of the city.

The bustling downtown Dover where you can find a plethora of shops where you can shop for items from trendy pieces to artisan stuff.

In downtown, you’ll also find plenty of restaurants and cafes offering a variety of cuisines to fill your tastebuds with delight.

A stroll through downtown Dover will lead you to colorful murals, local art galleries, and artisan shops where you can appreciate the city’s vibrant art community.

A day spent exploring downtown Dover is a must because you’ll be surprised by the number of things to enjoy in quaint establishments.

Spend a Fun-Filled Day Outdoors at Silver Lake Park

A dam at Silver Lake Park

Lillian’s Photos / Shutterstock.com

Escape the hustle and bustle of city life and spend a day of fun surrounded by the relaxing natural scenery of Silver Lake Park.

This 182-acre park located along Washington Street features a wooded green space with walking trails headed to the playground, picnic shelters, and access to the lake connected to the St. Jones River.

An empty bench at Silver Lake Park

Phil D. Malmstrom / Shutterstock.com

Take a leisurely nature walk around the park to breathe in the fresh air, breathe out your stresses, and cast your lines to capture some fresh catch from the lake like bass, carp, crappie, and more!

Don’t forget to pack some snacks to have a relaxing picnic with the entire family under the shade of towering trees.

The Silver Lake Park is a must-visit if you want a quick getaway from the bustling city of Dover and take a pause from your daily stresses.

Join the Annual Firefly Music Festival

Jump to the sound of music and sing your hearts out at the annual Firefly Music Festival in Dover City!

Get together with your friends and enjoy three days of a fun music festival where you can listen to your favorite artists live.

The Firefly Music Festival takes place in The Woodlands of Dover Motor Speedway, a 105-acre festival ground filled with a crowd of music lovers.

Aside from the live performances, you’ll also enjoy a range of activities like roller disco, drag brunch, pride parade, silent disco, and more!

If you don’t want to stray away from the fun, there are camping areas available close to the festival grounds to park your RV or pitch your tent.

Get Lost in Nature at Hunn Nature Park

If you’re looking for a place where you can escape the bustling city life, you should head out for a quick nature escapade at the Hunn Nature Park!

This 172-acre park features paved walking trails leading to uplands, meadows, and sub-aqueous lands perfect for a serene nature getaway among the suburbia.

A relaxed hike allows an opportunity to immerse in nature and see the rich flora and fauna of the county.

Don’t forget to wear sun protection and insect repellant for a comfortable hike in this peaceful spot located in Sorghum Mill Road in Dover.

Make sure to visit the Hunn Nature Park for some time away from your busy life and enjoy the gifts of nature.

Immerse in the Arts at Biggs Museum of American Art

Exterior of Biggs Museum of American Art

Rosemarie Mosteller / Shutterstock.com

Are you looking for a place where you can marvel at fascinating art pieces?

If so, make sure to visit the Biggs Museum of Art located in Federal Street in the city of Dover.

This charming art gallery showcases over 2000 items in its American fine and decorative arts collection.

The Biggs Museum of Arts features a range of art exhibits offering a personal experience for visitors that’ll leave you in awe.

From paintings to sculptures to installation arts, you’ll find all the fascinating pieces made by notable American artists.

The museum also organizes special programs and workshops to inspire visitors to channel their artistic passion.

Immerse in the Culture of the City at the Annual Dover Days Festival

If you love getting lost in the sea of a lively crowd and meeting new people, you’ll surely enjoy your time at the Dover Days Festival.

This annual festival is one of the longest-running events in Dover that started in the 1930s, celebrating the history of the first state.

The festival features a vibrant parade, traditional Maypole dancing, games, hot air balloon rides, attractions, and hundreds of vendors offering crafts and tasty foods.

Enjoy great foods, try your luck at games, and get dancing at the festival.

The Dover Days Festival is celebrated in mid-spring to early summer, so join the fun if you happen to plan around your visit to Dover during this season.

Watch NASCAR Races at Dover Motor Speedway

Huge crowd in Dover Motor Speedway

Dough4872, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

If you’ve ever wondered how it feels to be in the crowd of a car racing show, then you should head out for a thrilling experience at the Dover Motor Speedway!

This iconic race track in North Dupont Highway offers an exciting experience for visitors where you can enjoy the exhilarating experience of watching and listening to the roaring speed of racing cars.

The Dover Motor Speedway has been famous for hosting the annual NASCAR Cup Series race since the 1960s.

Racecars on Dover Motor Speedway

Ted Van Pelt, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Amp up your NASCAR experience by camping at the Monster Mile—whether you’re coming in with an RV or pitching your tent, you’ll surely have the best experience!

Aside from the car races, they also offer fun entertainment featuring concerts, micro wrestling, rides, petting zoos, and more!

Whether you’re headed to Dover Motor Speedway to watch the NASCAR races or join other racing events, this is a must-visit in the city!

Dover Motor Speedway's monster mile

Grindstone Media Group / Shutterstock.com

Go Bowling at AMF Doverama

If the weather gets a bit unpredictable, there’s no need to worry because the fun never ends at AMF Doverama!

This bowling alley located south of Governors Avenue offers a fun experience for all ages.

Enjoy a night of fun competition with friends aiming for the pins, having fun in the arcade games, and testing your skills in billiards.

AMF Doverama is a must-visit if you enjoy the classic family fun of bowling and gaming.

The best part? They offer hearty snacks and beverages to pair with your night of fun and games, so stop by!

Get your Grooves On at Dover Skating Center

Roller skating is making a comeback, so it’s time to get your skates on and your retro grooves ready!

The Dover Skating Center is the place to visit to get your dose of roller skating fun.

This roller skating rink in South Dupont Highway features an expansive place where you can skate away with upbeat music and vibrant neon lights.

Aside from the skating rink, they also offer a range of arcade games if you want to rest for a bit but still have some fun.

Don’t miss out on the classic grubs from their concession area for an energy boost before hitting the rink!

Discover the Origin of Recorded Music at Johnson Victrola Museum

Exterior of Johnson Victrola Museum

GB fan, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Do you love listening to music? Do you enjoy discovering interesting facts about music?

If your answer is yes for both, you should definitely head out for a once-in-a-lifetime experience in Johnson Victrola Museum.

The museum showcases the life of Eldridge R. Johnson—the founder of the Victor Talking Machine Company, who brought recorded music to life.

A trip to this quaint museum in Dover allows you to see great old phonographs and pioneer records from its early development to its innovation for better-sounding music for the people to enjoy.

Make sure to visit the Johnson Victrola Museum to listen to the music of old records and delight yourself with a fascinating piece of history.

Book Your Stay at Bally’s Dover Casino Resort

Are you looking for a place where you can rest your feet but don’t want to miss out on the fun?

Then, you should book your stay at Bally’s Dover Casino Resort!

The resort offers luxury hotel accommodations, world-class amenities, live entertainment, and vibrant nightlife at the casino.

Enjoy the comforts of their cozy accommodations, test your lucky stars in the casino games, and delight your tastebuds in their fine selection of foods.

Bally’s Dover Casino Resort is located on North Dupont Highway near popular Dover attractions.

Step Back in Time at The Old State House

Exterior of The Old State House

Jon Bilous / Shutterstock.com

Learn about local history as you take a trip back in time to the first permanent capitol building in Dover, established in the 1790s.

The Old State House stars a fascinating Georgian-style structure with noble architectural details like the gilt sunflower sheiling sham and the geometrical staircase.

Staircase inside The Old State House

Nagel Photography / Shutterstock.com

A museum tour allows visitors to learn about the local governance history and take a glimpse of life in Dover back in the day.

The Old State House is home to a collection of historical artifacts, archives, and paintings to give visitors an immersive history experience.

A trip to the historic city won’t be complete without visiting this fascinating piece of history nestled at The Green in Dover.

House of representatives room in The Old State House

Nagel Photography / Shutterstock.com

Learn about Agricultural History at Delaware Agricultural Museum

Dover is rich in fascinating historical places and artifacts that have been preserved for years to educate the people.

The Delaware Agricultural Museum showcases many inventions that played an important role in expanding agriculture in Delaware.

You’ll get to see tractors and farm equipment that pioneered the growing agricultural industry in Delaware.

Aside from the farm equipment exhibit, you’ll get to step back in time in their authentic 1890s village adjacent to the museum hall.

The village features a barn, a general store, a schoolhouse, a mill, a train station, a barbershop, a church, and more!

The Delaware Agricultural Museum in North Dupont Highway is a must-visit on your trip to Dover!

Tee Off at Eagle Creek Golf Course

Does your getaway feel incomplete if you haven’t hit the links?

The perfect solution for that is to book your tee time at the Eagle Creek Golf Course!

This 18-hole golf course on 14th Street offers a relaxed yet challenging golfing experience for golfers of all skill levels.

If you’re a beginner and want to practice your golfing skills, they offer weekend golf clinics from experienced golfers to get your game started.

There’s also a bar and grill perfect if you want to get your grubs for some energy boost after a round of golf.

Tee off and marvel at the well-maintained fairways, practice your game in the driving range, and have a memorable golfing experience on your trip to Dover.

Join a Brewery Tour at the Fordham & Dominion Brewing Company

Since 1995, the Fordham & Dominion Brewing Company has established a Mid-Atlantic staple and is a renowned local craft brewer.

They have a convenient location in Dover, Delaware, where they host special functions, tour packages, and tastings.

Brewery tours are available six days a week and provide insight into the production process, history, and ongoing affairs.

Fordham & Dominion offers a beer or two for everyone, whether they call themselves craft beer connoisseurs or are brand-new to the game.

They provide a huge array of all-weather and seasonal beverages, including IPAs, stouts, ales, and everything in between.

You may purchase items, full pints, beer samples, and take-out beer inside their tap room.

Spend Some Time Shopping at Dover Mall

Entrance to Dover Mall

Dough4872, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Dover Mall, constructed in 1982, is Dover’s second covered mall with temperature control.

Since it boasts over 85 establishments, it is a popular retail center with visitors and residents.

Products include jewelry, clothing, electronics, cell phones, and footwear to athletic items.

Interior of Dover Mall

MikeKalasnik, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Located close to the food court, the 14-screen AMC Theaters offer excellent entertainment and shopping.

Experience tax-free shopping in this fantastic indoor mall.

JCPenny in Dover Mall

MikeKalasnik, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Order Food and Drinks at Restaurant 55

Restaurant 55 is a comfortable dining establishment with upscale tastes owned and run by Dennis Forbes and his daughter Desiree DiAntonio.

The restaurant’s bar offers around 35 bottled beers and 12 rotating taps.

They want to feature as many regional brewers as possible, like with their meals.

Restaurant 55 sources the freshest products from a range of local suppliers.

They are happy to sell several regional brands, including Fordham, Evolution, and Dog Fish Head.

Furthermore, they offer a fantastic assortment of beers from around the globe, so that’s something else to check out!

Explore the Grounds of Woodburn: Governor’s House

After the state of Delaware bought Woodburn in 1965, it has been the official house of the governor.

The architecture of the house and its former noteworthy inhabitants are credited by historians presently as contributing to Woodburn’s historical significance.

The names of farmers, landlords, senators, physicians, and governors of Delaware, among others, have all left unique marks on this lovely house.

It is another of Delaware’s most significant Middle Period Georgian mansions, erected by Charles Hillyard III.

You may get in-depth details on Woodburn’s past or view the photo galleries for Woodburn’s exterior and grounds.

Explore the Dining Room and Great Hall upon entering.

Public visits of Woodburn are available Monday-Friday from 8:30 am – 4:00 pm, but only upon request.

Practice Your Skills at Dover Par 3 & Driving Range

The Dover Par 3 & Driving Range is your go-to place for family entertainment and is within a short distance from the center of Dover.

Golfers may hone their abilities on the 18 par-3 courses and the driving range’s full-sized greens.

Everyone can enjoy themselves here, considering it takes little time, money, and intimidation to play and lasts for around two hours.

Practice on your short game, or squeeze in a fast bucket of balls if you need a quick golf break.

Batting cages for baseball and softball are also available for a fantastic day out with the family.

Final Thoughts

Dover offers exciting opportunities that’ll keep your trip brimming with memorable experiences.

From nature trips to historical excursions to art appreciation, you’ll find it in this vibrant city!

Make sure to bookmark this roundup so you won’t miss out on exciting

activities to do on your trip to Dover, Delaware.

References:

© All rights reserved.