Top 15 Activities in Rising Sun, Lebanon DE

Rising Sun-Lebanon is a quaint town located in Kent County, Delaware. It possesses a modest size both in land area and population, with approximately 4,000 residents. This allows visitors to experience a tranquil and relaxed atmosphere, distinct from the busier larger towns and cities just a short distance away.

Rising Sun-Lebanon is a component of the Dover Metropolitan Area. Dover, Denton, Salem, Georgetown, and Bridgeton are some neighboring destinations that are easily accessible, with the capital city of Washington, DC merely 134 kilometers away.

This town and its surrounding areas are rich in history and culture, offering numerous museums and historical sites for exploration. Additionally, there are a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities in this region, which includes municipal parks, state parks, and golf courses.

Outlined below are 15 notable activities to partake in while visiting Rising Sun-Lebanon, Delaware.

1. Fuel up at Restaurant 55

Guests can unwind in the comfortable setting of Restaurant 55 located in nearby Dover, while savoring exceptional culinary offerings. The establishment prioritizes the use of the freshest ingredients, sourcing much of its meat and produce from local vendors.

Among the highlights of the menu are gourmet burgers, featuring an array of innovative creations such as the NFB burger, black and blue burger, teriyaki burger, avocado burger, and Santa Fe burger.

The establishment also boasts a rotating selection of 12 craft beers on tap, complemented by 35 bottled options. While there is a significant emphasis on local craft breweries, international selections are also available.

2. Air Mobility Command Museum

The Air Mobility Command Museum, situated in a refurbished WWII aircraft hangar, is a significant attraction in nearby Dover. This museum offers an opportunity for visitors to observe various military aircraft up close, and it is recognized as the sole museum of its kind in the United States.

The extensive collection showcases historic American military aircraft, which includes bombers, fighters, tankers, and cargo planes. Noteworthy aircraft on display include the A-26C, C-5A Galaxy, and Air Force Two VC-9C, alongside various artifacts.

3. Fordham and Dominion Brewing Company

The Fordham and Dominion Brewing Company in Dover offers a selection of quality craft beers, available for enjoyment within their relaxed taproom or for takeout. Regardless of one’s taste or familiarity with beer, there is likely to be something appealing on the menu.

Options, both year-round and seasonal, include Backstage IPA, Gypsy Lager, Copperhead Ale, and Cherry Blossom Lager. Additionally, homemade ginger ale and root beer are offered.

Brewery tours feature a tasting experience and provide visitors with insightful information regarding the brewing process and the company’s history. Merchandise can be purchased on-site.

4. Johnson Victrola Museum

Focused on a particular niche historical item, the Johnson Victrola Museum located in downtown Dover is one of the most sought-after museums in the nation. Its primary focus is on an innovative invention that revolutionized the world: the Victrola, or “talking machine,” attributed to inventor Eldridge Johnson.

The museum boasts the largest collection of Victrolas worldwide, showcasing various models throughout history. Participating in a guided tour provides an enriching understanding of the legacy surrounding this intriguing invention and its creator.

5. Visit 3 Palms Zoo

As Delaware’s only rescue zoo, 3 Palms Zoo in nearby Townsend offers an educational experience for visitors of all ages, focusing on the animals residing there and their circumstances. Guests can interact with a variety of animals, including turtles, skunks, foxes, owls, groundhogs, and even alligators.

Additionally, guests can meet resident exotic birds such as red jungle fowl and pheasants. All animals at the zoo were rescued due to illness or injury, rendering them unable to survive independently in the wild.

Visitors can also feed and interact with domestic animals including donkeys, llamas, sheep, and emus.

6. Biggs Museum of American Art

The Biggs Museum of American Art in Dover is dedicated to all aspects of art, particularly local and American creations. Visitors have the opportunity to appreciate various styles and genres of artwork created by numerous artists, reflecting multiple eras dating back to the 1700s.

The museum showcases paintings, sculptures, pottery, and tapestries, among other forms of visual art. Individuals of all ages are welcome to discover the narratives behind each piece and learn about art and its influence on American culture.

7. Explore the John Dickinson Plantation

The John Dickinson Plantation in Dover allows visitors to explore a historic site that was once owned by one of the nation’s founding fathers, John Dickinson. The property features the uniquely designed Poplar Hall, which served as Mr. Dickinson’s family residence.

Guides dressed in period costume provide tours of the home, offering insights into life in post-Revolutionary America.

Guests will encounter period furnishings and a variety of galleries and exhibits, which include a collection of wines and spirits as they navigate through this exquisite estate.

8. Silver Lake Park

For those seeking a serene environment to unwind in nature, Silver Lake Park, spanning 182 acres in Dover, provides a perfect setting. This expansive green space features several walking trails, a playground, picnic areas, and a picturesque lake inhabited by numerous ducks and geese.

9. Delaware Agricultural Museum

Rising Sun-Lebanon and its neighboring towns in Kent County possess a substantial agricultural heritage. At the Delaware Agricultural Museum in Dover, visitors can delve into this history and its impact on the region’s populace and culture.

The museum features a plethora of exhibits showcasing artifacts and agricultural machinery, such as tractors, traditional farming tools, photographs, and documents. Additionally, the role of railroads in agriculture throughout the years is highlighted.

A replica village illustrates rural life in the 1890s, featuring a barn, windmill, general store, farmhouse, schoolhouse, train station, church, barbershop, and blacksmith shop.

10. Try Your Luck at Dover Downs Casino

Featuring 2,300 slot machines and 41 table games, Dover Downs Casino offers visitors an exhilarating evening out with ample opportunities to win various prizes. This contemporary casino, characterized by impressive architectural design inside and out, also incorporates multiple dining and snack venues.

11. Take a Tour of the Old State House

Once the Capitol Building in Dover, the Old State House Museum now stands as a historic landmark. Constructed in the 1790s, this stately edifice has been restored to its original magnificence and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Visitors enjoy an authentic experience as they stroll through the historic rooms, appreciating the elegant Middle Georgian architecture and decor. Guided tours showcase numerous artifacts and documents, imparting knowledge about both local and national history.

12. Enjoy a Unique Meal at The Brick-Wood Fired Eats

When hunger beckons and you’re in pursuit of an exceptional and satisfying meal, consider visiting The Brick-Wood Fired Eats in Dover, where a delightful selection from an extensive menu awaits.

This restaurant specializes in pizzas baked in a traditional wood-burning brick oven, alongside a diverse range of other dishes. Options include cavatelli eggplant, rigatoni chicken, pan-seared salmon, shrimp and crab risotto, and grilled herb-marinated hanger steak. A distinctive dining experience unique to the area is guaranteed.

A bar offering craft beers, fine wines, and handcrafted cocktails is also available on-site.

13. Woodburn Governor’s House

Since 1965, the Woodburn Governor’s House has served as the residence for Delaware’s governor. Today, visitors have the opportunity to embark on a guided tour of this historic structure, originally constructed in 1798. Its architecture reflects the Middle Period Georgian style, and it was once one of the most opulent residences in the state.

During the tour, guests are informed about the building’s history, can view various artifacts, and explore multiple rooms, including the Great Hall.

14. Spend a Day by the Ocean at Delaware Seashore State Park

Delaware Seashore State Park, located in Rehoboth Beach, spans a considerable area and allows visitors to engage in an array of outdoor activities such as fishing, clamming, crabbing, windsurfing, and sailing. The park features two designated ocean swimming areas, both supervised by lifeguards during the summer months, as well as a beach suitable for surfing.

For those inclined towards hiking, biking, and horseback riding, the park includes six trails, each showcasing unique habitats. Additional facilities comprise a camping area and a marina.

Visitors can gain historical insights at the Indian River Life-Saving Station Museum, located within the park, which features a variety of marine exhibits.

15. Cool Springs Fish Bar & Restaurant

Cool Springs Fish Bar & Restaurant in Dover is renowned for offering an exquisite seafood dining experience, characterized by freshness and quality.

The chef meticulously prepares each dish, while the attentive staff strive to ensure guests feel at home. The comprehensive menu includes delectable offerings such as Skillet Seared Tuna Steak, Baked Stuffed Flounder, and Honey Bourbon Salmon, with all ingredients carefully selected for quality. A complete bar is also available on the premises.