Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Milford, Delaware

Milford is a town with approximately 13,000 residents situated near the geographic center of Delaware. Portions of the town extend into both Kent and Sussex counties, positioning Milford as an ideal base for visitors seeking to explore the state’s prominent attractions. For those who prefer to remain local, Milford hosts numerous annual festivals that attract attendees from across the region. In addition, visitors can explore several historical sites, along with a variety of dining and lodging options.

Here are 15 activities to experience in and around Milford that can keep visitors engaged for several days.

1. Bug & Bud Festival

The residents of Milford cherish their annual festivals, and despite the town’s small size, a variety of events are held throughout the year. Many of these festivals attract visitors from afar. The Bug & Bud Festival, occurring in spring, celebrates not only the arrival of warmer weather but also Delaware’s official bug, the ladybug. This event coincides with Arbor Day and features family-friendly activities, such as games and tree plantings overseen by festival organizers. The Bug & Bud Festival is a complimentary event that lasts all day and is conveniently located just a few blocks from downtown, offering a plethora of food options as well as arts and crafts.

2. Milford Community Parade

Rural towns throughout the country often seize opportunities to express their patriotism and community spirit, and the Milford Community Parade is a treasured event where both locals and visitors can do just that. This parade has been a tradition for over seventy years. Initially limited to Halloween, its scope has significantly broadened over time. Held in mid-October on Walnut Street, the theme varies each year and showcases participants from civic organizations, businesses, school groups, and marching bands, as well as an abundance of family-friendly activities and delicious food options.

3. Abbott’s Mill Nature Center

Located on Abbott’s Pond Road in Milford, Abbott’s Mill Nature Center is one of Delaware’s few remaining water-powered mills, conveniently situated just outside town. Mills played a vital role in producing meal and flour from locally grown products for nearly all of the state’s pre-electric history. Witnessing one of these structures in operation demonstrates impressive engineering capabilities. The nature center is open during the week from 9 AM to 4 PM and features several trails leading to the pristine areas surrounding the grounds, which are ideal for picnics.

4. Milford Art District

Milford is located along the banks of the Mispillion River, and like many small towns across the nation, its downtown area has recently undergone revitalization. The downtown features several galleries and artists’ studios that are free to explore, along with numerous restaurants, bars, and coffee shops situated within a few blocks of one another. The art district offers various outdoor events during spring and summer, transforming into a vibrant hub, particularly on weekends during the warm months.

5. Vinyard Shipyard

Milford’s Vinyard Shipyard dates back to the latter part of the 19th century, founded by a shipbuilder originally hailing from Wisconsin. For many years, the shores of the Delaware and Mispillion rivers boasted numerous shipbuilding businesses constructing civilian, fishing, and military vessels. While most of these enterprises have vanished over time, they remain a fascinating aspect of local history deserving closer examination. Vinyard Shipyard was shuttered for nearly a century before it was reopened as a tourist attraction in the 1980s. Today, the site includes shipbuilding tools, renovated homes and warehouses, and an indoor museum.

6. Milford Museum

Community museums in small towns are often overlooked by travelers with tight schedules; however, they provide valuable insights into the culture, economy, and history of the area. The Milford Museum, located within the town’s first post office building on South Walnut Street, features a modest yet impressive collection of artifacts, memorabilia, and photographs that span over two centuries. Significant focus is placed on the Revolutionary, Civil, and World War II eras, emphasizing the contributions of local servicemen and women.

7. Dolce Coffee and Bakery

Established in 2005, Dolce Coffee and Bakery has consistently been recognized as the region’s top coffee shop. Located on North Walnut Street in the historic downtown area, Dolce specializes in freshly ground coffee and made-from-scratch baked goods produced on-site daily, except for Sundays when it is closed. Guests frequently highlight Dolce as a standout for its excellent food and beverages, coupled with a welcoming atmosphere, ample seating, and attentive staff.

8. Holiday Stroll

Milford residents take the holiday season seriously. Despite often chilly temperatures along the river in December, the Holiday Stroll presents a festive atmosphere worthy of bundling up for. This event evokes a sense of nostalgia with its historical ambiance, featuring sleighs instead of cars and caroling in place of recorded music. As with many events in Milford, the Holiday Stroll occurs along Walnut Street, adorned with lights and decorations, offering singing, dancing, delicious food, activities for children, and local musical performances, along with the chance to meet Santa Claus to share Christmas wishes.

9. Riverwalk Freedom Festival

The Riverwalk Freedom Festival spans three days in mid-September, taking place from Walnut Street to Bicentennial Park in Milford’s historic district. This event primarily serves as a remembrance and commemoration of the 9/11 attacks. Organized and produced by the local chamber of commerce, it represents the culmination of significant fundraising and volunteer efforts by community members and businesses. While the national significance of this occasion is solemn, the festival embodies a spirit of celebration, featuring live entertainment, locally crafted arts and crafts, carnival games, delicious food, and numerous engaging activities for families.

10. Mispillion Riverwalk

For many decades between the early and mid-1900s, the area along the Mispillion River in downtown Milford fell into disuse and disrepair. However, in the 1970s, government officials recognized the need for more parks and community recreational areas. Although the Mispillion Riverwalk stretches just over a mile, it has become a popular destination for active residents who appreciate fresh air, physical activity, and stunning views that include breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. This riverwalk is conveniently located downtown, near several local attractions, and is the largest municipal park of its kind in the state.

11. Ladybug Music Festival

The Ladybug Music Festival is a woman-centric music event that occurs annually in Milford every third Saturday in September. The festival showcases local and regional female artists and typically attracts significant attendance from nearby states, including Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. Originally established in Wilmington, the festival has expanded to include a second location in Milford, featuring more than 40 artists and drawing thousands of attendees. Contrary to misconceptions about exclusivity, the event remains family-friendly and often extends beyond visitors’ planned durations.

12. Mispillion River Brewing

Mispillion River Brewing Company, located slightly off the main thoroughfare on Mullet Run Street in Milford, is a favored destination for enthusiasts of high-quality beer and enjoyable experiences. Mispillion River operates daily from noon until ten on weekdays and later on Saturdays. While they brew most of their beer on-site, they also offer selections from local breweries, such as Dogfish Head. The brewery frequently hosts live performances and special outdoor events throughout the spring, summer, and early fall months. Their beer options cater to diverse preferences, ranging from hop-forward IPAs to lower-calorie fruit-infused choices.

13. Aunt Mary’s Soul Food Kitchen

Aunt Mary’s Soul Food Kitchen is situated on North DuPont Boulevard in Milford and is renowned among loyal customers for serving the finest crabs and soul food in the First State. This establishment has become a favored stop for those seeking authentic soul food prepared in traditional styles. It is not uncommon for patrons to travel from Wilmington, Dover, and Rehoboth Beach to indulge in their offerings. Signature dishes include fried catfish, macaroni and cheese, seafood boils, and fresh steamed blue crabs. The restaurant is also appreciated for its relaxed atmosphere, generous portion sizes, and affordable prices.

14. Air Mobility Command Museum

The Air Mobility Command Museum, situated on the grounds of Dover Air Force Base, is a premier attraction for aviation and military history enthusiasts. The museum boasts an impressive collection of military aircraft from various historical periods. Most of these planes were once engaged in transportation and aerial refueling tasks before they were rendered obsolete. Admission to the museum is free, and it is open from Tuesday to Sunday, operating from 9 AM to 4 PM. While the aircraft are undoubtedly the main attractions, a comprehensive indoor exhibit offers compelling historical context for visitors before they explore the outdoor displays.