Top 15 Activities and Attractions in Greenville, Delaware

Greenville is a small town located in New Castle County, Delaware. As a suburb of Wilmington, it offers visitors a centrally-located base that maintains a sense of serenity.

The town provides a tranquil atmosphere with numerous parks and green spaces ideal for appreciating nature. In contrast, Greenville is rich in cultural and historical significance, as demonstrated by its various museums and art galleries. Dining establishments and cafes provide a diverse selection of culinary options.

Despite its modest population, the community boasts a lively nightlife scene that offers an energetic reprieve after a long day.

Greenville features various shopping venues and hosts numerous events throughout the year, including the Harvest Moon Festival each October.

Here are 15 exceptional activities to enjoy in and around Greenville, Delaware.

1. Visit the Henry Francis duPont Winterthur Museum

The Henry Francis duPont Winterthur Museum stands out as one of Delaware’s most remarkable historic properties, if not among the most impressive in the country. This mansion features 175 rooms, exquisite interiors, and a stunning 60-acre garden, welcoming visitors for many decades.

During a guided tour, guests can appreciate the breathtaking surroundings, including sweeping fields and dense forests. Additionally, you will encounter more than 90,000 artifacts, some of which date back to the mid-1600s, encompassing textiles, ceramics, antique furnishings, and artworks.

2. Enjoy a meal at Krazy Kat’s

Located nearby in Montchanin, Krazy Kat’s is a distinctive restaurant situated within a restored blacksmith shop. The interior showcases a feline theme while serving breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner.

With a focus on French cuisine, you can expect a diverse array of flavorful and innovative dishes crafted from high-quality, locally-sourced ingredients, including salmon, crab cakes, braised short ribs, duck, and scallops. A variety of appetizers, soups, salads, and desserts complete the menu.

3. Explore a working farm at Coverdale Farm

Located within the expansive 352-acre Burrows Nature Preserve, Coverdale Farm is an operational farm that features a historic stone bank barn dating back to the 1700s, as well as breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, which includes pastures, fields, ponds, woodlands, and rolling countryside.

Throughout the year, visitors can partake in numerous programs and activities, such as hayrides, yoga, Farm Fun Days, nature hikes, cooking classes, and markets.

4. Learn about art at The Delaware Contemporary

The Delaware Contemporary showcases an assortment of contemporary artwork from local and national artists across a variety of exhibits. With seven galleries, the exhibits are regularly refreshed throughout the year.

Prior exhibitions have included Primal Images, Native Range, Art in Bloom, Material World, and Totally Mythological.

5. Spend a day at Alapocas Run State Park

Alapocas Run State Park provides a broad range of activities for individuals of all ages. The Blue Ball Barn, which houses the Delaware Folk Art Collection, comprises over 120 artworks created by 50 different artists.

Children of all abilities can enjoy the Can-Do Playground, while climbing and rappelling can be experienced on-site at the climbing wall, with programs available for those interested.

6. Visit the Delaware Museum of Natural History

For nearly half a century, the Delaware Museum of Natural History in Wilmington has inspired exploration and discovery among visitors of all ages.

As the sole natural history museum in Delaware, it attracts individuals from across the state and beyond, offering insights into the natural world through exhibits centered on topics such as nature, wildlife, oceans, and geology.

Highlights include a dinosaur collection, a coral reef simulation, and an active paleontology lab, providing an engaging experience as you navigate through this remarkable museum.

7. The duPont Environmental Education Center

The duPont Environmental Education Center, located on the outskirts of Wilmington, encompasses 212 acres of freshwater tidal marsh, along with a 10-acre garden along the Christina River, creating an inviting natural retreat.

The site features a variety of trails, including a quarter-mile loop around a pond, and a seven-mile hiking and biking trail that stretches from Wilmington to New Castle. As you explore this area, you may observe a variety of bird species, including bald eagles and belted kingfishers. Additionally, beavers, otters, and turtles can frequently be spotted in the river and tidal pool regions.

The education center offers opportunities to learn more about the park, and nature walks are organized by staff members on specific days of the week.

8. Rockwood Park and Museum

Located in Wilmington, the Rockwood Park and Museum harmonizes natural beauty with architectural grandeur and rich history.

The museum, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was once a rural estate built by merchant banker Joseph Shipley in the mid-1800s. It exhibits a notable example of English Gothic Revival architecture.

Visitors can view various artifacts and exhibits during interior tours, showcasing the lifestyle of the Shipley family. After the tour, guests can explore the scenic grounds, which include beautifully landscaped parks and gardens.

9. Admire fine art at the Somerville Manning Gallery

The Somerville Manning Gallery has been dedicated to promoting fine art through various galleries featuring distinguished 20th and 21st-century artists for over three decades. Notable artists include Timothy Barr, Robert C. Jackson, Peter Sculthorpe, and members of the Wyeth family.

The exhibits celebrate the area’s past and present cultural heritage, featuring displays such as Panoramas, Under the Influence, and N.C. Wyeth: Painter and Illustrator.

10. See wildlife at the Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge

The 15,078-acre Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, situated along Delaware Bay in close proximity to Smyrna, is an ideal destination for wildlife enthusiasts, nature admirers, and photographers. Individuals of all ages relish the opportunity to observe diverse species within the various habitats.

While exploring this refuge, you can traverse a 12-mile scenic drive, hike along five well-maintained trails, and gain insights about the preserve via exhibits at the visitor center. There are also three observation towers that offer picturesque views of the surroundings.

11. Visit the Hagley Museum and Library

For those seeking to gain insight into the evolution of American industry, the Hagley Museum and Library, situated on 235 acres along the Brandywine River in Wilmington, provides an informative experience.

The museum is situated on the historic site of the gunpowder works established in 1802. Through guided tours and exhibits, visitors can explore the history of business, telecommunications, technology, and innovation that has shaped the nation.

Exhibits encompass both indoor and outdoor displays, featuring restored mills, a community for workers, and a residence that once belonged to the duPont family.

12. Get inspired at the Mezzanine Gallery

Located in downtown Wilmington, the Mezzanine Gallery features a diverse range of artistic expressions, including photography, crafts, folk art, media arts, and paintings. Each exhibit highlights a distinct artist from Delaware.

13. Relax with a delicious meal at Cromwell’s American Tavern and Taqueria

Cromwell’s American Tavern and Taqueria offers patrons exceptional service, award-winning cuisine, and a relaxed upscale atmosphere. For nearly 30 years, this establishment has been providing quality dining experiences for individuals of all ages.

The tavern’s menu encompasses a variety of dishes, such as roasted garlic hummus, lollipop lamb meatballs, and the signature Guinness beef stew, while the Taqueria specializes in Mexican cuisine.

14. Wander around the Nemours Estate

The Nemours Estate is a picturesque estate in Wilmington, originally built and owned by Alfred duPont.

The expansive grounds invite visitors to explore many attractions, including a lavish 77-room mansion, the largest French gardens in North America, a garage housing antique automobiles, and 200 acres of captivating landscapes featuring woodlands and meadows. You may choose to navigate the grounds independently or partake in a guided tour.

15. First State National Historical Park

First State National Historical Park offers visitors an opportunity to delve into history. The park is home to significant Colonial structures, including Woodlawn and The Green Dover.

As you explore, you will learn about pivotal historical events such as early European colonization, religious freedom acts, the Declaration of Independence, conservation, and the Underground Railroad.

The park also features the New Castle Courthouse Museum, established in the 1700s. Guided tours are available at this museum, with exhibits showcasing various artifacts, historical photographs, furnishings, and artworks that reflect local culture.