4 Best Sights in New Castle, Delaware

Walk in the footsteps of William Penn, who first set foot on American soil here—a historic marker records the event—and take a peaceful stroll with wide views of the Delaware River and Delaware Memorial Bridge from the trails and boardwalk. You can picnic on the vast lawn and watch the barges go by while the kids enjoy the playground. One park walkway leads into the town's historic center, making the park easy to access while touring.

Delaware's colonial capital until 1777 is a pristine museum of state history, its three brick wings topped by a white cupola and spire. Tours and interpretive programs highlight colonial and state history and early governmental systems.

The organization is the launching point for various guided and self-guided tours of the historic district, including a garden and haunted tours, and visiting the society's three museums that trace New Castle history from 17th-century Dutch settlers to modern-day efforts to preserve the past. Dutch House features Dutch colonial artifacts related to early port activities. The Georgian-style Amstel House, circa 1730, is considered Delaware's first grand mansion and hosted George Washington and signers of the Declaration of Independence. Old Library Museum, built in 1892, is a hexagonal brick structure designed by noted architect Frank Furness of Philadelphia.

A signer of both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, George Read built this 22-room, 14,000-square-foot, Federal-style home in 1801. Period furniture, gilded fanlights, silver doorknobs, carved woodwork, and relief plasterwork decorate the interior. Lovely formal gardens surround the residence.