Townsend is a town of approximately 2,500 residents located in New Castle County in central Delaware.
It is located west of US Route 1, with Wilmington and Newark to the north, and Smyrna and Dover to the south.
Because of its central location, visitors can easily enjoy a variety of activity options, from museums and historical attractions to games, racing and pristine beaches further south on the Atlantic coast.
The area around Townsend is easiest to get around by car, but there are some in-town attractions as well.
Here are 15 things to do in and around Townsend, Delaware.
1. Townsend Municipal Park
Townsend Municipal Park is located on the northeast corner of Edgar Road and Main Street, just a few blocks west of downtown.
This is the perfect place to relax and stretch your legs for those who have spent the whole day in the car exploring the area’s historic sites.
Amenities at the park include pitches and paved walking paths, as well as many tree-lined areas and open spaces for picnicking, reading a good book, and walking the dog.
Those visiting with dogs need to keep them on a leash at all times and clean up after them.
2. Sushi Hill
Although Delaware is known for its fresh seafood, delicious pizza, and plentiful microbreweries, it also has some hot sushi restaurants.
Located on Main Street near Middletown, Sushi Hill is a favorite among local sushi lovers who value fresh food and reasonable prices.
Their rolls are a perennial menu favorite, with a wide variety including toppings like salmon, avocado, and roe.
Previous guests have commented on Sushi Yama’s attentive staff and authentic Japanese decor. For those who prefer boiled seafood, there are other non-sushi and sashimi options.
3. Back Creek Golf Club
The weather in Delaware is perfect for golf during most of the spring, summer and fall.
Its coastal location means it typically experiences early springs and mild winters, and golfers in the area have a dizzying array of golf options at their fingertips.
Back Creek Golf Club in Middletown offers golfers a unique links-style course that is consistently rated as one of the best public courses in the country.
The course’s facilities include practice areas, a well-stocked pro shop, and a popular bar and grill that’s very popular with the post-race crowd.
Tee times go by quickly during peak season, so plan accordingly.
4. Everett Theatre
Community theaters are often pushed aside when there are more commercial and tourist attractions nearby.
That’s too bad, because many small town theaters put on high-quality shows with local talent, and tickets are usually cheap.
The history of the Everett Theatre dates back to Middletown more than a century ago. Over the years, it has been a Masonic hall, movie theater, and performing arts theater.
It’s the perfect place to spend a romantic evening away from the crowds, conveniently located near many popular restaurants, and ideal for dinner and show crowds.
5. Hagley Museum and Library
The Hagley Museum and Library spans over 200 acres, including expansive grounds and historic outbuildings that once belonged to the DuPont family.
The museum and library are located on Hagley Creek Road in Wilmington. Their collection includes historically significant artifacts, books and documents related to the state’s history and culture.
Guests also tend to learn a lot about the country’s history on site. For many, this is one of the most memorable and enriching experiences of their travels.
Admission is relatively cheap, and most visitors stay for a few hours before embarking on other adventures.
6. The Land of Horrors
For lovers of the grotesque, scary, and creepy, there’s no better place in Delaware than Frightland.
Located on Port Penn Road in Middletown, Frightland has haunted houses, carnival-style rides and many other activities that will keep families busy for hours.
Multiple entry passes are available, including a VIP option that allows you to skip long lines during peak hours.
Tickets can be booked online prior to arrival, which is a great option for those from out of state. There are also plenty of food and drink options on site.
7. Augustine Wildlife Area
The Augustine Wildlife Area includes more than 3,000 acres of undisturbed land, most of which is located near the Delaware River near the Port of Pennsylvania.
The area is popular with outdoor enthusiasts who appreciate the abundance of trails and stunning river views. It is home to a variety of birds and is relatively easy to see from the trails.
Deer hunting is another activity at the park, but it is strictly monitored and permitted only with permission at certain times of the year, so do your due diligence on seasons and regulations before heading out.
The wildlife area also has a designated dog park.
8. Delaware Museum of Natural History
The First State is definitely better known for its human history than its natural history, but Wilmington has a world-class museum dedicated to the latter.
In fact, it’s the only museum of its kind in Delaware, with impressive exhibits covering dinosaurs, the environment, ecology, and science.
Much of what you’ll experience is designed for younger visitors, but older kids and adults generally find the museum both engaging and educational.
Admission is relatively cheap, and many tourists choose to drop by when the weather isn’t particularly conducive to outdoor activities.
9. Filasky Products
Delaware has been an agricultural state since the beginning. Even today, much of its flat coastal land is dedicated to agriculture.
The Filasky family has been farming in Delaware for over 3 years and has won statewide awards over the past few years for their sustainable practices and contributions to conservation.
The family’s produce stand includes a variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables grown nearby. They offer family activities throughout the year, especially during harvest season and holidays.
The market is usually open from the end of April to mid-November.
10. Nemus Building
Over the years, the DuPont family has owned numerous mansions across the state.
Many of these are among the most luxurious of their kind in the country, but for the most part, they are now museums open to the public rather than private residences.
Nemours Mansion was built to resemble a European alpine castle. Guests tended to agree that the tour offered an interesting insight into the lives of the super-rich over the past few years.
The mansion included priceless art and furniture along with other amenities and household items, which were considered the height of luxury and luxury by the standards of the time.
11. White Clay Creek State Park
Located in New Castle County in northern Delaware, White Clay Creek State Park is an easy day trip option for visitors to Townsend.
The park spans over 3,000 acres and stretches across the border to the state park of the same name in neighboring Pennsylvania.
White Clay Creek is the heart of the park, offering visitors a variety of activities such as swimming and fishing.
Trails along the park stretch for nearly 20 miles and are popular for biking, bird watching, and mountain biking. Before exploring on your own, consider checking out the Nature and Visitors Center.
12. Wilmington and Western Railroad
For most of its existence, railroads were the primary means of long-distance transportation from one state to another.
Old steam engines of the Wilmington and Western Railroad hauled people and goods, and much of the line’s track passed through downtown Wilmington before heading to the country.
By the 1960s, railroads had become useless. Since then, it has only operated as a tourist attraction.
A train trip is a great way to see the country from a unique perspective. As a narration is included, guests will also learn about the history and economy of the area.
13. University of Delaware
Colleges and universities are excellent community resources, often overlooked by busy vacationers.
The University of Delaware is located in Newark. Like most campuses, it’s usually filled with events ranging from sporting events and lectures to artistic performances, live entertainment and political rallies.
The Bob Carpenter Center is one of the university’s main attractions and is home to the school’s men’s and women’s basketball teams.
When not hosting college sports, the center typically hosts minor league NBA games, concerts, comedy shows, and even professional wrestling.
Tickets for most events can be purchased in advance, or at the door if they are not sold out.
14. Midnight Oil Brewing Company
Like many microbreweries, Midnight Oil started out as a hobby for a dedicated home brewer who eventually decided his product was good enough to warrant a legitimate business.
Located on Pencader Drive in Newark, Midnight Oil Brewing Company offers an impressive range of beers in a variety of colors and flavors.
Their beers range from traditional to modern, and there’s always something on hand to satisfy those with special tastes.
Their seasonal beers are their favorites, as are their IPAs and stouts. Brewery tours are available for those who want a behind-the-scenes look at how craft beer is produced.
15. Fredrust Ice Arena
Fred Rust Ice Arena is located on the campus of the University of Delaware at Newark. It is known for being the training base for many world-class figure skaters, including Olympic great Tara Lipinski.
The arena often hosts figure skating competitions and hockey games, but if not, it is often open to the public.
Recreational skaters can rent skates on-site, and for those who have never tried it, skating is a great way to use muscles that don’t usually see much action.
This is especially fun for small children, but be warned – you may experience joint and muscle soreness after a few days.
Where to Stay: Best Hotels in Townsend (DE), Delaware
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