North Star, Delaware: A Tranquil Haven in the Heart of the East Coast

North Star is a small, charming town nestled in northern Delaware, with a population just over 8,200 people. It’s a great place to visit for those looking for some peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle of the city, with plenty of natural beauty to take in. Let’s take a look at some of the top places to check out during your visit, as well as a few to avoid.

Places to Visit

Brandywine Creek State Park

If you’re a nature lover, you won’t want to miss out on a visit to Brandywine Creek State Park. The park features over 12 miles of hiking trails, along with fishing opportunities in the creek, picnic areas, and a nature center with exhibits on local flora and fauna.

Rockwood Park and Museum

This stunning estate-turned-museum is a must-see for history buffs and architecture admirers. The grounds are home to a grand mansion, multiple gardens, and plenty of walking trails. Inside, you can take a tour to learn about the history of the mansion and its various owners over the years.

Delaware Art Museum

If you appreciate fine art, make sure to spend a few hours at the Delaware Art Museum during your visit. The museum has over 12,000 works of art in its collection, ranging from contemporary art to pieces from the Renaissance and beyond.

Ashland Nature Center

Another great option for nature lovers, the Ashland Nature Center is part of the Delaware Nature Society and offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, bird-watching, and learning about the local ecosystem. There are both paved and unpaved trails, as well as a butterfly house in the summer months.

Auburn Heights Preserve

For something a little different, check out the Auburn Heights Preserve, which is home to a historic steam train and offers train rides for visitors. There’s also a museum with exhibits on the history of the steam train in Delaware, as well as plenty of walking trails to explore.

Wilmington and Western Railroad

Another option for train enthusiasts is the Wilmington and Western Railroad, which offers scenic train rides through the countryside on weekends from May through October.

The Blue Earl Brewing Company

If you’re looking for some local flavor, stop by the Blue Earl Brewing Company for a cold one. They offer a variety of craft beers, as well as live music on weekends.

Wilmington Riverfront

For a scenic stroll, head down to the Wilmington Riverfront, where you’ll find a paved walking path along the Christina River, as well as plenty of restaurants and shops to explore.

Concord Mall

If you need some retail therapy, check out the Concord Mall, which offers a variety of stores and restaurants. There’s also a movie theater on site.

Hockessin Athletic Club

Finally, for fitness enthusiasts, the Hockessin Athletic Club offers plenty of workout options, including a full gym, group fitness classes, and an indoor pool.

Places to Avoid

The DuPont Environmental Education Center

This nature center may seem like a good idea, but it’s actually quite small and doesn’t offer much beyond a few short hiking trails. Save your time for some of the other, more expansive parks in the area.

The Delaware Park Racetrack

While some visitors may be drawn to the excitement of horse racing, others may prefer to skip the crowds and noise of the Delaware Park Racetrack.

Christiana Mall

While the Concord Mall is worth a visit, the Christiana Mall can get quite crowded and overwhelming, with plenty of chain stores you could find in any other mall.

Kirkwood Highway

If you’re looking for a scenic drive, skip Kirkwood Highway, which is a busy road with plenty of traffic and not much to see.

Route 202

Another busy road in the area, Route 202 can be quite congested, especially during rush hour. Avoid it if you can.

Overview of North Star