Delaware State University Student Center was designed by Holzman Moss Bottino Architecture. WIKIMEDIA

20 Fun Things to do around Delaware State University

The Delaware state university was started as a  College for Colored Students on May 15, 1891. The state university was established by the  Delaware General Assembly.

The university awarded its first degrees in 1898. Provision accreditation was awarded to the university by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. After acquiring the accreditation it became a State College by legislative action. The accreditation was rejected in 1949 but regained later in 1957. The college acquired the name state university On July 1, 1993.

The university went down in history as the first black college and university to adopt a no-smoking policy. The university started eliminating smoking on campus when the university restricted smoking to four designated areas.

On August 2015 the university adopted a

complete tobacco-free policy. The policy was highly appreciated and in 2017, due to its efforts the university received the ACAS Health Leadership Award.  On July 1, 2021, the 157-year-old Wesley College was completely acquired by Delaware State University.

Below are the top 20 fun things to do around Delaware State University

1. Visit Dover Downs Casino

Dover Downs’ sports lounge. Author Michael Jester. WIKIMEDIA

Dover Downs Casino is a huge entertainment venue located near Delaware State University. The casino has different activities such as horse racing. The casino has a hotel and restaurant.

2. Enjoying the Dover Motor Speedway

Dover Motor Speedway is an activity that has hosted many people. It has been in service for entertainment, and racing events for both national and international guests for 50 years.

It has also hosted the Firefly Music Festival, first held in July 2012 and attended by 48 national music for three days. The event has hosted notable actors such as “ Paul McCartney, Tom Petty, and the Heartbreakers, Eminem, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Kendrick Lamar, Foo Fighters, Outkast, The Black Keys, & The Killers”

3. Visit Air Mobility Command Museum

The museum is located on the Dover Air Force Base. This museum exhibits mainly the history of military aviation through its collection of different planes that have been in use throughout history.

The museum aircraft ramp is available for people to see 25 historical military aviation aircraft. The museum gallery is currently open for both self-guided and led tours. The museum is open from  9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

4. Paying a Visit to Delaware Agricultural Museum and Village

The Delaware Agricultural Museum and Village have sphered many inventions. The inventions led to more engineering which led to the growth and expansion of agriculture in the First State.

 The museum exhibits the authentic 1890s Village, which shows life in a rural Delaware village in the 1890s.

5. Paying a Visit to Johnson Victrola Museum

Johnson Victrola Museum. Author GB fan. WIKIMEDIA

The museum was named after a local inventor E.R. Johnson. Its main exhibition is sound recording. It showcases the sound industry by displaying when the industry began. The museum also exhibits early talking machines, records, and other machines from the 1890s to 1929.

6. Shop at the Village Store Fronts

 Delaware’s Quaint Villages is one of the best places to shop. Visitors pick up a keepsake from the different local shops and boutiques available.

 Visitors also enjoy shopping for different goods such as souvenir, a good book, and floral arrangement which is also known as quirky collectible. People also enjoy the tax-free retail therapy which is served by different shopping destinations.

Delaware’s Quaint Village has different markets such as Art galleries, Clothing boutiques, Florists, Gift shops, Antique shops, Furniture stores, and also the farmer’s markets.

7. Mountain Biking in Delaware State Forest

Delaware State forest. Author Famartin. WIKIMEDIA

Mountain bikes in Delaware are used on roads and mostly on trails in the Delaware State Forest.

Currently, the different areas have been closed for this activity due to thunder and Swamp Trail system areas.  Electric bikes are also allowed if they meet all the standards required.  

These standards include; the bikes should not Weigh more than 100 pounds, should not exceed 20 miles-per-hour using the motor, the bikes should have motors that do not exceed 750 watts. The bikes should also have fully functional and operable pedals

8. Enjoying Great Exhibitions by Biggs Museum of American Art

The Biggs Museum of American Arts was named after a local art collector. The collections mainly feature American paintings, the crafts from Colonial portraiture to the 20^th century. It is a great way to spend time with family while enjoying the work of the local artists from both  Colonial and Federal periods

9. Enjoying a Stay at the First State Heritage Park

First State Heritage Park became first Delaware’s urban park. The park had no boundaries. The park serves as a link between the historic and cultural sites in the city.

The park was established by the government in 1777. It started as a  partnership between the state and city agencies which was under the leadership of Delaware State Parks. Visit the park is free of charge.

10. Enjoying the View of John Dickson Plantation

The plantation was once owned by a Quaker tobacco planter. The plantation was converted by the government into a living museum. people tour the museum and interact with the staff who are normally dressed in period costumes.

11. Camping

Delaware has one of the best Campgrounds. The grounds are the best places for relaxing and exploring and also a place to make memories with friends and family.

12.  Visiting Essence of Skin Day Spa

The Essence of Skin Day Spa gives visitors a wonderful massage experience. Many people have praised it for the best services offered, “I needed a massage after a couple of long flights. I set an appointment with Teresa and after 2 sessions (Deep tissue and hot stone) I felt 10 times better. By far the best massage I’ve had in years. Teresa is an expert in her craft, she was able to work out knots that I didn’t even know I had. She is a genuinely good person and was a joy to talk to. Highly recommend.”

13. Enjoy the Best Views of Parks

Delaware parks give visitors a great view of nature and wildlife. The state has done a great job to reserve the parks and making them the best drive through the park.

14. Attending Yoga Lessons on the Beach

Yoga is a fun activity that involves around breathing and also stretching. People perform these experiences while still listening to the ocean while still performing different postures on the sand.

When starting Yoga lessons, people start with breathing techniques and then proceed to various poses. Many people enjoy the Yoga lessons since it leaves them with a good relaxed feeling.

Yoga also reduces stress and increases strength and flexibility. Yoga classes also focus on mindfulness, and deep, gentle stretching, which gives a person the energy to Carry out different activities.

15. Fire-Spinning Exercises

These are activities where people play with fire. The exercise is carried out in a group of 6 people or a couple. The exercise begins with an introduction and a brief talk about fire safety.

Every person is allowed to try different performances with fire under instructions. Visitors are allowed to learn basic fire-spinning moves, which are based on their level of comfort.

16. Fishing and bird-watching spot on a lake

Around Delaware state university there is a private and quiet backyard with fishing areas. The fishing areas have different ways of fishing such as lures and live bait.

Birdwatching is also another activity most people enjoy around Delaware state university. The area has different species of birds such as the bald eagle, red-tail hawks, and the great horned owl.

Fishing or birdwatching activities can be done alone or through a tour guide, who teaches people different techniques for fishing. People are also taught how to listen to and watch different types of birds.

17. Paying a Visit to Delaware Governor’s Mansion (Woodburn)

Governor’s House. Author Sergeev Pavel. WIKIMEDIA

The Governor’s Mansion in Delaware, near Delaware state university, is one of the best landmarks. It is referred to as a historic landmark of Delaware.

Many people like visiting the place for tours and taking photos.

18. Hiking

There are many hiking places near Delaware state university with beautiful parks and hiking trails.

The White Clay Creek Park near Delaware state university is one of the best places for hiking. The park “ winds from Pennsylvania through Delaware to the Christina River and empties into the Delaware River.” The park has a total of  3000 acres of hiking trails and woodlands. The park also has picnic groves, ballparks, and frisbee courses.

19. Water Adventure

Jungle Jim which is near Delaware state university provides water adventure activities. Jungle Jim water Adventure has been rated as one of the best family attractions in Delaware. Activities such as water rides are provided to everyone. Other activities on offer are“ mini-golf, batting cages, rock climbing, and bumper boats. There are also places to grab a bite to eat in between the fun.”

20. Visiting Delaware’s Old State House

Delaware old state house. Author Miami U. Libraries – Digital Collections. WIKIMEDIA

Delaware’s Old State House is the first  Delaware State Capitol Building. The house was built in 1791 to accommodate all government activities.

It is located in Dover and has two floors. The old state House is designed in a Georgian architectural style.

People are allowed to visit the house and make Tours around the building. The house helps people to learn the state history of Delaware.