Kent: Discover Nature, History and Museums
Accommodation in Kent
Kent offers a varied mix of protected nature, American history and museums with unusual themes. Anyone looking for an apartment or holiday home for their trip can take their preferred focus into account when choosing a base: nature experiences, historic sites and exhibitions each offer their own distinctive highlights. This allows families with different interests to enjoy a varied stay without every day of the holiday having to look the same.
Tidal Landscapes and Nature Trails
One particularly impressive natural area is Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge. The protected area stretches for eight miles along Delaware Bay and covers 16,251 acres. It preserves one of the largest remaining areas of tidal salt marsh in the Mid-Atlantic region. The landscape here is therefore strongly shaped by the tides.
There are several different ways to explore the area: the refuge offers a twelve-mile wildlife drive, five hiking trails and three observation towers. You can therefore choose between a longer drive through the landscape, a route on foot and time spent at viewpoints. When choosing accommodation for a nature-focused stay, you should factor these different ways of exploring the area into your personal travel plans rather than deciding solely on the basis of a single attraction.
Killens Pond State Park also offers alternatives for active days. The easily accessible bike path follows the main access road. The Pondside Trail is described as an easy to moderate hike and has connecting paths to viewpoints at the pond. These two routes appeal to different preferences: one can be explored by bicycle, while the other combines exercise with paths along the water.
History at Historic Sites
John Dickinson Plantation is designated a National Historic Landmark and is part of the Underground Railroad Network to Freedom. The Visitor Center contains two exhibitions with text panels about the tenant farmers, indentured servants, and free and enslaved Black men, women and children who lived, worked and died on the plantation. The site thus provides a multifaceted approach to history and also makes visible the different realities of life associated with the plantation.
In Dover, The Dover Green leads to another important chapter in American history. On December 7, 1787, thirty delegates, ten from each county, met there at the Golden Fleece Tavern and ratified the United States Constitution. The Dover Green was laid out in 1717 according to a plan drawn up by William Penn in 1683. Partners of First State Heritage Park offer limited 45-minute guided tours of historic downtown Dover at the site: Thursdays through Saturdays at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
The Old State House was the first permanent capitol building in Dover, Delaware. The Johnson Victrola Museum, by contrast, focuses on phonographs, recordings, memorabilia, brands, objects and paintings. The museum also covers the history of the Victor Talking Machine Company and the development of the sound-recording industry. Those interested in technology, music history or the political past will therefore find different cultural highlights in Kent.
Museums, Agriculture and Special Experiences
The Delaware Agricultural Museum and Village is dedicated to Delaware's agricultural history and future through exhibitions and related programs. The Biggs Museum of American Art offers changing exhibitions on historical and contemporary art topics throughout the year. Both institutions have their own distinct focus and complement the historic sites with art and everyday history.
Another special attraction is the Air Mobility Command Museum. It displays more than 30 aircraft—from an open biplane to modern four-engine jet transport aircraft—and offers free flight simulators. The main entrance is on Rt. 9; it is not possible to visit via Dover AFB. This specific access information should therefore be included when planning such an excursion.
For events with a special character, Dover Days takes place on the first weekend in May. The festival includes historical reenactments with volunteers dressed as well-known historical figures. For further orientation, you can also include Dover and Harrington in your search. This allows you to choose accommodation in Kent based on the experiences that are particularly important to you during your holiday.
For the overarching travel overview: Delaware.
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