Southern Region

Delaware was first settled by the Europeans in 1631. The Dutch established a settlement in what is now Lewes. Prior to that time, Native Americans populated the area, an area with abundant rivers and forests for hunting and fishing. The settlers learned quickly and took care of the natural resources that, to this day, are still reminders of the past. Here one can enjoy outdoor activities and nature, or turn their attention to carefully maintained old structures and homes, visit museums to experience the past or shop and dine to experience the present. There is still a strong Native American culture celebrated at the annual Nanticoke Indian Pow Wow festival. The southern shore provides for fishing, swimming, hand-gliding, bird watching, boating and shellfishing for crab and clams. Come down and visit us. You'll take back fond memories. Things to See and Do Attractions Treasures of the Sea Exhibits in Georgetown - Features displays of jewels, gold and silver bars and coins, cannon, muskets and other artifacts from the ill-fated, shipwrecked Spanish galleon Nuestra Senora de Atocha, which was carrying an estimated 4-million in treasures when it was overwhelmed in a 1622 hurricane and sank. Trees of the States at the Delaware Technical & Community College in Georgetown - The only state tree collection in a single location in the nation. Self-guided tour of the 51 trees with information markers on each. Bargain Bill's Flea Market in Laural - Rated in the top 50 flea markets in the US. 46,000-square-foot indoor market, 300 outdoor vendor spaces and a food court. Antiques, collectibles, new and used items. Fisherman's Wharf in Lewes - Offers sunset cruises, fishing trips, whale and dolphin watching cruises. Tackle shop, gift shop, dining. Funland, Jungle Jim's Adventure World, and Midway Speedway and Water Park in Rehoboth Beach - Offer family entertainment and fun. Rehoboth Outlets in Rehoboth Beach - Offers 140 tax-free manufactures outlets along a two-mile stretch on Hwy 1. Historic Sites Lewes Historical Complex in Lewes - Encompasses a collection of historic buildings including the Thompson Country Store, the Plank House, the Burton-Ingram House, the Hiram Burton House, Ellegood House and Rabbit's Ferry House. All dating from late 1600's to the 1800's. Breakwater & Harbor of Refuge Lighthouses in Lewes - A national landmark that was commissioned by John Quincy Adams and served until 1944. The Harbor of Refuge was built in 1901 and is Delaware's only coastal lighthouse still in service. Museum DiscoverSea Shipwreck Museum on Fenwick Island - Features exhibits on the maritime history of local shipwrecks and a large collection of shipwreck artifacts including the Titanic and ships that went down off the Delaware coast dating back to the 1600's. Maritime films are also presented. Nutter D. Marvel Carriage Museum in Georgetown is a collection of historic buildings including a 100-year-old church, a one-room schoolhouse, blacksmith shop and others. Horse-drawn carriages, photos and local memorabilia. Zwaanendael Museum in Lewes (originally named Zwaanendael by the Dutch) - Features historic military and maritime artifacts dating back from 1631 to the War of 1812. Provides a view of life from the settlement in 1631 to the present. Nanticoke Indian Museum in Millsboro - Located in a restored schoolhouse; listed on the National Register of Historic Landmarks; features the history and culture of the Nanticoke Indians who were Delaware's first inhabitants. Pottery, beadwork, clothing, arrowheads and stone implements. Science & Nature Related Abbott's Mill Nature Center in Milford - Consists of a grist mill, a pond and pine wood trails. Fishing and canoeing. An educational building holds a freshwater wet lab for hands-on work for all ages. Edward H. McCabe Preserve and Greenway Trail in Milton - A 143-acre reserve of native flora and fauna and a refuge for migratory birds. A two-mile canoe trail to Milton. Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge in Milton - A 9700-acre refuge and a wintering and breeding habitat for water fowl and other migratory birds. Four walking trails and a boardwalk trail, two ponds, boat ramps and a 7-mile canoe trail. Fishing and hunting allowed.

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