Discover the Brandywine Valley with the Treasure Trail Passport
Experience history, nature, and art with exclusive access to 12 iconic attractions
Longwood Gardens
Provided Courtesy/Wilmington and the Brandywine Valley
by Ed Condran
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Looking for a meaningful way to create lasting memories? The Brandywine Treasure Trail Passport is your ticket to an unforgettable experience in the Brandywine Valley.
Perfect for adventure seekers and culture enthusiasts, the Trail Passport opens the door to world-renowned gardens, historic estates, museums, and more. It’s an invitation to immerse yourself in the rich heritage and natural beauty of this remarkable region.
With access to 12 unique attractions across Wilmington and the Brandywine Valley, the Trail Passport offers the freedom to explore this scenic and historic destination at your own pace.
Here’s a glimpse of each attraction included with the passport:
Longwood Gardens
More than just a garden,
Longwood Gardens
is a world-renowned destination that USA Today readers named “Best Botanical
Garden.” With over 11,000 plants, it’s a vibrant experience year-round.
Outdoors, fields bloom in a rainbow of colors, while inside, the
Conservatory houses 20 distinct gardens where lush greenery and flowing
water create a tropical oasis — even in the depths of winter. Don't miss the
iconic Longwood Hybrid Cineraria, a burst of bold periwinkle among the
endless plant varieties.
Mt. Cuba Center
Nature lovers will enjoy the
Mt. Cuba Center, which is filled with gardens and ponds. The woodland gardens produce some
of the most spectacular displays of wildflowers in the Mid-Atlantic region.
In a 2020 readers' choice poll, it was named the best botanical garden in
the United States. Wander along the Dogwood Path, a tranquil journey through
peaceful woodlands, and soak in the beauty of this ecological gem.
Provided Courtesy/Wilmington and the Brandywine ValleyMt. Cuba Center Rockwood Park & Museum
History and nature blend beautifully at
Rockwood Park. With 72 acres of English-style gardens and trails, it offers a peaceful
retreat. The park’s museum provides a glimpse into 19th-century life, and in
summer, the Delaware Shakespeare Festival brings the lawn alive with
theatrical magic.
Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library
For a taste of Americana,
Winterthur
offers an exceptional experience. Admire the famous Campbell Collection of
Soup Tureens and explore the expansive gardens and library dedicated to
American art. Winterthur’s eclectic collections and lush landscapes make it
an unforgettable visit.
Nemours Estate
Du Pont is to Delaware to what Rockefeller is to New York. Built by Alfred
du Pont,
Nemours Estate
is home to a 77-room mansion that sits on 200-acres of breathtaking grounds
and woodlands. Wander through the meticulously designed gardens and marvel
at “Achievement,” a towering golden statue surrounded by a fountain with 157
dancing jets. It’s Delaware's very own piece of France.
Provided Courtesy/Wilmington and the Brandywine ValleyNemours Estate The Brandywine Museum of Art
This former 19th-century mill turned museum is nestled alongside
the Brandywine River, and now includes a modern steel and glass addition.
The Brandywine Museum of Art showcases the work of Andrew Wyeth, an iconic
American realist painter, and many other celebrated American artists.
The Delaware Contemporary
For art enthusiasts seeking modern works,
The Delaware Contemporary
offers thought-provoking exhibitions that explore contemporary issues. This
vibrant museum showcases regionally, nationally, and internationally
acclaimed artists
Delaware History Museum
"Delaware: One State, Many Stories" is the theme at the
Delaware History Museum
. Here you’ll discover stories of the state’s immigrant heritage, maritime
past, and industrial evolution. The
Mitchell Center for African American Heritage
is a must-see, featuring exhibits that presents compelling perspectives of
African Americans’ struggles for human rights, freedom, and dignity in
Delaware and beyond.
Provided Courtesy/Wilmington and the Brandywine Valley Delaware Art Museum
Located on the scenic Kentmere Parkway, the
Delaware Art Museum
features an impressive collection of more than 12,000 objects. Founded in
1912 to honor artist Howard Pyle, the museum boasts the largest
pre-Raphaelite collection outside the British Isles. Stroll through the
sculpture gardens and take in the dynamic artwork of both historical and
contemporary creators.
The Delaware Museum of Nature & Science
Previously the Delaware Museum of Natural History, the
Delaware Museum of Nature & Science
has been reimagined to engage visitors with the wonders of our planet.
Explore ecosystems from the tropical rainforest to the Arctic tundra and
even dive into various ocean habitats.
Provided Courtesy/Wilmington and the Brandywine ValleyThe Delaware Museum of Nature & Science Hagley Museum & Library
History lovers will find a treasure trove at
the Hagley Museum & Library, where they can delve into the story of the du Pont family and the American
industrial revolution. Don’t miss the Powder Yard, where you can learn about
the perilous lives of those who worked with explosives daily.
Read House & Gardens
Located in
Historic New Castle, the
Read House & Gardens
is a hidden gem that offers a glimpse into Colonial history. Explore the
elegant grounds overlooking the Delaware River, and stroll the cobblestone
streets of this well-preserved village, rich in history and charm.
Provided Courtesy/Wilmington and the Brandywine ValleyHagley Museum & Library Buying the Passport
The
Brandywine Treasure Trail Passport
is valid May 24, 2025 through October 31, 2025 and is available in two
convenient options to suit different types of travelers:
The Individual Passport, priced at $49, provides one person with access to
all twelve attractions along the Trail, making it an ideal gift for solo
explorers or those who want the freedom to immerse themselves in each
destination.
The Family Passport is an excellent choice at $99, providing access for two
adults and up to three children. This option allows families to experience
the Brandywine Valley together, creating memories across its historic sites,
stunning gardens, and engaging museums.
Both options are available for purchase in print or digital formats. For
those who like to travel light, the digital passport is available for
purchase online and can easily be accessed on a smartphone — meaning they’ll
never be without their ticket, even if they take a spontaneous trip. Plus,
the digital option includes a “gift option” during checkout, allowing you to
easily send it to someone else as a thoughtful present.
Printed passports
are available for purchase from the Greater Wilmington Visitor Center, which
is open Thursday – Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Visitor Center is
located at 920 Justison Street, Suite 5, Wilmington, DE 19801. Click
here
for directions.