Delaware may be the second-smallest state in the USA, but when it comes to weird attractions, it packs a serious punch. From whacky museums featuring a mermaid’s corpse to a massive statue of an Amish man, you could say the state revels in all things offbeat.
The next time you’re traveling through Delaware, don’t miss out on these weirdly wonderful attractions!
If you happen to wander into Dover, Delaware, stop and snap a photo with the Big Amish Man statue. Yep, you read that right – a 20-foot-tall fiberglass statue of an Amish man can be found in front of the Xtreme Graphix sign shop. Originally built in Pennsylvania, it was transported to Delaware to serve as the mascot for the Dutch Pantry House before finding its permanent home where it sits today.
Epic doesn’t even describe this cool treehouse art installation in Milton. Towering in front of the Delaware Dogfish Brewery, this unique, 40-foot-tall sculpture is made from a combination of rusted metal and recycled wood. Representing the ever-evolving relationship between humans and nature, the octagonal treehouse rests on a twisted tree of metal with branches that extend toward the sky and look like construction cranes. Stop by for a photo op, then grab a beer and a bite to eat at the brewery.
Do mermaids and mermen truly exist? Well, at the Zwaanendael Museum in Lewes, seeing is believing. Tucked away in the museum’s maritime exhibit, you’ll find the mummified corpse of what is claimed to be a real-life merman. Of course, this is just a gag; the merman in question is just a combination of mummified animal parts, from a shrunken monkey head to the body of a fish – or is it? Be sure to explore the rest of the museum, a commemoration of Delaware’s first Dutch colony featuring artifacts and exhibits highlighting the area’s military and social history.
Watch out for flying racecars when passing by the Dover International Speedway, home to Miles the Monster! This terrifying, 46-foot-tall sculpture can be found bursting through the venue with a full-size racecar in hand. Named after the speedway’s nickname, The Monster Mile, Miles serves as the official mascot of the track! Stop by for a race or simply check out Miles on his rampage.
If you’re ever passing through Seaford, Delaware, take a detour to the Seaford Wesleyan Church for a roadside attraction of Biblical proportions. Bringing the story of Noah’s Ark to life, the church has transformed its entire building into a replica of the ark itself. Check out the vessel’s towering stern and colorful wooden cutouts of animals poking their heads out of the windows. It’s a cute little attraction if you’re looking for a fun photo op!
The perfect stop for your bucket list if you love quirky roadside weirdness, this Giant Doctor’s Bag and Stethoscope sits prominently on the grounds of the Apex Medical Center in Newark. Standing 20 feet tall and 15 feet long, this large sculpture of a doctor’s bag with a stethoscope winding around it is a hit with visitors and locals alike. Stop by to strike a pose or enjoy a picnic on the green space surrounding the medical complex.
It’s easy to spot this attraction, thanks to the dozens of tiki statues spread out along the road in Milford, Delaware. Part art gallery, part woodworking shop, Tiki Murph is home to artists carving everything from tiki statues to tiki huts, bars and signs! Wander through the vast variety of tiki statues, big and small, or watch artists hard at work carving their latest tiki masterpieces. It’s an exciting slice of the tropics in the Northeast!
Fantasy becomes a reality at this children’s garden in Wilmington, Delaware. Tucked away in the gardens that surround the Winterthur mansion, this three-acre fairy-tale garden is home to whimsical art installations. Take a moment to perch in the large bird’s nest overlooking an enchanting cottage with a hearth, thatched roof and stone walls. Check out the mystical faerie ring, a collection of stone mushrooms that, during the summer, spray a cooling mist around the area. And be sure to stop by the Gathering Green, an expansive clearing with a colorful maypole at its center.
