Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library
A magnificent estate with 175 period rooms and 1,000 acres of gardens, showcasing American decorative arts and natural beauty.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Gardens in full bloom, pleasant temps
Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library
Best Time
Gardens in full bloom, pleasant temps

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A magnificent estate with 175 period rooms and 1,000 acres of gardens, showcasing American decorative arts and natural beauty.
"So beautiful!!! Gorgeous rolling hills, woods, gardens and hidden gems all worthy of a long afternoon stroll."
Wear comfy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
You'll be doing a lot of walking on varied terrain. Essential for garden exploration!
Book house tour tickets early
Self-guided house tours are popular; book ahead to secure your spot and avoid disappointment.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Enchanted Woods
Children's Garden
A whimsical wonderland for kids with hobbit houses and fairy tea parties. Pure magic!

Period Rooms
Historic House
Step back in time through 175 meticulously preserved rooms showcasing American decorative arts.

Tram Garden Tour
Estate Grounds
Effortlessly glide past rolling meadows, ancient trees, and seasonal blooms.

Ann Lowe Exhibition
Museum Galleries
Marvel at gowns by America's first Black couture dress designer, including Jackie Kennedy's.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Estate's Scale
Garden Exploration Essentials
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear comfy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
You'll be doing a lot of walking on varied terrain. Essential for garden exploration!
Book house tour tickets early
Self-guided house tours are popular; book ahead to secure your spot and avoid disappointment.
Utilize the free tram tour
A great way to get an overview of the estate and access different areas easily. :bus:
Pack a picnic or use the cafe
Enjoy food amidst the beauty. Cafe has great food, even wine! :wine_glass:
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear comfy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
You'll be doing a lot of walking on varied terrain. Essential for garden exploration!
Book house tour tickets early
Self-guided house tours are popular; book ahead to secure your spot and avoid disappointment.
Utilize the free tram tour
A great way to get an overview of the estate and access different areas easily. :bus:
Pack a picnic or use the cafe
Enjoy food amidst the beauty. Cafe has great food, even wine! :wine_glass:
Consider a two-day visit
So much to see, you might need more than one day to fully explore. :calendar:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Winterthur for its breathtaking gardens, impressive historic house, and the magical Enchanted Woods. The knowledgeable and friendly staff, along with convenient amenities like the tram tour and cafe, enhance the overall experience. While the estate is vast, most find it a delightful place for a leisurely stroll and exploration.
"So beautiful!!! Gorgeous rolling hills, woods, gardens and hidden gems all worthy of a long afternoon stroll. We did the self-guided house tour (170 rooms - not all open to the public but a large part of them are) very beautiful and interesting and the guides were very friendly, knowledgeable and helpful) and wandered the wooded hills and paths. (There are trams and buses throughout the day to transport people around the gardens and to the house and museum from the visitor center.) The museum is wonderful and impressive. Ours was a premier client company event and we all enjoyed a delicious - and let me tell you, it was delicious! - buffet of chicken tarragon, braised short ribs with mashed potatoes and gravy, a wonderful salad, and their famous (and rightly so) mushroom soup! It was a delightful day and I highly recommend a nice leisurely visit!"
Sharon McNeill
"My family had so much fun at Winterthur Museum and Gardens today. The admission was reasonable and the facilities are really nice. Beautiful buildings, exhibits and gardens. The free guided tram ride really give you a great way to get to know what you’d like to spend your time doing while you’re there. The cafe has great food, too or bring your own."
Tom Aquilone
"Beautiful gardens and mansion with quite a variety to see. The docents in the home are knowledgeable and friendly. The Enchanted Garden is a nice spot for kids and the guided tram tour that runs hourly (30 min long appx) allows those with mobility issues a chance to see much of the estate easily."
Benjamin Goodrich
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Winterthur is located outside Wilmington, Delaware. Driving is the most common way, with ample parking available. Public transport options are limited, but some bus routes may serve the area. Check local transit schedules for the most up-to-date information. Many visitors arrive from nearby cities like Philadelphia, which is about an hour's drive away.
Yes, Winterthur offers ample parking for visitors. The visitor center is the main entry point, and parking is conveniently located nearby. Follow the signs upon arrival.
Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft can drop off and pick up visitors at Winterthur. It's a good option if you're not driving yourself.
The estate is vast! You can walk, use the free guided tram tour that runs hourly, or take the bus service. The tram is excellent for getting an overview and reaching key areas.
Yes, Winterthur strives to be accessible. The guided tram tour is a great option for those with mobility challenges, and many garden paths are paved or well-maintained. Accessible parking is also available.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices vary depending on the season and any special exhibits. It's recommended to check the official Winterthur website for the most current pricing and to purchase tickets in advance, especially for popular house tours.
While walk-in tickets may be available, booking in advance is highly recommended, particularly for the self-guided house tours, which can sell out. This ensures you get your preferred time slot.
General admission typically includes access to the gardens, the museum galleries, and the Enchanted Woods. Access to the historic house tours often requires a separate ticket or a premium admission package.
Check the Winterthur website for potential discounts, such as for seniors, students, or AAA members. Membership also offers free admission and other benefits.
Opening hours can vary by season and day of the week. It's best to consult the official Winterthur website for the most accurate and up-to-date operating hours before your visit.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Don't miss the stunning period rooms in the house, the magical Enchanted Woods for kids, and a leisurely stroll through the 60 acres of diverse gardens. The tram tour is also a great way to see the estate.
To truly experience the house, gardens, and exhibits, plan for at least a half-day. Many visitors find a full day or even two days ideal to explore everything at a relaxed pace.
Yes, Winterthur offers guided tours, including the popular self-guided house tour with knowledgeable docents, and the estate tram tour. Check the schedule upon arrival for tour times.
The Enchanted Woods is a magical children's garden designed for imaginative play, featuring hobbit houses, fairy tea parties, and whimsical elements that kids adore.
Photography is generally allowed in the gardens and public areas for personal use. However, flash photography and tripods may be restricted in certain indoor exhibits or the house. Always check signage.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Winterthur has a cafe that offers a good selection of food, including salads, sandwiches, and hot dishes. They even serve wine! You can also bring your own picnic to enjoy on the grounds.
Reviews suggest the cafe offers delicious food, with specific mentions of their famous mushroom soup and satisfying buffet options like chicken tarragon and braised short ribs.
Yes, bringing a picnic is a great option. There are beautiful spots throughout the gardens where you can relax and enjoy your own meal.
While specific menus can change, the cafe typically offers a variety of options. It's advisable to check the current menu or inquire with staff upon arrival for vegetarian or vegan choices.
Winterthur is a popular venue for events, including weddings. They offer various spaces for private functions. Inquire with their events department for details.
📸 📸 Photography
The gardens offer endless photographic opportunities with seasonal blooms, ancient trees, and scenic vistas. The koi pond is noted as a particularly beautiful and private spot.
Yes, Winterthur is a stunning backdrop for engagement and wedding photos. Many photographers capture beautiful moments here, especially in the gardens.
While personal photography is generally permitted, flash photography and tripods might be restricted in certain indoor areas or exhibits to protect the artifacts. Always check for posted signs.
Visitors often capture landscape shots of the gardens, architectural details of the estate, and intimate moments in the Enchanted Woods. The period rooms also offer unique photographic subjects.
Drone usage is typically prohibited at Winterthur to ensure the safety and tranquility of visitors and to protect the estate and its collections. Always verify current regulations.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider packing a picnic to enjoy amidst the beautiful gardens, or utilize the family-friendly cafe. The overall atmosphere is welcoming and designed to engage younger visitors, making it a memorable outing for the whole family.
🚶♀️ Garden Enthusiasts
Don't miss the opportunity to wander through the various garden 'rooms' and discover hidden paths. The Tram Garden Tour offers a great overview, but dedicated time for walking allows for a deeper appreciation of the horticultural artistry.
🏛️ History & Art Buffs
Beyond the permanent collection, keep an eye out for special exhibitions, such as the acclaimed Ann Lowe gown display, which highlight significant figures and movements in American art and fashion. The museum galleries offer further depth into the decorative arts, making it a rich experience for anyone interested in American heritage.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Enchanted Woods
This award-winning children's garden is more than just a play area; it's an immersive experience. The creators have thoughtfully designed it to be engaging and magical, offering endless possibilities for exploration. It’s a testament to Winterthur’s commitment to providing diverse experiences for all ages, ensuring that even the youngest visitors have a fantastical time.
The Historic House and Period Rooms
The self-guided house tour is a popular activity, with knowledgeable docents available to answer questions and provide insights. The guides are often praised for being friendly and helpful, enhancing the educational and engaging nature of the tour. The sheer scale of the house, once the home of Henry Francis du Pont, is impressive, showcasing his passion as an antiques collector and horticulturist.
Beyond the main house, Winterthur also hosts rotating exhibitions. A notable recent exhibit featured gowns by Ann Lowe, America's first Black couture dress designer, including a piece worn by Jackie Kennedy. These exhibits add another layer of cultural and historical depth to the visitor experience, making each visit potentially unique.
Gardens and Estate Exploration
To help visitors navigate this expansive estate, Winterthur offers a free guided tram tour. This is highly recommended, especially for those with mobility concerns or who want a comprehensive overview of the grounds. The tram glides past iconic old-growth trees, some hundreds of years old, and offers stunning vistas. For those who prefer to explore on foot, comfortable shoes are essential, as some areas involve uphill climbs and unshaded paths.
Many visitors rave about the beauty and tranquility of the gardens, describing them as 'gorgeous' and 'well-maintained.' It's a place where one can easily spend an afternoon strolling, enjoying the natural beauty, and discovering hidden gems like the koi pond, which is noted as a particularly picturesque and private spot.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit