15 Best Things to Do in Glasgow (DE)

Written by Bart Meeuwesen
Updated on
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Glasgow, Delaware is a town of about 13,000 residents that’s located in the state’s northeast corner, just a few miles from Maryland to the west.

Glasgow’s proximity to Interstate 95 and numerous neighboring states make it a great place to visit for day-trippers. But for those who prefer to stay in-state, there are a variety of natural, historical, art, and outdoor recreation options available as well.

Farther south in Delaware are casinos, race tracks, state parks, and some of the most pristine and family-friendly beaches along the mid-Atlantic coast.

Below are 15 things to do in and around Glasgow, Delaware.

1. Glasgow Park

Glasgow ParkSource: lenroy / shutterstock
Glasgow Park

For its convenient location and abundant activities, Glasgow Park is in a league of its own.

It’s located just off Route 40, and though it’s technically in Newark, it’s just a few blocks from the downtown area.

One of the park’s biggest draws is its multi-use trail that stretches for nearly three miles, which is a favorite destination for urban walkers looking to stretch their legs in the morning or afternoon.

Park amenities also include rentable party pavilions, tennis and basketball courts, a skate park, and playgrounds. There’s also a dog park for those traveling with four-footed friends.

2. Casapulla’s Subs

Philly Cheesesteak SandwichSource: Brent Hofacker / shutterstock
Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich

For more than five decades, Casapulla’s Subs has been an iconic Delaware eatery, and according to many diehard customers, it serves the First State’s best subs.

Their keys to success are a comfortable and inviting atmosphere, high-quality products, and attentive staff.

Casapulla’s is located just south of Route 40 on Glasgow Avenue in town. It has been a family-owned and operated establishment from the beginning.

They’re particularly well-known for their Philly-style cheesesteaks and Italian cold cut subs, but their menu features an impressive selection and usually has a little something to tempt even those with the most finicky taste buds.

3. Biden Welcome Center

Biden Welcome CenterSource: Rosemarie Mosteller / shutterstock
Biden Welcome Center

Welcome centers often get overlooked by travelers on tight schedules, but for those visiting an area for the first time, they’re great resources that shouldn’t be passed up.

The Biden Welcome Center is located on Interstate 95 and is accessible for travelers coming from the north and south.

It’s part of a rest stop that features lots of food choices, gasoline, and clean restrooms. There’s a huge section that’s stocked with maps, travel magazines, and brochures that are free for the taking.

Many of them contain valuable coupons for dining, lodging, and things to see and do, so grab a handful or two before hitting the road.

4. White Clay Creek State Park

White Clay Creek State ParkSource: James Geisler / shutterstock
White Clay Creek State Park

Though Delaware is one of the nation’s smallest states, it’s home to a surprising number of state parks; many of the most popular are just a short drive away for those staying in Glasgow.

White Clay Creek State Park is located on New London Road in Newark and is popular with hikers, cyclists, and those traveling with children.

The park is also a regional hotspot for bird watchers, and an abundance of species are commonly seen from the multi-use trails.

Anglers congregate in the park during trout season, especially when the state’s department of natural resources stocks Clay Creek just before opening day.

5. Bruster’s Real Ice Cream

Bruster’s Real Ice CreamSource: melissamn / shutterstock
Bruster’s Real Ice Cream

Ice cream is a staple of many vacationer’s diets, and though there are plenty of choices out there, many visitors to Glasgow choose to give their business to locally-owned and operated shops like Bruster’s Real Ice Cream.

Previous guests have noted that Bruster’s ice cream tastes homemade, and that their prices are reasonable and their portion sizes generous.

Their selection includes classics like vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry, but for those who want something a bit less traditional, they offer a variety of wacky options that contain ingredients like cereal, cookies, and candy.

There’s outdoor seating as well, and dogs are okay as long as they’re leashed and cleaned up after.

6. Christiana Mall

Barnes & Noble, Christiana MallSource: Mihai_Andritoiu / shutterstock
Barnes & Noble, Christiana Mall

Delaware is a regional retail powerhouse that draws eager shoppers from a number of mid-Atlantic states, and it’s because there’s no sales tax.

That means significant savings for savvy shoppers who don’t mind spending a bit of time in the car, and Christiana Mall is one of the prime attractions.

It’s anchored by big national retailers like Macy’s, Barnes &  Noble, REI and Nordstrom. Though clothes are the big draw, there are electronics, books, jewelry, and lots of dining options as well.

Restaurants range from fast and inexpensive to more traditional sit-down establishments that offer everything from pizza and gourmet burgers to sushi and Italian.

7. Delaware Children’s Museum

Delaware Children's MuseumSource: Delaware Children's Museum / Facebook
Delaware Children’s Museum

Glasgow is just a stone’s throw from the two largest highways that run through the state, so it’s a popular stop-off point for travelers just passing through the area.

The Delaware Children’s Museum is chock-full of interactive exhibits touching on a variety of interesting topics, like art, history, science, and technology.

Few attractions can match its ability to entertain, engage, and educate all at the same time, and despite its name, it’s usually a big hit with those of all ages and interests.

Located in Wilmington, just east of Glasgow, it tends to draw crowds, especially on the weekends.

8. Resident Ensemble Players Theater

TheaterSource: wavebreakmedia / shutterstock
Theater

Delaware is full of state parks, cultural attractions, and long stretches of pristine beach. But for visitors looking for something a bit different, an evening spent with the Resident Ensemble Players Theater may be just what the doctor ordered.

REP is a theater group located in the Roselle Center for the Arts on the scenic campus of The University of Delaware in Newark. Throughout the year, they perform a variety of productions that range from old classics and comedies to contemporary favorites.

Guests who’ve taken in shows at other larger venues consistently rank performances at REP among the best, and tickets are surprisingly cheap.

9. Fred Rust Ice Arena

Ice SkatingSource: Marc Bruxelle / shutterstock
Ice Skating

Though most new visitors to Delaware associate it with agriculture, historical attractions, and beaches, it’s also home to one of the area’s most popular ice arenas, which is conveniently located on the University of Delaware campus in Newark.

The arena features several individual rinks. Though they often host organized figure skating and ice hockey leagues, they’re frequently open to the public as well.

Tickets are reasonably priced, and skates and helmets are available to rent for those who don’t have their own.

Consider checking out a hockey game or skating competition if you’d prefer to watch from a safe distance.

10. Whereabouts Café

BagelSource: Linda Hughes Photography / shutterstock
Bagel

Without their cup of morning coffee, many weary travelers would be little more than zombies for the rest of the day.

Whereabouts Café is located in Peoples Plaza in Newark, just a short drive from Glasgow. In addition to great java, they’re pretty famous for their bagels, which are steamed instead of boiled before baking.

Whereabouts was founded more than a decade ago and sources the freshest coffee. Though some of it comes from far-flung corners of the globe, it never spends more than a few days in transit, which means that by the time it’s enjoyed, it’s still remarkably fresh.

11. Delaware Art Museum

Delaware Art MuseumSource: -Jeffrey- / Flickr | CC BY-ND
Delaware Art Museum

The Delaware Art Museum is located on Kentmere Parkway in Wilmington and houses one of the state’s most extensive collections of American art.

Most of the museum’s more than 10,000 pieces are from the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries and include paintings, sculptures, pottery, and folk art done in a variety of interesting mediums.

The museum also sports an expansive outdoor portion that includes walking paths, gardens, and permanent sculptures. The staff offer many special events, programs, and workshops throughout the year, many of which are appropriate for budding artists and children.

Check their website for specifics before heading out.

12. Russell W. Peterson Wildlife Refuge

Russell W. Peterson Wildlife RefugeSource: Charlotte Evelyn / shutterstock
Russell W. Peterson Wildlife Refuge

Urban environments aren’t typically home to wildlife refuges, but that’s where the Russell W. Peterson Wildlife Refuge breaks the mold.

It’s located on Delmarva Lane in downtown Wilmington and is the perfect escape destination for outdoorsy types who haven’t got the time to visit the state’s larger natural areas in other counties.

Much of the refuge fronts the Delaware River, and it’s the area where the land and water meet that it’s most common to see the diverse bird species that call the refuge home.

The refuge can get crowded during peak times in the summer, but it’s usually not too difficult to find a quiet place to yourself.

13. Hale-Byrnes House

Hale-Byrnes HouseSource: JERRYE & ROY KLOTZ, M.D. / Wikimedia | CC BY-SA 4.0
Hale-Byrnes House

The Hale-Byrnes House is located on Stanton Christiana Road in Newark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The home was built in the mid-18th century, and over the years, was the residence of a number of prominent Delaware citizens who played important roles in the Revolutionary War and founding of the country.

George Washington once held a meeting in the house before an important campaign, but today, the home and grounds are open seasonally to local and visiting history aficionados.

Admission is reasonable, though it’s wise to check out their hours online before making a special trip.

14. Delaware Museum of Natural History

Delaware Museum of Natural HistorySource: Jim, the Photographer / Flickr | CC BY
Delaware Museum Of Natural History

With so much human history in Delaware, it’s easy to overlook the state’s natural history. But for those looking for a change of pace, the Delaware Museum of Natural History is worthy of an hour or two of valuable vacation time.

The museum’s exhibits focus on animals, dinosaurs, and the environment. Many of them are interactive, which means they’re perfect for those visiting with inquisitive little ones.

The museum is located on Kennett Pike in Wilmington and is open year-round. They host a variety of special events and exhibits throughout the year, especially during the summer months and holiday season.

15. Midnight Oil Brewing Company

Midnight Oil Brewing CompanySource: Midnight Oil Brewing Company / Facebook
Midnight Oil Brewing Company

Most of Delaware’s small breweries are located along the Atlantic coast, but for those visiting the Glasgow area, there are a few good options as well.

Midnight Oil Brewing Company was started by an amateur beer aficionado and brewer in his home, but his products soon caught on, and the rest – as they say – is history.

Behind-the-scenes tours are offered regularly, and their taproom is stocked with a variety of tasty beers that run the gamut from dark stouts to crisp ales.

Their selection changes frequently and with the seasons, so no matter when you visit, you’ll likely run into something you haven’t tried.



15 Best Things to Do in Glasgow (DE):

  • Glasgow Park
  • Casapulla’s Subs
  • Biden Welcome Center
  • White Clay Creek State Park
  • Bruster’s Real Ice Cream
  • Christiana Mall
  • Delaware Children’s Museum
  • Resident Ensemble Players Theater
  • Fred Rust Ice Arena
  • Whereabouts Café
  • Delaware Art Museum
  • Russell W. Peterson Wildlife Refuge
  • Hale-Byrnes House
  • Delaware Museum of Natural History
  • Midnight Oil Brewing Company