The Coolest Abandoned Places in Delaware
Dilapidated cotton and tobacco mills, crumbling mansions, and a derelict lightkeeper’s quarters are among the most interesting abandoned places in Delaware.
Written by Laura Salvas
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
From an old lightkeeper’s house on an overgrown road to a derelict mill that used to make snuff, these nine historical abandoned places in
Delaware
are worth a look or even a full-on exploration. You might think Delaware is too tiny to be hiding any secrets, but scratch the surface a little, and you’ll discover why this place is truly a small wonder. While many of Delaware’s beautiful old buildings, factories, and even towns have been demolished in recent years to make way for new developments, you can still find evidence of the state’s fascinating history.
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Abandoned factories and mills in Delaware
Garnett Snuff Mill
Location: Yorklyn
Abandoned since: 1954
Is it legal to go in? Yes
Yorklyn is a great destination for abandoned sites in Delaware, and a walk along
Yorklyn Bridge Trail
will bring you past some of the most interesting buildings that remain standing, such as the Garnett Snuff Mill.In 1846—back when snuff was in fashion—this Yorklyn mill processed the tobacco, adding 14 buildings in the area by 1901. As snuff dwindled in popularity, the business was downscaled but continued making ground tobacco until 1954.
A few buildings remain in the area, such as the mill owner’s house and workers’ housing. While there was a previous attempt to revitalize these into shops, floods in 1999 and 2003 put a damper on that plan, rendering the buildings unusable.
However, revitalization is in the air again. You can stop at the former mechanic’s quarters for a pint, as it is now home to microbrewery
Dew Point Brewing
. Bancroft Mills
Location: Wilmington
Abandoned since: 1961
Is it legal to go in? No
Once Delaware’s largest and longest-running mill complex, this stretch along the bank of Brandywine Creek was first home to a paper mill in 1797. In 1831, this became Bancroft Mills and would famously grow into the largest cotton finishing mill in America.
In 1961, the business moved south, and the mill closed. It sat, crumbling beautifully for years until part of the complex was turned into a luxury condo in 2015.
Sadly, fires in 2015 and 2016 destroyed most of what remained of the mill. The cause of the fires is still a mystery but marked the end of the historic mill. The last standing chimney and buildings have been torn down to make way for another luxury condo.
While you can’t go inside the mill or explore the property, you can view the complex from surrounding parks.
To get a sense of the complex, your best viewpoints are from the trails on the other side of the river at
Alapocas Run State Park
or Rockford Park
. An old industrial bridge is still visible in Alapocas Run State Park, and the trail leading to it provides your best view.Old Mills
Location: Millsboro
Abandoned since: Varies
Is it legal to go in? Can visit; can’t go inside of mills
This town of about 7,000 people used to be home to more than 15 operating mills, given its ideal location at the headwaters of the Indian River. Over time, all the mills closed down, though many remain abandoned places.
If you like hunting for abandoned places, take a drive around the
Millsboro area
, and you’re sure to find a few decrepit mills. Sussex County is also an ideal area to search for abandoned homes. Remember these may still be private property, so skip the breaking and entering and just gawk at their beauty. Abandoned mansions in Delaware
Gibraltar Mansion
Location: Wilmington
Abandoned since: the 1990s
Is it legal to go in? Yes
You can wander through the restored gardens of this country estate home that dates back to 1844. This mansion was passed on through the DuPont family for decades, but the final owner didn’t care much for gardening. This was a shame, as the gardens were meticulously designed by famous landscape architect Marian Coffin in 1916.
When the owner died in 1990, the gardens were a hot mess. The building was initially put up for sale, but a campaign to have the beautiful example of the County Palace era preserved resulted in the family donating the estate to
Preservation Delaware
. While the deteriorating mansion has been empty for more than 20 years, enduring disputes over what it should be used for, Preservation Delaware restored
The Marian Coffin Gardens
, which are open to the public daily from dawn to dusk. Abandoned towns in Delaware
Glenville
Location: New Castle
Abandoned since: 2004
Is it legal to go in? Yes
Once a pleasant post-war subdivision in
New Castle
, this community was forced into ghost town status in 2003. Homeowners likely found the real estate appealing due to its location on the bank of Red Clay Creek on Bread and Cheese Island and took their chances living on a flood plain. Despite warnings from the government following Hurricane Floyd in 1999, most residents did not modify their homes to withstand floods. On September 15, 2003, Tropical Storm Henri destroyed all but one home.
The state and local governments bought out homeowners, and the community was abandoned in 2004. In 2005, demolition began, and the area is now wetlands. While all houses are gone, some building remnants and evidence of roads remain.
Pro Tip If you want to explore the area, avoid trespassing on industrial sites and be aware some people have set up an off-the-grid camp in the area, so be sure to respect their belongings.
Abandoned navigation lights in Delaware
Green Hill Light Caretaker’s House
Location: Lewes
Abandoned since: 1918
Is it legal to go in? Yes
Known locally as the Green Hill Light, the Delaware Breakwater Rear Range navigation light went into service in 1881 and was decommissioned in 1918. You can still explore the remnants of the keeper’s house and barn while marveling at the overgrown ornamental plants.
In 1881, a two-story house was built for the lightkeeper. The keeper made the area into a home for himself, adding a brick oil house and barn in 1898. In 1901, he planted 600 ornamental trees and shrubs and covered the land in brick walkways.
Though an upgrade to a concrete house was made in 1910, the light was decommissioned in 1918, and the lightkeeper left his tree babies behind.
To visit the site, travel down the lane near the end of Pilottown Road just past Canary Creek. The area can be tough to access in the summer when the road is overgrown with plants.
Ship John Shoal Light
Location: Delaware Bay
Abandoned since: 1973
Is it legal to go in? Yes
The keepers who worked the Ship John Shoal Light were warned to wear a lifejacket to bed; in case a boat was to crash into the structure at night, knocking it from its foundation. This cast-iron lighthouse was, after all, named for “Ship John,” a boat that wrecked near what would become the structure’s home site.
The light tower was exhibited at the 1879 Centennial Exposition—the first World’s Fair—in
Philadelphia
and was then secured on the north side of the shipping channel in Delaware Bay and first lit in 1877. Crews worked in the lighthouse until it became automated in 1973 and has since remained operational but abandoned. You’ll need to hop in a boat to get a closer look at this beautiful relic, though its original lens is on display at the Coast Guard Air Station in Pomona,
New Jersey
. Fort Miles
Location: Cape Henlopen State Park
Abandoned since: 1991
Is it legal to go in? Yes
Bunkers and big guns from WWII abound in this preserved historic area of
Cape Henlopen State Park
near Lewes
. But the biggest draw is Observation Tower 7. Climb the spiral staircase for a stunning view over Delaware Bay.This fort was built to defend Delaware Bay and domestic shipping from German fleets during the second world war and was home to underwater mines. Following the war, the army continued to find various uses for the fort until 1991, when it was handed over to the state park.
While the bike path will take you to the most interesting abandoned sites at Fort Miles, you can also visit the operational museum or even take a guided tour of the area.
Fort DuPont
Location: Fort DuPont State Park
Abandoned since: 1945
Is it legal to go in? Yes
Built to protect Delaware River ports from enemy ships, this current park was a functioning military base from the Civil War through WWII. In 1945, the base and its buildings were handed over to the state. Today, the batteries and fortifications still stand and are free to wander through.
While the insides of the batteries are mostly barren cement, being able to sneak in and out of the abandoned structures provides for a hands-on feel of history and some great photo opportunities in
Fort DuPont State Park
. Tips for exploring Delaware’s abandoned places
Finding an abandoned place to explore can provide a big adrenaline rush, but don’t let the excitement overtake that responsible part of your brain that stays safe and plan ahead!
- Make sure you’re not trespassing. Check websites or call ahead to ensure you’re a welcome visitor, or be respectful and remember that just because a building is vacant doesn’t mean it’s okay to break in.
- Dress for an adventure. Boards with nails, broken glass, flaking rust—maybe leave the flip flops at home. Wear protective footwear, long pants, shirts with sleeves, and clothes you won’t mourn if they get ripped or dirty.
- Take only memories. Share your love of abandoned places with others by leaving things as they are. So often, these beautiful old buildings are torn down—it’s up to us to preserve what we can while we can.
- Bring a friend or tell someone your plans. While most of these places are safe, you don’t want a dead car battery and poor phone signal to force you to live in a broken-down barn until you’re found.
- Bring protective gear, such as a face mask, gloves, or even a helmet if you’re exploring old buildings that could contain mold or asbestos; or may have crumbling foundations that could land on your noggin.
The beauty of abandoned places is that they have remained preserved while organically falling into decay. Treating the places with respect will help keep the magic alive for others to discover.
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FAQs
Are abandoned houses a problem in Delaware?
Abandoned houses are an issue in cities because they can attract criminal activity and arson and drive down the property values of surrounding homes. In 2017, Delaware passed an “anti-blight” bill to help local governments combat vacant homes.
Is it dangerous to explore an abandoned place in Delaware?
It depends on the place, but always assume the answer is yes. Old houses could have toxic mold or building materials, and old factories could be filled with chemicals. Also, be wary of floors or ceilings caving in and other dangers such as nails, glass, or squatters (whether human or animal). Not to mention legal trouble if you’re trespassing.
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