15 Best Things to Do in Pike Creek (DE)

Pike Creek is located in Delaware’s New Castle County in the northwest corner of the state, just a short drive from the neighboring states of Maryland and Pennsylvania.

One of Pike Creek’s claims to fame is that it was recently ranked as the second most desirable place to live in the United States.

The area around Pike Creek has a number of state parks. The cities of Newark and Wilmington are easy drives as well, which means lots of historical sites, art and cultural events, and dining and lodging options.

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

1. Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza

For many travelers, pizza is a major source of sustenance while on the road, and Delaware’ has more than its fair share of pizza restaurants.

Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza is located on Limestone Road in Pike Creek and is open every day from 11:30 AM to 10 PM.

Their pizzas are baked at high temperatures using coal as the heat source. Most guests agree that this gives them a unique taste that just isn’t found elsewhere.

A variety of crusts and topping options are available. Though pizza is usually the star of the show, Anthony’s offers great wings, salads, and tasty appetizers as well.

2. Goldey Beacom College

Even in relatively rural towns, there’s usually a college or university campus nearby. Though they’re often overlooked as tourist attractions, they’re great community resources that shouldn’t be underestimated.

Goldey–Beacom College is located in Pike Creek Valley and is spread over nearly 25 scenic acres.

Like most campuses, it’s often abuzz with sporting events, theater productions, and guest speakers; many of them are free and open to the public.

Check their website to get an idea of what’ll be happening on campus when you’re in the area. Don’t be shy about asking staff and students for ideas of things to see and do in the area.

3. Chuck Lager – America’s Tavern

Located on New Linden Hill Road in Pike Creek, Chuck Lager – America’s Tavern is well-known for its tasty American cuisine, celebrity chef, and world-class selection of wine, beer, and craft bourbons.

The restaurant has only been open for about a year, but in that time, it’s garnered quite a reputation for quality and ambiance that are perfect fits for those looking for a truly unique dining experience.

Chuck Lager’s is more upmarket and pricy than many of its competitors. Their most popular recipes are traditional favorites with new twists, like seafood risotto, mac ‘n cheese, lasagna, and pasta Bolognese.

4. Delaware Park

Aerial Image Of The Delaware Park And Race Track

Delaware Park is one of the state’s most visited attractions and typically draws visitors from as far away as Baltimore and Philadelphia.

The park’s biggest draws are its casino and horse racing track, but for those who’d rather not gamble away their kid’s college funds, there are plenty of other options as well.

There’s a championship-level 18-hole golf course, an abundance of year-round live entertainment, and plenty of eating and lodging choices both on-site and nearby.

The park’s bars feature horse races and sporting events from around the country. They are particularly popular watering holes during the NFL season.

5. Deerfield Golf Course

Spread across nearly 150 acres just outside Newark city limits, Deerfield Golf Course was once owned by the DuPont Company and was the exclusive domain of the well-heeled.

Since 2006, however, it’s been a public course and is considered by many golf aficionados to be the state’s most iconic.

The course is adjacent to White Clay Creek State Park and features a variety of natural landscapes that meld seamlessly with its manicured fairways and greens.

Previous players have noted that the course is pleasantly challenging. The clubhouse restaurant features an award-winning Sunday brunch in the off-season months.

6. Delaware Museum of Natural History

With a history that dates back to the 1600s, Delaware is one of the region’s most popular attractions for those interested in getting a crash course in the founding of the nation.

Historically significant sites are found in abundance across the state, and nearby Wilmington is home to the state’s premier natural history museum.

The Delaware Museum of Natural History features an impressive variety of exhibits that touch on animals, the natural world, ecology, and the diverse environments found within the state’s borders.

The museum is located on Kennett Pike, and most travelers consider its reasonable admission cost a great bang for the buck.

7. DuPont Center for Environmental Education

Wilmington’s DuPont Center for Environmental Education is the largest facility of its kind in the state. Its convenient urban setting makes it an excellent option for those visiting Pike Creek or just passing through on the way to the beach.

The center’s grounds are comprised of about 200 acres that include long stretches of the Christiana River, forests, and freshwater marshes. They’re home to an impressive variety of animals and birds that are commonly seen from the well-marked trails.

The indoor portion of the facility includes interactive exhibits that are both engaging and educational. Admission is reasonable as well.

8. White Clay Creek State Park

At more than 3,000 acres, White Clay Creek State Park is one of the state’s largest natural areas. It’s conveniently located in Newark, just a short drive from Pike Creek.

The park offers visitors a variety of outdoor recreation options. One of its biggest draws is the creek after which it’s named, which stretches for nearly 20 miles through the scenic and undeveloped area.

Hiking, biking, bird watching, and fishing are popular park pastimes, the latter of which draws eager anglers during trout season – especially after the creek has been stocked.

There’s also a nature and visitor’s center, and historic sites as well.

9. Marshall Steam Museum

Just after the advent of mass-produced automobiles, engineers across the country got to work designing engines that ran on sources of energy other than gasoline.

The Marshal Steam Museum houses one of the country’s most complete and unique collections of antique and vintage cars, most of which are powered by steam engines and electric motors.

It’s a unique attraction that combines history, industry, and engineering. For many old-timers and classic car enthusiasts, their time spent on-site is truly a walk down Memory Lane.

The museum also features a scaled-down steam train that whisks visitors around the property on narrated tours.

10. Nemours Mansion

Nemours Mansion and Garden — Nemours Mansion And Garden

The DuPont family is Delaware’s wealthiest and most prominent. For much of the 20th century, they owned numerous mansions spread across the state.

Nemours Mansion is located in Wilmington and was among the most opulent of their residences. It’s now open to public tours.

The home resembles an alpine chateau and is full of posh art, furniture, and housewares that were the epitome of extravagance by the standards of the era.

Guided tours are offered regularly. For those interested in getting a truly behind-the-scenes look into the lives of the ultra-wealthy in years past, they’re definitely the way to go.

11. Rockwood Museum

Rockwood Museum and Park — Rockwood Museum And Park

The Rockwood Museum is located in Wilmington and is housed in a building that was originally built in the years leading up to the Civil War.

At that time, both Delaware and Maryland were on the border between the Union and Confederacy, and for much of its existence, the home was the residence of a local banker.

After he died, the home stayed in his family for generations. It’s now managed by a local civic and historic organization and is full of interesting tidbits of local history.

For those who’d like an in-depth look, guided tours are available, as are spooky evening ghost tours and special holiday events during the season.

12. Glasgow Regional Park

Glasgow Regional Park is one of New Castle County’s most accessible outdoor recreation attractions. It’s a perfect destination for those interested in experiencing the great outdoors without spending an arm and a leg and traveling halfway across the state.

The park is full of wide-open natural spaces and multi-use trails. For those traveling with little ones, there’s a huge playground.

Canine lovers appreciate the park’s designated dog areas. For sports-minded visitors, there are basketball and tennis courts, covered seating areas, and a skate park.

The park can get downright crowded during peak times on the weekends, so plan accordingly.

13. Iron Hill Science Center

Science centers are great places for traveling families to spend a few hours out of the elements. Unlike most attractions, they have a knack for enlightening and entertaining inquisitive minds at the same time.

The Iron Hill Science Center is located on Robert L. Melson Lane in Newark and has been known to keep visitors engaged for hours.

Its exhibits touch on a variety of topics, including technology, history, art, and the natural world. Many of them focus on how those things relate to the state and local area.

The center’s staff hosts a number of special programs and events throughout the year, too, so check their website before making a special trip.

14. Fred Rust Ice Arena

The Fred Rust Ice Arena is located on South College Avenue on the campus of The University of Delaware in Newark.

Over the years, the arena has been home base for some international figure skating legends, like Tara Lipinski. Though it’s often reserved for hockey matches and figure skating competitions, it’s frequently open to the public as well.

Ice skating not only burns tons of calories, but it’s a fun way to spend a few hours, especially when the weather isn’t conducive to outdoor activities.

Skates are available to rent on-site, and tickets to scheduled events may be purchased online or at the door.

15. Christiana Mall

Delaware is a big destination for savvy shoppers looking to save a few bucks because it’s the only state in the region that doesn’t have retail sales tax.

That goes for everything from cars and electronics to books and clothes. Christiana Mall is a prime stop-off for those traveling along the Interstate 95 corridor.

The mall is anchored by several large national chains, like Nordstrom and Macy’s. Though clothes are the big draw, shoppers have access to sporting goods, housewares, jewelry, and toys.

Hungry shoppers like the abundant dining options that range from quick and casual to upscale and trendy. There’s a multi-screen cinema as well.