15 Best Things to Do in Riverview (DE)

Riverview is a town of about 3,000 residents in central Delaware’s Kent County.

Just a few miles south of Dover, it is equidistant between the border with Maryland to the east and Delaware Bay to the west.

The area around Riverview is largely agricultural, but its central location offers visitors easy access to many of the state’s most popular attractions, which include historic sites, state parks, and beautiful beaches.

Auto racing and gaming are big in nearby Dover, too, as are outdoor activities like fishing, biking, and bird watching.

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

1. McGinnis Pond

McGinnis Pond is located just a few blocks northwest of downtown Riverview and is comprised of more than 30 acres of water that are home to a number of popular game fish species.

Most anglers fish for the pond’s largemouth bass, and catches can be quite good, especially during the lowlight morning and evening hours when bass tend to be most active.

Chain pickerel and catfish are also common in the lake, the latter of which can grow to hefty proportions and are relatively easy to catch using live bait.

Whether you’re a local or an out of state visitor, you’ll need a valid Delaware fishing license to be in compliance.

2. Killens Pond State Park

Killens Pond State Park is located just a few minutes southwest of Riverview in Felton County.

The humanmade pond was originally constructed in the 1700s by damming a portion of the Murderkill River on which it sits, and it now stretches for nearly 70 acres.

The park is a popular draw for outdoor lovers who’d rather not travel far from their home base. It features a visitor’s and nature center, campgrounds, and a water park that’s open seasonally during the warm summer months.

Kayaking, fishing, and picnicking are popular pastimes, and there’s a playground for little ones as well.

3. Air Mobility Command Museum

Delaware’s military tradition extends all the way back to the time before the Revolutionary War, and the capital city is now home to one of the largest military transportation hubs in the world.

The Air Mobility Command Museum is located just a few minutes south of Dover Air Force Base. It houses the state’s most complete collection of mothballed war-birds, both vintage and contemporary.

The museum primarily focuses on aviation transportation and refueling, but its collection includes fighters, interceptors, and bombers as well.

Admission is inexpensive, and for many visitors, the museum is one of the highlights of their vacations.

4. House of Coffi

Coffee is an essential part of many weary travelers’ days, and Dover has an abundant supply of coffee shops that are located near the downtown area.

House of Coffi was established in 2018, but since then, it’s gained a reputation for high-quality java. It’s a convenient place to relax with a morning cup, or in the afternoon after a long day on your feet.

Their beans are roasted fresh on-site daily. For those who’d rather something a little different, they offer a variety of teas, juices, and smoothies, as well as baked goods and light fare.

They’ve got fast Wi-Fi and open early for the morning crowd.

5. Biggs Museum of American Art

The Biggs Museum of American Art is located on Federal Street in downtown Dover and was established in the early ’90s to preserve and promote the First State’s art and culture.

The museum’s works include both contemporary and historic pieces, many of the latter of which focus on the Revolutionary War years and the subsequent founding of the nation.

Exhibits are spread over multiple floors and include lots of interesting historic insight that offers visitors unique glimpses into the past that they might miss otherwise.

Admission is inexpensive, and many guests choose to visit when the weather isn’t conducive to outdoor activities.

6. Dover International Speedway

Dover International Speedway is a national racing icon, and since it was opened in 1969, it has hosted a number of annual races in a variety of classes.

Of course, it’s most well-known for its NASCAR races, and during the season, the city swells with race fans from all over the region.

Even for non-race fans it’s a fun atmosphere that’s worth checking out. Additional events include live entertainment, family-friendly games and activities, and lots of great food and adult beverages.

Campsites and hotel rooms go quickly during big events, so plan ahead if that’s when you’ll be visiting.

7. Dover Downs

For its sheer abundance of amenities and activity options, Dover Downs is in a class all by itself.

One of the state’s premier attractions, it draws visitors from up and down the east coast who prefer not to make the trek to Atlantic City.

Dover Downs features harness horse racing, round-the-clock gaming, lots of restaurants, and an award-winning hotel all right on-site.

It’s also a big live entertainment venue and typically welcomes nationally-known musicians and comedians, as well as Vegas-style shows.

Gamblers often stop for a few hours on their way to and from the beaches in the southern portion of the state.

8. Mission BBQ

Though Delaware is more known for its seafood restaurants and pizzerias, it’s also got its fair share of tasty barbecue options, and Mission BBQ is one of Dover’s most popular.

Mission’s menu includes all the traditional Q that savvy eaters would expect, like baby back ribs, pulled pork, and brisket. Previous guests have noted that their prices are reasonable and their portion sizes are more than ample.

Each table features several homemade sauces that range from spicy and tangy to thick and sweet. They’re known for their sides as well, including mac ‘n cheese, fries, and baked beans.

9. First State Heritage Park

First State Heritage Park is located in downtown Dover’s historic area and was established long ago as the state’s first urban park.

Throughout the year, the park hosts a variety of annual events and festivals, especially during the spring, summer, and fall months. It’s also popular with historic minded travelers interested in stretching their legs and taking in the city’s older attractions on foot.

The park’s amenities include walking paths, historical markers, and shaded seating areas. There are a number of restaurants, bars, and historic pubs nearby that tend to come alive in the afternoon and evening hours.

10. Golden Fleece Tavern

The Golden Fleece Tavern is located on West Loockerman Street in Dover. Since it was built nearly three centuries ago, it’s been a center of both social and political activities in The First State.

During the Revolution, it was a popular meeting place for thirsty rabble-rousers and anti-colonialists, but these days, it’s more of a social setting that attracts locals and tourists alike.

The tavern features lots of adult beverages like beer and spirits. Many of them are made from traditional recipes, much like they were in eras past.

Golden Fleece also hosts live entertainment and has fun bar games like darts and corn hole.

11. John Bell House

The John Bell House is another of Dover’s unique historical attractions, and it’s conveniently located on The Green near some interesting sites.

The house was built in the mid-1700s and now serves as a museum and interpretive center that features a variety of exhibits and memorabilia that relate to the state’s history.

Many visitors choose to show themselves around the museum at their own pace, but it’s also a meeting point for some guided excursions, including the ever-popular evening ghost tour that takes visitors who don’t spook easily to a number of old and macabre attractions around the city.

12. Delaware Agricultural Museum and Village

The Delaware Agricultural Museum and Village are inexpensive attractions to visit. They are especially popular with people traveling with children in need of activity and mental stimulation.

For many kids, colonial history is about as exciting as watching paint dry. But in addition to learning about Delaware’s farming past, the museum and village allow visitors to get their hands dirty in a mock dairy farm and recreated blacksmith shop and working kitchen.

The vintage 19th-century village is located on DuPont Highway in Dover and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 AM until 3 PM. Admission is just a few bucks per person.

13. Firefly Music Festival

The Firefly Music Festival is a much anticipated annual event that’s been going strong in Dover for nearly a decade.

It’s held over four days in the summer and features both well-known and emerging musicians that play a little bit of everything from rock and blues to jazz and soul.

The event is held on the grounds of Dover International Speedway and includes tons of great food and drink options, family-friendly events, and even arts and crafts.

There are plenty of lodging options nearby, and abundant camp and RV sites on the Speedway’s grounds as well.

14. Johnson Victrola Museum

It’s not so well known outside the area, but the man who created the phonograph machine that would go on to become the world-famous Victrola was a Delaware native.

The Johnson Victrola Museum is located in Dover and houses one of the region’s most complete collections of original phonographs made by E.R. Johnson. They range from the 1890s to nearly the 1930s.

They’re impressive pieces of machinery, especially by the standards of the day. Now, many of them are exceedingly rare and priceless.

The museum is free to visit, but there’s a donation box by the door. Most visitors choose to leave a few bucks per person to help with upkeep.

15. Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge

Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge is situated between Milford to the north and Lewes to the south. For those staying in Riverview, it’s a popular day-trip destination.

The refuge sits just inland of the Delaware Bay and has a variety of natural environments that are home to an impressive array of animal species.

Most visitors stop to check out the visitor center’s exhibits and nature documentaries before heading out to explore on their own. There’s a nice little gift shop on-site that’s worth checking out as well.

From the refuge’s walking paths, it’s common to see waterfowl, wading birds, and even bald eagles.