Newark brings together botanical gardens, trails, and several distinct historical themes.
Gardens and Trails in Newark
The University of Delaware Botanic Gardens welcomes visitors daily, year-round, from sunrise to sunset. A visitor map supports a self-guided tour. Admission is free; parking is paid. Check current visiting hours and fees before you go.
The Newark Reservoir offers limited opportunities for passive recreation on the reservoir grounds. The Newark Historic Trail is nine miles long and can be extended to ten miles. The city describes its purpose as giving hikers a sense of Newark’s varied beauty and history. Check the route and conditions before setting out.
The Pomeroy and Newark Rail Trail provides direct access to Main Street and runs north through Newark to White Clay Creek State Park. The park is next to the University of Delaware and the City of Newark and offers nearly 40 miles of hiking trails; check conditions and access rules before visiting. The James F. Hall Trail is part of the East Coast Greenway. In the Newark region, White Clay Creek is designated a National Wild and Scenic River.
Railroad and Local History
The Newark Passenger Railroad Station was built in 1877 by the Philadelphia, Wilmington and Baltimore Railroad (PW&B) and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. Today, the station houses the Newark History Museum. A visitor notice dated September 5, 2026, lists the museum as temporarily closed for renovations; check its current status before visiting.
At the Iron Hill Museum and Science Center, the African American History Trail explores the history of the free Black community that formed on Iron Hill in the 1830s. The trail also offers an opportunity to learn more about the 1923 schoolhouse that houses the museum. The schoolhouse focuses on the history and experiences of Black schools.
The University of Delaware offers guided, self-guided, and virtual tours. Check which tour options are available before your trip.
Main Street, Markets, and Recreation
Newark’s Main Street offers a wide selection of restaurants, local shops, and a movie theater. Since individual businesses and their hours may change, it’s a good idea to check current information if you’re planning a specific visit. The UDairy Creamery Café serves ice cream, waffle cones, cheese, coffee, and light meals. The Co-op Farmers Market connects shoppers with local businesses and the people behind their products.
George Wilson Center and Park offers basketball, tennis, youth baseball, swimming, playground equipment, picnic tables, and horseshoes. Alongside the area’s historical and scenic attractions, there are also a variety of recreational options.
Getting Here by Train
Newark Regional Transportation Center offers Amtrak service as well as Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) commuter rail service to Philadelphia. Check schedules before traveling if you’re planning to arrive or continue your journey by train.
Explore other destinations: Wilmington, Brookside, Bear, Christiana, New Castle, Hockessin, Claymont, Delaware City.
For the broader travel overview: New Castle County.
