Have you wondered where Laurel, Delaware is?
Laurel, Delaware is a small town of about 3,000 people in Sussex County. It's a historic destination located on Broad Creek, which runs from Delmar to Records Pond, through the town of Laurel, and out towards the Nanticoke River. Broad Creek itself is enough of a reason to notice the beauty of Laurel, so when you add in the stunning ponds and state parks that surround the town, it's easy to see why there are plenty of things to do in Laurel, Delaware.
Want to know more? Read on to discover what you'll get to explore when you visit this small yet breathtakingly beautiful town in Delaware.
To reach Laurel, Delaware, take DE-1 S or US 301 S if you're coming from Willingham.
The beautiful town of Laurel, DE was once a Native American settlement. The settlement was known as Broad Creek Town during most of the eighteenth century, though its Nanticoke name is unknown. Nearly all the Native settlers left within 50 years, and the current town was laid out in 1802.
Because of its past, Laurel, Delaware has many houses and buildings on the National Register of Historic Places.
Laurel was also a potato-farming town, as you can tell when you look at the list of historic buildings. This includes the Chipman Potato House, Chipman's Mill, Collins Potato House, Hearn Potato House, E. L. Hitch Potato House, Moore Potato House, Phillips Potato House, Ralph Potato House, Rider Potato House, Ross Point School, Spring Garden, Stanley Potato House, and Wright Potato House! As you drive into town, you'll see many of the buildings still standing as they did hundreds of years ago. Pictured above is the notable Old Christ Church on the outskirts of town, near Chipman Pond.
Of course, talking about Laurel's beauty would be incomplete without a mention of Trap Pond State Park in Laurel, DE.
Trap Pond's Loblolly Trail made our list of top hiking trails in Delaware for a good reason. The park's trails take you around a gorgeous, ecologically significant pond that's home to impressive Bald Cypress trees, which are normally not found this far north. It will also take you to the Nature Center, where you can learn more about the diversity in the forest and water of the park. So, if you're a nature enthusiast, add this to your list of things to do in Laurel, Delaware.
Throughout this small town in Delaware, ponds and lakes are common sights.
Other than Trap Pond, you could stumble upon Chipman's Pond, Records Pond, Tussock Pond, and even the boat launch at Portsville Pond.
And if you head just slightly west of town, you'll soon stumble upon the stunning scenery of the Nanticoke River and its Watershed.
Most of the river is over the border in Maryland, but from Laurel, DE you're only a few minutes away from the historic Woodland Ferry, which will take you and your car across the beautiful river as part of one of the most underrated experiences you can have in the First State. Travel the Nanticoke Heritage Byway to see more of the beauty that surrounds Laurel, Delaware, and its corner of Sussex County.
You can even get away for as long as you'd like, surrounded by Laurel, Delaware, and its natural beauty.
Trap Pond offers some of the coolest cabins in Delaware for a bit of a "glamping" experience, or you can rent out a primitive site and pitch a tent the old-fashioned way. Regardless of how you choose to camp, make sure to book your site before the weekends are all taken up. This way, you'll be able to relax and enjoy all the things to do in Laurel, Delaware.
No matter what the weather is like, though, a trip to Laurel, DE is worth it for the scenery alone.
After you hike your trails, paddle the pond, or take in the views of Broad Creek, you'll want to check out one of the best restaurants in Delaware that are hiding in this town, too - Abbott's on Broad Creek. The outdoor seating means you don't have to step too far away from Laurel's natural beauty for long.
Have you been to this scenic and historic small East Coast town? If so, do you have additional suggestions for things to do in Laurel, Delaware? Let us know in the following comments section.
Now that you've just learned where is Laurel, Delaware, and why it's such a stunning destination, how about exploring some more of the state? For ideas, take a look at these small towns in Delaware to decide where to go on your next outing.
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