Laurel was founded in 1683 and incorporated as a town on April 13, 1883 and was considered one of the wealthiest in the state, with 2,500 residents. The town consisted of 11 general stores, 7 grocery stores, 5 millinery, 3 clothing, 3 drug stores, 2 furniture stores, 1 stave factory, 1 carriage factory, 1 sawmill, 2 blacksmith shops, 2 wheelwright shops, 2 butcher shops, 2 shoe shops, 2 barber shops, 2 hotels, 5 physicians, 1 dentist, and 3 churches. The town has the largest designated historic area in the state of Delaware.
Top Events and Attractions
Party at The Pond/Jeep Jamboree
April. Great family event for Jeep fans including fun activities, show and shine, etc. in one of Delaware's most beautiful state parks.
Broad Creek Bike and Brew
June. On your quiet adventure you will wind through scenic byways and along historic waterways as you explore what makes our community so unique. We’ve tied in some of the best historic attractions such as The Laurel Heritage Museum, The Cook House, Historic Bethel, Bethel Museum, and Old Christ Church to name a few. Along the way enjoy important waterways that make up a portion of the Chesapeake Watershed , the Nanticoke River Trail, Mason Dixon In Delmar, and The Sussex County Historic and Scenic Byway. Of course, the ride would not be complete without a stop at our true gem – Trap Pond State Park. Broad Creek Bike and Brew features Dogfish Head Beer & Abbott's Grill. Choose from a 15-mile, 25-mile, 50-mile, Metric or Century route. Completion of the ride is optional.
Trap Pond State Park
Freshwater wetlands once covered a large portion of southwestern Sussex County. Trap Pond State Park retains a part of the swamp's original beauty and mystery, and features the northernmost natural stand of baldcypress trees in the United States. The pond was created in the late 1700s to power a sawmill during the harvest of large baldcypress from the area. The Federal Government later purchased the pond and surrounding farmland during the 1930s and the Civilian Conservation Corps began to develop the area for recreation. Trap Pond became one of Delaware's first state parks in 1951. Visitors have many opportunities to explore the natural beauty of the wetland forest. Hiking trails surround the pond, providing opportunities to glimpse native animal species and many flowering plants. Birdwatching is a popular activity and the observant hiker may spot a Great Blue Heron, owl, hummingbird, warbler, Bald Eagle or the elusive Pileated Woodpecker. Boating, camping, fishing, recreation.
Laurel Heritage Museum
The Laurel Heritage Museum is located in the old Laurel Train Station. This building was the location that welcomed travelers to Laurel as they arrived by train and saw members of the community leave to serve during World War II. The Laurel Heritage Museum features an extensive collection of historical documents and objects from the collections of the Society and the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs.
Laurel Junction
A 25 acre indoor/outdoor flea market featuring full time retail shops, a convenience store and a full service restaurant.
Dutch Country Market
Dutch Country Market sells homemade food, baked goods, and sandwiches. In our 5,700-square foot Market, we make and sell quality food based on Amish County recipes and flavors. Our products come from Amish and Mennonite farmers and are either locally sourced or come from Lancaster County, PA.