Situated on the St. Jones River in the east-central portion of Delaware, Dover is filled with rich history and culture.

It’s the county seat of Kent County, with a population of 36,047 as of the 2010 census.

The city is known for its historical sites, amazing recreational activities, beautiful natural areas, and vibrant historic downtown.

It was named after Dover Kent in England by William Penn, an English writer and Quaker proprietor of the three lower counties on the Delaware River.

Penn founded the area as a court town in 1683, officially incorporated in 1717, becoming the capital state of Delaware.

Today, Dover boasts a progressive economy primarily because of its low cost of living, big manufacturing companies, and impressive tourist attractions.

The city offers both fun and learning activities without the need to break the bank.

Here are the free things to do in Dover, Delaware:

Drop by the First State Heritage Park Welcome Center & Galleries

It can be overwhelming to finally arrive in Dover, but one of your first stops should be the First State Heritage Park Welcome Center & Galleries.

The visitor center offers extensive information in the form of pamphlets about the local attractions, activities, and events.

Here, you’d be able to plan your travel in the city and how to get around, especially those that don’t require spending a dime.

There’s also a Public Archive with exhibits showcasing the history and culture of Dover, such as digital archives, historical records, paintings, photographs, and more.

Visiting the First State Heritage Park Welcome Center & Galleries is like hitting two birds with one stone.

You get a travel itinerary and learn more about the city’s history and heritage.

Drop by the visitor center at M.L.K. Jr. Boulevard North adjacent to the Legislative Hall.

Celebrate Like a Local at the Dover Days Festival

Dover celebrates the Dover Days Festival with various free activities on the first weekend of May of each year.

The annual festival commemorates the culture and heritage of the city, as well as the State of Delaware.

Activities include a grand parade, arts and crafts, traditional Maypole Dancing, historical reenactments, a car show, a pet parade, a carnival, and more.

It’s one of Delaware’s largest and longest-running festivals, attracting thousands of visitors from all over the world.

Started in 1934, the festival takes place in downtown Dover and is…