Plantations began to establish along the St. Jones River in the early 1660’s. This early development is a testament to the importance of the river itself. A good place to start your exploration of this discovery zone is the John Dickinson Plantation, home of a founding father of the United States, a framer and signer of the U.S. Constitution and “Penman of the Revolution.” One of the largest plantations in Delaware, John Dickinson’s farm was home to about 60 slaves.  After inheriting the farm from his father, he granted his slaves full freedom in 1785 as a result of his Quaker beliefs.

In March 2021 an African American burial site, was discovered on the plantation’s property, and likely holds the enslaved individuals and other African Americans who lived, worked, and died on land owned by the Dickinson family.  Learn more about this important discovery.

The Visitor Center at the John Dickinson Plantation offers an orientation video, exhibits and historic interpreters about the enslaved individuals who lived on the plantation and John Dickinson – the man, family, farmer, slave holder and politician, all taking you back to 18th Century America.

North of the Dickinson Plantation, near Dover Air Force Base, is the Air Mobility Command Museum.  You’ll find it located on Kitts Hummock Road, a Byway spur and part of the St. Jones Neck Discovery Zone. 

As part of the National Museum of the United States Air Force’s field museum system, the Air Mobility Command is a major command of the United States Air Force. Its mission is to deliver maximum war-fighting and humanitarian efforts for America through rapid and precise global air mobility. In the 1990’s, it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places after restoration and given a new life as the Air Mobility Command Museum.

Imagine viewing over 30 aircraft in varying roles and sizes: cargo haulers, bombers, helicopters, and a presidential aircraft.  You’ll be amazed at these flying machines on display

If you have children, bring them along to enjoy the flight simulators and a junior pilot’s plane.  School tours and a research library are also available.

In addition to the planes, you can view exhibits that depict the humanitarian and war efforts men and women undertook to aid those in need and support the U.S. military and public programs including special events.

The St. Jones Reserve component of the Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve (DNERR) is located on the north shore of the St. Jones River, off Kitts Hummock Road, south of Dover.

For those wanting to discover the natural side of St. Jones Neck, the Reserve is a place you’ll love to explore.  You can travel on a two-mile nature trail to view wildlife and the beautiful scenery.  The trail is a part of the St. Jones River Greenway, which includes a quarter-mile boardwalk over the salt marsh that connects the Reserve with the adjacent Ted Harvey Wildlife Management Area. 

Stop in the St. Jones Reserve’s Visitor Center before you start exploring for information on hiking trails, hands-on interactive activities for you to try and exhibits, restoration demonstration areas to view.  There are a variety of programs and volunteer opportunities for the community, teachers, students, and families at the Reserve.