Area Travel - AmericInn^® Harrington, DE

Welcome to Beautiful Delaware! Read about Harrington attractions and things to do nearby AmericInn.

Before it was Harrington, the area was known as “Clark’s Corner”. It was fashioned out of about 6,000 acres of Mispillion forest, an enormous stand of trees that covered most of Kent & Sussex counties.

In 1780, Benjamin Clark, a descendant of the area’s first European settlers, built a home and tavern at the corner of what were then the Frederica and Milford roads. The tavern became a stop for stagecoaches; farmers came to exchange news and barter their goods. It was a logical place for a railroad stop when the Delaware Railroad put a junction there in 1856, allowing easy access to Philadelphia and Wilmington. The railroad greatly accelerated the population and industrial growth of the town. The following year, a post office was established and in 1862, the name “Harrington” was adopted in honor of Samuel Maxwell Harrington, chancellor of the Delaware Railroad.

In 1869, the City of Harrington was incorporated and town limits were defined. Fourteen years later, the Harrington Library was chartered and the first town newspaper “The Harrington Enterprise” was formed. By 1900 there were 4 canning factories in town to process farm products and clothing manufacturers had discovered Harrington. By the mid 1930’s there were a dozen small manufacturers turning out shirts, pants, dresses and underwear for major clothing suppliers around the country. Textile mills in the south and New England shipped pre-cut cloth to Harrington where it was assembled into shirts and pants and then sent by rail to major brand name companies. By the mid 1970’s most of the clothing factories were closed-down and Harrington shifted gears.

The Fairgrounds and Harness Racing, two longtime Harrington traditions, are the foundation for the city’s new growth and future development. The Fairgrounds have been an integral part of life in and around Harrington since 1920 when a small group of entrepreneurs started the Kent & Sussex County Fair (name changed to the Delaware State Fair in 1962). In addition to the Fair held each July, the fairgrounds also house weekend events April – October including Horse and Dog shows, Rodeos, Southern Delaware Street Rod Show, American Super Camp and several craft shows.

Harrington Raceway & Casino, a $6 million slots palace with 1,327 machines to play, attracts about 1.5 million people every 10 months. The raceway hosts live harness racing from late October through April. The casino has Sizzling Red Hot Slots, fun table games and a 350 seat state of the art Simulcasting Parlor.

Despite the development and the expectation of more to come, many residents say Harrington manages to maintain its friendly atmosphere. There are so many things to do in Harrington, there is something for everyone to enjoy! All room accommodations include a DirecTV, refrigerator, iron and ironing board, coffee pot, hair dryer, and a full deluxe continental breakfast with homemade Belgian waffles. Your stay also includes the use of our indoor recreation area with indoor heated pool and whirlpool.

Area Guide

Harrington Raceway and Casino - The casino offers over 2,100 Sizzling Red Hot Slots, fun table games and 350 seat state of the art Simulcasting Parlor. The Raceway hosts live harness racing from late October through April. For your dining pleasure Harrington Raceway & Casino, has something for everyone. Come experience the fabulous International Buffet where you can dine on foods daily from around the world for one low price. Other popular restaurants include the Cafe, Grab 'N Go, Simulcast Sports Bar, and the new and elegant BONZ (reservations are suggested). Check out the dining section for more information on all of our restaurants to accommodate your next visit.
Address: 15 West Rider Road, Harrington, DE 19952
Distance: 0.25 miles
Phone: (888) 887-5687
Hours of Operation: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; except Christmas and Easter.

The Centre Ice Rink at Delaware State Fair - The Centre Ice Rink at the Delaware State Fair is a 49,000 sq. ft. facility. The Ice Rink offers learn-to-skate, figure skating, ice hockey, ice dancing, synchronized skating, power skating, drop-in hockey and drop in figure skating. Weekly public skating sessions and party options are also available. Ice shows and hockey tournaments are hosted here as well. In the summer, The Centre becomes the home for the 4-H and FFA organizations for their exhibits and demonstration programs during the annual Delaware State Fair.
Address: 18500 South DuPont Highway, Harrington, DE 19952-0028
Distance: Across the street
Phone: (302) 398-5900
Hours of Operation: Hours vary based on season; please call for information.

Delaware State Fair Grounds - Home of the Delaware State Fair and so much more. Variety of events held weekends April – October including Horses and Dog shows, Rodeo’s, Southern Delaware’s Street Rod Show, American Super Camp (BMX bike camp) and several craft shows.
Address: 18500 South DuPont Highway, Harrington, DE 19952-0028
Distance: Across the street
Phone: (302) 398-3269
Hours of Operation: Vary by event; please call for more information.

Putt-a-Rosa Miniature Golf - Mini-golf course, paint ball and horseshoe facility.
Address: 5899 S Rehoboth Blvd., Milford, DE 19963
Distance: 10 miles
Phone: (302) 422-2840
Hours of Operation: Open seasonally.

Killens Pond Water Park- Outdoor pool and waterslides.
Address: 5025 Killens Pond Rd., Felton
Distance: 6 miles
Phone: (302) 284-4526
Hours of Operation: Open seasonally.

Abbotts Mill Nature Center - Abbott's Mill Nature Center features education programs for families, school classes and public groups, walking trails through fields, pine woods and streams, and a historic, fully operational gristmill.
Address: 15411 Abbotts Pond Rd., Milford, DE 19963
Distance: 12 miles
Phone: (302) 422-0847
Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 9 AM - 4 PM. Other times by appointment. Trails are open dawn to dusk everyday.

Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge - Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1963 under the authority of the Migratory Bird Conservation Act for use as an inviolate sanctuary, or any other management purpose, expressly for migratory birds. The refuge is considered to have one of the best existing wetland habitat areas along the Atlantic Coast. The intensively managed freshwater impoundments have become important stop-over sites for spring and fall migrating shorebirds and wading birds. Endangered and threatened species management activities provide habitat for the Delmarva fox squirrel, nesting bald eagles and migrating peregrine falcons.
Address: 11978 Turkle Pond Road, Milton, DE 19968
Distance: 24 miles
Phone: (302) 684-8419
Hours of Operation: The Refuge is open 1/2 hour before sunrise to a 1/2 hour after sunset.

DAFB Air Mobility Command Museum - Where do old airplanes go? The lucky ones go to the Air Mobility Command Museum—the only museum dedicated to airlift and air refueling history! If you want to climb inside an airplane big enough to swallow three buses you can explore our C-133. If aviation history is your thing, see several "First, Last or Only" aircraft from jet fighters to a WWII bomber complete with authentic nose art. Experience what it's like to fly a giant airplane—take a seat in one of our flight simulators. Junior aviators can "pilot" a mini-airplane to have their picture taken by mom and dad. It's all free from movies to guided tours.
Address: 1301 Heritage Rd., Dover AFB, DE 19902-5301
Distance: 18 miles
Phone: (302) 677-5938
Hours of Operation: Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed on Mondays and Federal holidays.

Johnson Victrola Museum‎ - The Johnson Victrola Museum is a tribute to Delaware's native son, Eldridge Reeves Johnson, who founded the Victor Talking Machine Company in 1901. Exhibits include phonographs, recordings, memorabilia, trademarks, objects, and paintings that highlight Mr. Johnson's successful business enterprises and chronicle the development of the sound-recording industry.
Address: 406 Federal St., Dover, DE 19901
Distance: 17.3 miles
Phone: (302) 739-3262
Hours of Operation: Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Sunday, 1:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Open most state holidays; please call to confirm. Hours subject to change.

Spence's Bazaar - A popular community bazaar, this enclosed auction and flea market features a variety of products including fresh produce from area farmers and great food from the Amish community.
Address: 550 South New Street, Dover, DE 19901
Distance: 16.9 miles
Phone: (302) 734-3441
Hours of Operation: Open Tuesday, Friday and Saturday from early morning until afternoon.

The Schwartz Center for the Arts - The Schwartz Center for the Arts was originally constructed in 1904 and known as The Dover Opera House. George M. Schwartz expanded it into a movie theater in 1923 and tabbed it The Capital Theater.
Address: 226 South State Street, Dover, DE 19901
Distance: 17.3 miles
Phone: (302) 678-5152
Hours of Operation: Varies daily (based on performances)

Dover International Speedway - Affectionately known as the "Monster Mile," Dover International Speedway is a one-mile, high-banked superspeedway in Dover, Delaware. Dover has been a fixture on the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series schedule since its inception in 1969 and celebrated its 40th anniversary season in 2008. Dover has completed the "Monster Makeover," a multi-year capital improvement project that brings new fan amenities and renovations to the 135,000 seat motorsports facility. The Monster Monument at Victory Plaza, presented by AAA, is one of the largest fiberglass structures in the country. The monument stands 46 feet tall and depicts Dover’s signature icon, Miles the Monster. Over 200 granite plaques circle the base of the structure and are dedicated to the legendary drivers who have made their mark on the Dover International Speedway record books.
Address: 1131 N. Dupont Highway, Dover, DE 19901
Distance: 20 miles
Phone: (302) 674-4600
Hours of Operation: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Dover Downs Hotel and Casino - The beautiful, smoke-free casino features nearly 3,200 of the newest and most exciting slot machines, rivaling Atlantic City hotel casinos. Recent enhancements in The Colonnade include three new restaurants, an exciting casino lounge, a gourmet coffee café, and now great shops with designer apparel and accessories, specialty items, Godiva chocolates and Swarovski crystal. Generous comps, liberal payouts, experienced casino hosts, great entertainment, fun table games, wonderful restaurants and outstanding customer service are what you may expect to enjoy. Our casino hosts world-class, live harness racing from late October through April. The new casino lounge, Fire & Ice at Dover Downs Hotel & Casino, hosts live entertainment on weekends and has become the place to meet in Dover for dancing, entertainment and delicious cocktails.
Address: 1131 North DuPont Highway, Dover, DE 19901
Distance: 20 miles
Phone: (302) 674-4600
Hours of Operation: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.