Delaware is the second smallest state in the United States and was the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution, earning it the nickname “The First State.” Though small in size, Delaware has a rich history and culture. Let’s explore some riddles about the state and uncover fun facts along the way.
Riddles about Delaware’s Geography
Riddle 1
I’m a body of water found in Delaware, though part of me stretches into New Jersey too. Sailboats dot my waves near Cape May, and I’m a popular spot for fishing and recreation. What am I?
Answer: The Delaware Bay
Riddle 2
I’m a river that forms part of the border between Delaware and New Jersey. Named after an English nobleman, I’m the longest undammed river east of the Mississippi. Many historical events took place along my banks. What river am I?
Answer: The Delaware River
Riddle 3
We’re a narrow state located on the Delmarva Peninsula. To our west lies Maryland, while New Jersey lies to our north and east. The Atlantic Ocean borders our southern shore. What state are we?
Answer: Delaware
Riddles about Delaware’s History
Riddle 4
I’m a Swedish colony that once occupied land along the Delaware River Valley. I was founded in 1638 by Peter Minuit and was eventually absorbed by New Netherland in 1655. What historic settlement am I?
Answer: New Sweden
Riddle 5
I’m an English Quaker who founded the colony of Pennsylvania. Though I was granted the land by King Charles II, I actually purchased the rights to Delaware lands from the Duke of York in 1682. Who am I?
Answer: William Penn
Riddle 6
We convened in Newark, Delaware in 1787 and became the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution, thus earning Delaware its nickname. What governing body are we?
Answer: The Delaware General Assembly
Riddles about Delaware’s Cities and Towns
Riddle 7
I’m the capital and second largest city in Delaware. I’m home to the University of Delaware and have a vibrant downtown along the Christina River. What city am I?
Answer: Wilmington
Riddle 8
I’m a coastal resort town in eastern Sussex County. My boardwalk along the Atlantic Ocean draws many tourists and I’m known for my vibrant beach culture. What Delaware town am I?
Answer: Rehoboth Beach
Riddle 9
Located along the Delaware River, I’m the oldest European settlement in Delaware. Historic homes line my streets, like the Read House and Garden and the Old Dutch House. What town am I?
Answer: New Castle
Riddles about Delaware Culture
Riddle 10
Said to be invented by the DuPont family in Delaware, I’m a gooey, peanut butter and marshmallow sandwich treat. Baked fresh daily, I can be found in bakeries across the state. What sweet treat am I?
Answer: Delaware peanut butter cream pie
Riddle 11
Held each June in Dover, I’m a music festival that brings big-name country acts to perform. What annual event lasting over 3 days draws around 200,000 fans annually?
Answer: The Firefly Music Festival
Riddle 12
I’m a professional baseball team based in Wilmington, Delaware. Originally founded in 1887, I played in the Eastern League for over 100 years until declaring bankruptcy in 2020. Name me!
Answer: The Wilmington Blue Rocks
Riddles about Delaware’s Economy
Riddle 13
Headquartered in Wilmington, I’m a massive chemical company that traces its roots to the early 19th century. My innovations with nylon and other polymers helped spur the growth of the man-made fibers industry. What company am I?
Answer: DuPont
Riddle 14
I’m a significant industry in southern Delaware that centers around raising broiler chickens for meat production. Delaware produces over 300 million birds annually for companies like Perdue Farms and Mountaire Farms. What agricultural industry am I?
Answer: Poultry farming
Riddle 15
Thanks to business-friendly laws, tens of thousands of companies are incorporated in Delaware, though their operations are outside the state. This contributes billions in revenues annually. What industry am I?
Answer: Corporate charter industry
Riddles about Delaware’s Colleges
Riddle 16
Founded in 1743, I’m the oldest university in Delaware. My campus in Newark boasts over 350 student organizations and 18 Division 1 athletic teams. Who am I?
Answer: University of Delaware
Riddle 17
Located in Dover, I’m Delaware’s only public historically black university. Originally founded as the State College for Colored Students in 1891, I award over 100 degrees annually. What college am I?
Answer: Delaware State University
Riddle 18
I’m a private Catholic university located just outside Wilmington, Delaware. Established in 1903, I’m affiliated with the Norbertine order and offer over 60 undergraduate majors. Name me!
Answer: University of Saint Joseph’s
Riddles about Delaware’s State Symbols
Riddle 19
Adopted in 1939, I’m the state flower of Delaware. My name comes from French meaning “eye of the day.” I’m a hardy perennial with yellow petals and a red-spotted center. What flower am I?
Answer: Peach blossom
Riddle 20
Chosen in 1939, I’m the state bird of Delaware. With my red head and breast, gray back, and white-bordered black tail, I’m a member of the woodpecker family. Who am I?
Answer: Delaware blue hen chicken
Riddle 21
Designated in 1974, I’m the official state tree of Delaware. My leaves turn brilliant shades of red in autumn. Early colonists used my bark to treat fever and my fruit is edible. What tree am I?
Answer: American holly
More Riddles about Delaware
Riddle 22
Founded in 1751, I’m the third oldest state fair in the United States. I’m held each July in Harrington and feature livestock shows, crafts, rides and lots of food! What fair am I?
Answer: The Delaware State Fair
Riddle 23
Opened in 1959, I’m an auto race track located just southwest of Dover. Two NASCAR race weeks are held at me each year, including a 400 mile Cup Series race. What famous track am I?
Answer: Dover International Speedway
Riddle 24
Located in Delaware City, I’m a well-known museum housed in a former gunpowder mill. I chronicle the history of gunpowder and its impact on America from the Colonial era to today. What museum am I?
Answer: Delaware City Museum
Riddle 25
Each winter I migrate to the beaches and wetlands of coastal Delaware to spend my season there. Though declining in numbers, up to 30% of my entire population winters in Delaware. What duck am I?
Answer: Ruddy duck
Riddle 26
We’re a Native American people who originally inhabited land along the Delaware River Valley. Our name means “People of the East” in the Lenape language. Who are we?
Answer: The Lenape tribe
Riddle 27
I’m an annual NASCAR race held each spring at Dover International Speedway. I’m contested over 400 miles and am a challenging event due to the concrete track surface. What race am I?
Answer: The Dover 400
Riddle 28
Established in 1798, I’m the oldest lighthouse in Delaware, though I haven’t shone my beacon in over a century. I stand along the Delaware Bay south of New Castle. What historic lighthouse am I?
Answer: Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse
Riddle 29
I’m a majestic WWII-era battleship that visitors can tour in Wilmington. I was commissioned in 1916 and earned 9 Battle Stars for service in WWII before becoming a floating naval museum. Who am I?
Answer: The USS Battleship Delaware
Riddle 30
We’re a professional soccer team based in Wilmington that joined the USL Championship league in 2016. We play our home games at the University of Delaware stadium. Name our team!
Answer: Wilmington Hammerheads FC
Riddle 31
I’m an annual hot air balloon and music festival held each August in Lewes, Delaware. Hot air balloons launch at sunrise and crowds enjoy live music all day. What festival am I?
Answer: The Lewes Hot Air Balloon and Music Festival
Delaware has an outsized history and unique culture all its own.
From being the first state to ratify the Constitution to its beaches along the Atlantic, this little state is filled with fascinating facts and stories.
We hope you enjoyed these riddles that shed light on Delaware’s heritage and charm!
