Ohio Wesleyan University Campus & Gray Chapel

Ohio Wesleyan’s campus is one of the nicest free things to do in Delaware, and it’s just minutes from the house. Founded in 1842, the campus is full of handsome red-brick historic buildings, mature tree-lined walkways, and genuinely lovely green space — especially striking in fall when the campus trees turn. Gray Chapel is the architectural centerpiece and worth a look if it’s open; the wider campus is easy and enjoyable to wander regardless. It’s a great spot for an easy morning walk or an evening stroll, quiet and safe, with enough history and architecture to make it more interesting than a typical park loop. Sports fans might time a visit around a Battling Bishops game in season. Downtown Delaware sits right at the edge of campus, so it’s natural to combine a wander through the university with lunch or coffee on Sandusky Street afterward. There’s no cost and no reservation needed — just show up and explore at your own pace. It’s the kind of understated, easy activity that fills a spare hour nicely without requiring much planning, and it gives you a real feel for what makes this small Ohio town special.