Downtown Milford’s History
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Milford is known as the Gateway to Southern Delaware. Located at the intersection of U.S. 113 and Route 1, it is midway between the state capital, Dover, and the Atlantic beach communities of lower Delaware---Lewes, and Rehoboth, Dewey and Bethany Beaches.  Wilmington, Washington, D.C., Baltimore and Philadelphia are within 100 miles.

Sited along the Mispillion River, Milford straddles the Kent-Sussex county line. With a 2002 population of almost 7,000 Milford is the fourth largest city in Delaware. Approximately 20,000 people live within a 5-mile radius of Milford.

Downtown Milford’s crown jewel is the Mispillion Riverwalk, a greenway space designed to preserve the town’s waterfront. Along this walk were once located seven shipyards that produced over 600 wooden sailing ships between 1680 and 1927.

Most of the Downtown Milford’s businesses and organizations such as the city hall, library, museum, and senior center are located along or just a short distance from the River Walk.

Ample free parking is available downtown in one of the parking lots maintained by the Milford Parking Authority or street side.

Greater Milford has a diversified economy, with food processing, textiles, chemical and rubber products, fabricated metal products, millwork, electrical industrial apparatus, construction and agricultural businesses. The service sector is also strong. A major regional hospital is located near the downtown. And educational, job training, and vocational rehabilitation centers are located throughout the city.

The area surrounding Milford boasts pastoral beauty and abundant recreational resources. Nearby is Abbott’s Mill Nature Center, which offers environmental education programs and outdoor activities. The Mill itself is one of the few surviving water-powered mills. Walking trails, swimming and other recreational facilities are found in Killen's Pond State Park. Plus the beaches of Delaware Bay and the Atlantic are just a short drive away.