Want to add a little history, disc golf, or hiking to your next beach visit? If so, Cape Henlopen State Park is a great option in southern Delaware. It offers visitors a beach experience that those going to public beaches don’t get to enjoy. This is a place that seems to have something for everyone. You name it: swimming, fishing, hiking, biking, camping, history, wildlife. Here you can enjoy the beach with the option of walking or biking through beautiful trails, viewing wildlife, and gaining a first-hand American history lesson — all on the same visit. It’s where natural beauty, wildlife, history, and recreation meet. This park is located in Lewes, Delaware — 11 miles north (about a 25-minute drive) of Rehoboth Beach.
The park offers a variety of programs that include bird migration walks, tours of Cold War relics at Fort Miles, and campfire programs to learn more about nocturnal creatures in the park. Check the website for the calendar of events.
If heading to Delaware, check out this Delaware Beach Guide. And if you’re near Dover, consider visiting the Air Mobility Command Museum (just south of Dover Air Force Base off Route 1) and Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge which is in the area. Not far north of Lewes is Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge. More great nearby attractions are listed below.
Strategic Location
Cape Henlopen State Park is strategically located at the mouth of Delaware Bay. It’s where the Delaware River flows into the Atlantic Ocean. The site played a large role in its use as a military observation post during American military conflicts dating back to the American Revolution. However, it’s probably most known for its role in World War II (much more on that inside the park). Today, the location benefits visitors as many enjoy watching the boat traffic in and out of Delaware Bay.
Across from Lewes and Cape Henlopen sits Cape May (about 17 miles away); in fact, you’ll see the Cape May/Lewes Ferry terminal along the road as you head to this park.
Special Features of Cape Henlopen
Besides the beaches and trails, Cape Henlopen Stae Park has some unique features for the whole family to enjoy:
WWII Observation Tower
There are 11 concrete observation towers along the Delaware coast. Used from 1939 to 1942, they allowed the U.S. military to keep an eye out for adversaries approaching the Atlantic coast. Observers inside the towers used rangefinders and triangulation to precisely determine the location of suspected enemy ships. After calculations were made, the information was given to those manning the guns in Fort Miles. This tower is a treat because you can climb inside to the top. Once you reach the apex, you’ll be treated to expansive views of the coast and surrounding Lewes.
Fort Miles
Cape Henlopen once served as a World War II military base designed and staffed to defend the Atlantic coastline. Today you’ll find the Fort Miles museum, several barracks buildings, a gun battery, an artillery park, and a fire control tower. Visitors can walk through the former base that is connected with hiking and biking trails to other parts of the state park. Check the Fort Miles website for information on guided tours.
The Point
This area offers the perfect place to catch a spectacular sunset or take a stroll on the beach. Keep in mind that the Point is closed from March 1 to September 1 because it’s nesting season for migratory shorebirds as well as some endangered species.
Seaside Nature Center
This Cape Henlopen nature center educates visitors about wildlife in the park. There’s a touch tank along with large aquariums of local wildlife. If interested in borrowing a bike to ride while in the park, do so at the Seaside Nature Center.
Herring Point
Situated just north of Gordon’s Pond, Herring Point was used as a top-secret military site during World War II and the Cold War. Today, there’s a large parking lot, beach access, and an area to enjoy views of the coastline.
Gordons Pond
A popular walking and biking trail hugs the western edge of 900-acre Gordon’s Pond runs about 3 miles one way. The trail consists of crushed stone and a boardwalk. The north trailhead is located at Herring’s Point; the southern trailhead is at Gordon’s Pond day use area, accessible from Ocean Drive in Rehoboth. Both have ample parking, but it’s advisable to arrive early during the busy summer season.
What You’ll Find at Cape Henlopen
- Beach – The beach is guarded during the summer.
- Bike Rentals – Bikes are available at the Seaside Nature Center between 9:00 am – 3:00 pm when the nature center is open.
- Birding opportunities abound in the park including at The Point (a protected area during part of the year such as nesting season).
- Camping in cabins or tents
- Canoe Rentals
- Disc Golf (a/k/a Frisbee) course. Can you throw your Frisbee into the chain basket in the distance?! Here’s a disc golf map with distances for each hole at the park.
- Fishing from the beach or pier
- History – Fort Miles is located inside the park. Here you’ll find World War II barracks and armaments used in national defense.
- Hunting during certain months
- Kayak Rentals
- Observation Tower used in coastal defense during World War II. You can climb inside one and enjoy the view from the top.
- Osprey Cam – Watch the osprey nest live via YouTube.
- Picnic tables and pavilions
- Playgrounds
- Seaside Nature Center with a touch aquarium, gift shop (and the place where you borrow bikes)
- Trails for hiking and biking
- Umbrella rentals during the summer
- Various habitats including dunes and forest
Tips for Your Visit
- Bring money. When we visited, the entrance fee was $5 for Delaware residents and $10 for out-of-state folks. You’ll also want some cash if buying food or drink on-site. There’s a concession stand at the bathhouse to grab some snacks or a quick meal; check online for hours of operation.
- Bring sunscreen and bug spray. If you’ll be on the beach, sunscreen is a must, and bug spray may be needed on some trails, depending on the weather.
- Bring binoculars. These will come in handy when you reach the summit of the restored observation tower or view wildlife along trails and at The Point.
- Bring water. It’s always a good idea to have water with you. Also, remember that there’s a concession stand at the bathhouse.
- Stop in the Seaside Nature Center. It has a touch tank along with informative displays about the wildlife found in Cape Henlopen State Park. There’s a small gift shop, too.
- Do NOT try to feed or otherwise disturb the wildlife. Remember that you’re visiting their homes!
- Do NOT use drones. Their use is prohibited in Delaware state parks.
- Leashed pets are prohibited in some areas from May 15-October 15.
Brief History of Cape Henlopen
Back in 1682, William Penn (founder of Pennsylvania and overseer of what became Delaware) set aside this area for public use — a novel idea at the time in the American colonies. During World War II, the U.S. military built Fort Miles to use as a base for coastal defense. It became a state park in 1964.
Nearby Attractions & Map
There’s plenty of fun to be had along the Delaware shore. Here are a few other ideas for you:
- Air Mobility Command Museum, Dover (off Rte. 1)
- Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, Smyrna
- Delaware Beach Guide
- Fresh Pond Trail, Bethany Beach
- Holts Landing State Park, near Bethany Beach in Dagsboro
- Indian River Life-Saving Station, near Rehoboth Beach
- James Farm Ecological Preserve, near Bethany Beach
- Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge, Milton (off Rte. 1)
- Trap Pond State Park, Laurel
Final Thoughts
Cape Henlopen State Park is a great pick if you’re looking for a relaxing afternoon, day, or overnight at the beach. It sits along the coastline between Lewes and Rehoboth Beach. If you’re planning a day at Cape Henlopen, consider heading into Lewes to enjoy this compact, quaint town and a delicious evening meal. One of our favorite restaurants is Kindle, but there are several to choose from; check online reviews for a place that will suit you and your group.
Comments?
Please share your experiences and suggestions for other places to visit in the general area. Your ideas could be helpful to other travelers. Thanks! 🙂
