Cape Henlopen State Park is a fascinating park, that offers so many different experiences and is worthy of visiting on multiple days. In fact, I would suggest using Lewes, Delaware or another nearby city as a vacation hub – Cape May, New Jersey (blog post coming soon) is a short ferry ride across the bay and Assateague State Park and Assateague Island National Seashore are about an hour away. There is so much to do in the area.
A Guys Day
I specifically came to Lewes, Delaware to visit my friends Amanda and Phil. We all took the short trip to Assateague State Park and had a blast. However, on this day, Amanda had to work, so it was just Phil and I for a guy’s day out. That morning both Phil and I had a little work to finish before we headed out. I also made a little breakfast nosh, Smoked Salmon & Avocado Toast with Everything But the Bagel Seasoning. Delish! On the way to the park, we stopped by to see Amanda at the local Golf Club she bartends for a Bloody Mary. Let’s get this party started!
About the Park
Cape Henlopen State Park, nestled on Delaware’s picturesque coast, offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and recreational opportunities. Spanning over 5,000 acres, this coastal gem boasts pristine beaches, rolling sand dunes, and lush maritime forests. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore a network of scenic trails, ideal for hiking and biking, while birdwatchers delight in the park’s diverse avian inhabitants.
History buffs can explore the iconic World War II observation towers that stand as silent sentinels along the shoreline. The park’s centerpiece, the historic Fort Miles, provides a fascinating glimpse into the region’s military past. Visitors can also indulge in water activities, from swimming in the Atlantic to fishing and kayaking in the park’s tidal salt marshes. With its rich ecological diversity and recreational charm, Cape Henlopen State Park beckons nature lovers and adventure seekers alike to discover the magic of Delaware’s coastal wonders.
Pictures: Park Maps were the focus of our visit, specifically the left-hand map.
Top 5 Activities
- Explore the Beaches: Cape Henlopen State Park offers pristine beaches along the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors can relax on the sandy shores, swim in the refreshing waters, or engage in beachcombing and seashell collecting.
- Hiking and Biking Trails: The park features an extensive network of scenic trails, including the popular Gordon’s Pond Trail and the Seaside Nature Trail. Hikers and bikers can immerse themselves in the park’s diverse landscapes, from coastal dunes to lush forests.
- Visit Fort Miles: History enthusiasts can explore the historic Fort Miles, which played a crucial role in coastal defense during World War II. The fort features bunkers, observation towers, and informative exhibits, providing a fascinating glimpse into the area’s military history.
- Birdwatching: Cape Henlopen is a haven for birdwatchers, offering diverse habitats for numerous bird species. Bring your binoculars and observe the variety of shorebirds, songbirds, and raptors that inhabit the park, especially during migratory seasons.
- Water Activities: The park’s coastal location provides opportunities for various water activities. Fishing enthusiasts can try their luck from the fishing pier, and kayakers can explore the tidal salt marshes. The park’s natural beauty is best experienced from the water, adding an extra layer of adventure to your visit.
Reliving our Childhood
Both Phil and I grew up in an era of G.I. Joe and are both history buffs, so our first stop was Fort Miles. We had also visited Cape May, New Jersey the day before, where we initially learned about the observation towers and gun bunkers in the area. When visiting the park you have to go up into one of the Observation Towers. The observation towers have a rich history dating back to their construction during World War II when they served as lookout posts for coastal defense. These towers played a crucial role in monitoring the Delaware coast for potential enemy activity. Triangulation techniques were employed in their design, ensuring precise alignment and effective surveillance capabilities during their wartime function. Today, the observation towers are iconic landmarks, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Pictures: One of the Observation Towers | About the Observation Towers
Pictures: Spiral Staircase to the Top | Selfie on the Top of the Tower
Pictures: Views from the Observation Slots
Battery 519
From the parking lot, it is a short walk to Battery 519, a 15,000-square-foot fortified underground chamber. Today, the main battery houses the Fort Miles Museum. Along the initial part of the walk, you’ll pass some of the original barracks and several of the weapons that were used to protect the fort and the coast. And of course, our inner childhood came out. . .
Pictures: The Barracks area and some of the weapons used to protect the fort.
Pictures: Boys will be Boys
As you walk up to the main bunker and Museum, you’ll see a couple of the guns used to protect the coast during WW II. The largest gun on display actually came from the USS Missouri, Mighty MO. This massive gun could shoot a 2700-pound shell over 20 miles with pinpoint accuracy. And you can see the damage such a shell can make on the thick steel of a Japanese ship during the war.
Pictures: Mighty Mo’s Big Gun | A shell and the type of damage it did to a Japanese ship
Pictures: Fort Miles Museum
Pictures: Views from the Museum terrace
Beach Time
From Fort Miles, we continued our loop around the park and headed for the Senator David B. McBride Beach Bathhouse. It is a gorgeous facility with a boardwalk to the beach. I can only imagine how busy this place must be in the summer – remember our visit was at the beginning of November.
Pictures: McBride Beach Bathhouse | Boardwalk to the Beach
Pictures: Pillar on the Beach | Only the Shadows Know
Birds of Prey
Right next to the Bathhouse area, you can spot the Cape Henlopen Hawk Watch Tower. This spot used to be a military bunker, but now it’s a great place to watch different types of raptors fly by. It’s pretty neat that they keep count of all the birds they’ve seen yesterday and overall. So if you’re interested in birdwatching, this is the perfect spot!
Pictures: The Bunker beneath the Hawk Watch | The Hawk Watch Tower
Pictures: Daily and To Date Raptor Sightings | View from the Hawk Watch Tower
The Point
Next up, my favorite part of the park – The Point. The beach was so chill and beautiful! We didn’t have enough time to check the whole thing out, though. Next time, I’d love to take a longer hike out to the point. We noticed a ton of horseshoe crab shells scattered around the beach. Later, we learned that the Delaware Bay and the area off of Cape Henlopen has the world’s largest spawning population of horseshoe crabs, which are the official State Marine Animal. They look like they’re straight out of the movie Predator, pretty cool! We also got to see a couple of other native crabs that were still alive.
Pictures: A couple of the Horseshoe Crab shells
Pictures: Some of the other crabs we saw, per Google Lens – Lady Crab (r) and Ghost Crab (l)
Last Stop – The Fishing Pier
The fishing pier at Cape Henlopen State Park offers a stunning view of the Delaware Bay, with sights of the Ferry port, The Point, a lighthouse, and Cape May, New Jersey. I met several fishermen on the pier who had caught Tautog or Blackfish that day, a fish species that is popular in chowders and similar to Red Snapper. I highly recommend a visit to Cape Henlopen State Park for a great day out!
Historic Downtown Lewes
After a long day, we hit up historic downtown Lewes for a refreshing libation and snack at the Pink Pony, the bar at Bramble & Brine at The Butttery. It’s a super cute bar with hundreds of equestrienne ribbons, and definitely worth checking out when you’re in Lewes.
Pictures: Historic Lewes, Delaware
Pictures: Bramble & Brine at The Buttery | The Pink Pony Bar and Equestrienne Ribbons
Pictures: Crab au Gratin | Older Old Fashion | Yumsies Humsies
Date of Visit: 6 November 2023
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