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World War II Lookout Tower: A Sentinel of the Shore

Step back in time at this meticulously restored WWII Lookout Tower, offering panoramic views and a glimpse into America's coastal defense history.

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The World War II Lookout Tower in Cape May, NJ, is the last remaining restorable WWII tower in the state. Built in 1942 as part of Fort Miles, it served as a crucial observation post for detecting enemy vessels, and now stands as a museum and memorial.

A brief summary to World War II Lookout Tower

  • Monday 12 pm-3 pm
  • Saturday 12 pm-3 pm
  • Sunday 12 pm-3 pm

Local tips

  • Check the opening hours before visiting, as they can vary, and the tower may close due to weather.
  • Allow at least 1-2 hours to fully explore the tower and its exhibits.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to Sunset Beach, located nearby, to hunt for Cape May diamonds (clear quartz pebbles).
  • Consider purchasing a combination ticket to save money if you plan to visit other Cape May MAC historic sites.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From central Cape May, head west on Sunset Boulevard. The World War II Lookout Tower is located on Sunset Boulevard, near Sunset Beach. A large parking lot is available across the street from the tower. Parking is free.

  • Public Transport

    During the summer, Cape May offers a free jitney service with stops throughout the city. Check the Cape May city website for the current schedule and route. From various points in Cape May, you can also use Fare-Free Transportation. Contact them for schedule and route information. From the jitney or shuttle stop, follow Sunset Boulevard to the west. The World War II Lookout Tower will be on your left, across the street from the parking lot.

  • Walking

    From Sunset Beach, walk east along Sunset Boulevard. The World War II Lookout Tower will be on your right, a short distance from the beach. The tower is accessible via a boardwalk.

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Discover more about World War II Lookout Tower

Standing tall on Sunset Boulevard in Lower Township, near Cape May Point State Park, the World War II Lookout Tower (Fire Control Tower No. 23) is a poignant reminder of America's coastal defenses during World War II. Constructed in 1942, shortly after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the tower was one of 15 strategically positioned between North Wildwood, NJ, and Bethany Beach, DE, to protect the Delaware Bay from German U-boats and naval attacks. Designed by the Army Corps of Engineers, the tower's construction was a rapid feat of engineering, taking only two and a half days to complete using a sliding tube-shaped form. Soldiers stationed within its six levels used azimuth instruments, telescope-like devices, to triangulate the position of enemy vessels and relay the information to nearby artillery batteries. The adjacent Battery 223 never fired upon an enemy, but regularly conducted drills. Today, the restored tower functions as a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the lives of the soldiers who served here and the crucial role Cape May played in the nation's defense. Climb to the sixth-floor spotting gallery and take in panoramic views of Cape May Point and Sunset Beach. The All Veterans Memorial, with its eternal flame, provides a space for quiet contemplation. Inside, exhibits showcase the history of the tower, Cape May's role in WWII, and honor local veterans. The tower is operated by Cape May MAC (Museums+Arts+Culture), which also manages the Cape May Lighthouse and the Emlen Physick Estate.

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