Fort Miles Historic Area: A WWII Coastal Defense Fortress

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Step back in time at Fort Miles Historic Area, explore WWII coastal defenses, and discover Delaware's wartime stories in Cape Henlopen State Park.

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Fort Miles Historic Area

Explore Fort Miles, a key WWII coastal defense site within Cape Henlopen State Park. Tour Battery 519, climb a fire control tower, and discover the stories of the soldiers who protected the Delaware Bay.

A brief summary to Fort Miles Historic Area

15099 Cape Henlopen State Park, Lewes, Delaware, 19958, US
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Friday 10 am-4 pm
Saturday 10 am-4 pm
Sunday 10 am-2 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Fort Miles Historic Area.

Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking, especially if you plan to explore the artillery park and climb the fire control tower.
Check the schedule for guided tours and special events, as these offer a more in-depth experience of the fort's history.
Bring a camera to capture the scenic views from the fire control tower and the unique exhibits within Battery 519.
Consider visiting during the off-season for fewer crowds and a more peaceful experience.

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Getting There

Driving

Fort Miles Historic Area is located within Cape Henlopen State Park. From Lewes, follow Cape Henlopen Drive into the park. Once inside the park, follow the signs for Fort Miles. Parking is available in the lower lot near the Orientation Building. Note that parking can be limited, especially on weekends, so arrive early. Cape Henlopen State Park charges an entrance fee which is $5 for Delaware residents and $10 for non-residents, in effect from March 1st to November 30th.
Public Transport

The DART First State Bus Route 204 stops at the DRBA Ferry Terminal, which is located approximately 1.5 miles from Fort Miles. From the ferry terminal, it's about a 30-minute walk to the Fort Miles Orientation Building. Check the DART First State website for current bus schedules and fare information. A one-way bus fare is approximately $2.

Discover more about Fort Miles Historic Area

Nestled among the dunes of Cape Henlopen State Park, where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, lies the Fort Miles Historic Area. This area was a crucial part of the nation's coastal defense during World War II. From the early 1940s through the early 1970s, Fort Miles stood as a sentinel against potential German attacks on vital U.S. infrastructure and ports, including Philadelphia and Wilmington.Today, visitors can explore the remnants of this once-bustling military base. The central features include Battery 519, a 15,000-square-foot fortified underground bunker, six barracks buildings, a fire control tower offering panoramic views, an orientation building, and the Fort Miles Artillery Park. Museum exhibits and artifacts within Battery 519 bring to life Delaware's wartime stories, showcasing the technology used to defend the homeland.Guided tours led by uniformed interpreters provide insights into the fort's history and significance. Visitors can tour Battery 519 to discover the threats Fort Miles faced and how they planned to defend the United States. Climb a concrete spotting tower for scenic vistas of the seascape and surrounding areas. Explore the artillery park and learn about the different artillery pieces that protected the entrance to the Delaware Bay.Fort Miles also played a role in the Cold War, shifting to highly classified missions, including developing new weapons technology and listening for Soviet submarines. The Fort Miles Museum connects visitors to this history through guided tours, self-guided exhibits, and special events.