Fort Miles Historic Area: A WWII Coastal Defense
Explore a pivotal WWII coastal defense site at Fort Miles Historic Area in Delaware's Cape Henlopen State Park. History, tours, and scenic views await.
Explore Fort Miles Historic Area in Cape Henlopen State Park, a well-preserved World War II coastal defense site. Tour Battery 519, an underground bunker, and see artillery emplacements while learning about the fort's role in protecting the Delaware Bay and the US coastline.
A brief summary to Fort Miles Historic Area
- 15099 Cape Henlopen State Park, Lewes, Delaware, 19958, US
- +1302-644-5007
- Visit website
- Friday 10 am-4 pm
- Saturday 10 am-4 pm
- Sunday 10 am-2 pm
Local tips
- Visit on a weekend for guided tours of Battery 519 and other historical structures.
- Check the weather before visiting, as outdoor exploration is best on clear days.
- Bring binoculars for bird watching and enjoying the coastal scenery.
- Allow several hours to fully explore the museum, artillery park, and surrounding park.
- Consider packing a picnic to enjoy in the park after your tour.
Getting There
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Driving
From Lewes, follow Cape Henlopen Drive into Cape Henlopen State Park. Continue past the Cape May-Lewes Ferry terminal. Follow signs for Fort Miles. Note that a park entrance fee is required from March 1 to November 30: $5 daily for Delaware-registered vehicles and $10 daily for out-of-state vehicles. Ample parking is available near the Fort Miles Museum.
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Public Transport
From the Lewes Transit Center, take the DART Route 204 bus towards the Cape May-Lewes Ferry. Get off at the stop closest to the Ferry Terminal, which is still a considerable walk (approximately 30-50 minutes) to the Fort Miles Historic Area. The bus fare is typically around $2. Remember to factor in the park entrance fee upon entering Cape Henlopen State Park: $5 for DE vehicles, $10 for out-of-state vehicles.
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Walking
From the Cape May-Lewes Ferry terminal, follow Cape Henlopen Drive into the park. The walk to Fort Miles is approximately 2 miles and takes around 40 minutes. Be aware of vehicle traffic and use designated walking paths where available. Remember to factor in the park entrance fee upon entering Cape Henlopen State Park: $5 for DE vehicles, $10 for out-of-state vehicles.
Discover more about Fort Miles Historic Area
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Fire Control Tower 7
0.3 km
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Tower Number Twelve
1.0 km
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Cape May-Lewes Ferry
2.6 km
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Lewes - Cape May Ferry
2.7 km
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Lewes and Rehoboth Canal
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Pilot Point
3.0 km
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WWII Artillery Fire Observation Tower #6
3.2 km
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WWII Artillery Fire Observation Tower #5
3.5 km
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The Blue Water House
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Fisherman's Wharf
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Monument Sotheby's International Realty - Coastal Division
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Lewes Mercantile Antique Gallery
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Heidi Lowe Gallery and Lovely Rings by Hand
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Lewes Chamber of Commerce
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Lewes Oyster House
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Unmissable attractions to see
Fort Miles Historical Area
0.0 km
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Fort Miles Artillery Park
0.1 km
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Cape Henlopen Great Dune, Delaware
0.2 km
Ascend the Great Dune at Cape Henlopen for panoramic coastal views and a unique blend of natural beauty and military history.
Fort Miles Museum
0.2 km
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Seaside Nature Center
1.1 km
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Cape Henlopen State Park
1.3 km
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Fort Miles Battery Herring
1.5 km
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Herring Point
1.6 km
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Fishing Pier Cape Henlopen
1.7 km
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Gordons Pond Trail
1.8 km
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Cape Henlopen State Park Beach
2.0 km
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Cape Henlopen
2.9 km
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Gordon Pond Wildlife Area
3.1 km
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Johnnie Walker Beach
3.4 km
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Savannah Beach
3.7 km
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Essential places to dine
Grain On The Rocks
2.6 km
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On The Rocks Dockside Grill
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Dairy Queen
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Harvest Tide Steakhouse, Lewes, DE
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Lemon Tree Restaurant
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Pig & Publican
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Wheelhouse
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Striper Bites
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Touch of Italy
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Bramble & Brine at the Buttery
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Nectar Cafe & Juice Bar
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Raas
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Kindle
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Harbour Restaurant at Canal Square
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Half Full
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Campground Store
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Breakwater Bait and Tackle
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Lighthouse View Bait & Tackle
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Lewes Coffee Co
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Lewes Variety
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Lewes Cycle Sports
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Just Lewes
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Lewes Wear
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Blooming Boutique Accessories
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PUZZLES
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Lewes Gourmet
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Sand N Stones - Delaware & Nature Gift Shop
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Blooming Boutique
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Deanna's
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Bay Crossing Club House
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Purple Parrot Grill Beach Haus & Biergarten
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Freddies Beach Bar - Rehoboth Beach
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The Libation Room
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Summer House
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Rehoboth Ale House Downtown
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