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DuPont Nature Center: Gateway to the Delaware Bay

Explore Delaware Bay's wonders at the DuPont Nature Center: interactive exhibits, shorebird migrations, and aquatic life await!

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The DuPont Nature Center, nestled where the Mispillion River meets the Delaware Bay, is a science-based educational center. It offers interactive exhibits, a viewing deck, and programs focusing on the bay's natural history, ecology, and the spectacle of migrating shorebirds and horseshoe crabs.

A brief summary to DuPont Nature Center

Local tips

  • Visit during low tide for optimal views of mudflats and wildlife.
  • Bring binoculars for enhanced bird watching.
  • Check the center's schedule for special programs and guided tours.
  • Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on trails and the observation deck.
  • Insect repellent is recommended, especially during warmer months.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From DE-1 South, take exit 83 for Milford and merge onto US-113 North. After approximately 5 miles, take the DE-14 East exit toward Milford. Continue on DE-14 for about 8 miles, then turn left onto Lighthouse Road. The DuPont Nature Center is on the right. Parking is available on-site. There are no tolls on this route.

  • Public Transport

    Take the DART First State bus service to Milford. From the Milford transit area, a taxi or rideshare is needed to reach the DuPont Nature Center, as there's no direct public transport. Expect to pay around $15-$20 for a taxi or rideshare service for this final leg.

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Discover more about DuPont Nature Center

Located at the confluence of the Mispillion River and Delaware Bay, the DuPont Nature Center serves as a unique gateway to understanding the Delaware Bay's ecosystem. This science-based educational facility, managed by the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), provides visitors with interactive exhibits and programs designed to connect them with the natural history and ecology of the bay. The center's location within the Milford Neck Nature Preserve offers a diverse visitor experience, blending human activity in Mispillion Harbor with the rich life of a tidal marsh and the expansive Delaware Bay. The surrounding estuary is home to over 130 species of birds, fish, shellfish, and other animals. A key attraction is the spring migration of shorebirds, including the red knot, which relies on horseshoe crab eggs to fuel their journey to the Arctic. Visitors can observe this phenomenon from the center's observation deck, equipped with spotting scopes. The deck remains open year-round from dawn to dusk, even when the center is closed, offering views of the harbor, saltmarsh, and bay. Inside the center, exhibits highlight the environmental and historical significance of Mispillion Harbor. Live cameras provide real-time views of nesting osprey and other wildlife. Educational programs, field trips, and guided tours are available from April through September, catering to schools, families, and community groups. These programs cover topics such as horseshoe crabs, shorebirds, and local history. The center also provides self-guided programs for families to explore Delaware Bay beaches. The DuPont Nature Center sits near the site of the historic Mispillion Lighthouse, which served as a beacon for over a century. While the lighthouse no longer stands, the Nature Center continues to serve as a beacon of education and conservation for the Delaware Bay area.

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