Fort Miles Historical Area, The Coastal Plain Travel Guide

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Explore a pivotal WWII coastal defense at Fort Miles Historical Area in Cape Henlopen State Park. Discover military history and scenic views.

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Fort Miles Historical Area

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

A brief summary to Fort Miles Historical Area

15099 Cape Henlopen State Park, Lewes, Delaware, 19958, US
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Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
Thursday 10 am-4 pm
Friday 10 am-4 pm
Saturday 10 am-4 pm
Sunday 10 am-2:30 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

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

Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the grounds and climbing the fire control tower.
Check the museum's schedule for guided tour times and special events.
Bring binoculars for enhanced viewing of the coastal scenery and wildlife.
Visit on a clear day to take full advantage of the scenic overlooks.
Consider biking to Fort Miles on the park's extensive trail system.

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Explore Fort Miles Historical Area on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Fort Miles Historical Area, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

From Lewes, DE, follow Cape Henlopen Drive into Cape Henlopen State Park. Continue on Cape Henlopen Drive until you reach the Fort Miles Historical Area. Parking is available near the Orientation Building. Note that Delaware charges entry fees to Cape Henlopen State Park from March 1 to November 30. Daily passes cost $5 for Delaware vehicles and $10 for out-of-state vehicles. Annual passes are available for $35 for Delaware vehicles and $70 for out-of-state vehicles.
Biking

Utilize the Junction & Breakwater Trail and other trail networks within Cape Henlopen State Park to bike to Fort Miles. Bike racks are available near the beaches and other attractions. Note that there are free bike rentals available for 2 hours at the Seaside Nature Center. Park entry fees still apply.
Public Transport

Take the DART First State Bus Route 204 to the Lewes Transit Center. From there, transfer to another route or utilize a rideshare service to get to Cape Henlopen State Park and Fort Miles. A one-way bus fare is typically $2. Park entry fees will also apply upon entering Cape Henlopen State Park.

Discover more about Fort Miles Historical Area

Nestled within Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes, Delaware, the Fort Miles Historical Area offers a captivating journey into America's military past. As one of the nation's most important East Coast defensive fortifications during World War II, Fort Miles played a crucial role in safeguarding the Delaware Bay from German U-boats. Today, the area stands as a well-preserved outdoor museum, inviting visitors to explore its historical structures and scenic landscapes.The heart of Fort Miles is Battery 519, a 15,000-square-foot underground bunker that now houses the Fort Miles Museum. Here, exhibits and artifacts bring to life the stories of the soldiers and civilians stationed at Fort Miles, showcasing their daily lives and the technology they used to defend the homeland. Exhibits include the Civil Air Patrol, relics from the U.S.S. Arizona and U.S.S. Missouri, and artwork. Visitors can take guided tours of Battery 519 to learn about the threats the country faced and how Fort Miles prepared to defend against them.Beyond Battery 519, the Fort Miles Historical Area features six barracks buildings, a fire control tower, an orientation building, and the Fort Miles Artillery Park. Climb the fire control tower for panoramic views of the seascape and surrounding areas. Explore the artillery park to see the different artillery pieces that helped protect the entrance of the Delaware Bay. The area also hosts special events and living history demonstrations throughout the year, offering a glimpse into the lives of the soldiers who served at Fort Miles.Fort Miles shifted to classified missions during the Cold War, including developing new weapons technology and listening for Soviet submarines. In 1996, the U.S. Navy decommissioned its reserve units at Fort Miles, and the federal government handed over the land to Cape Henlopen State Park. Since 2003, the Fort Miles Historical Association and Delaware State Parks have worked to preserve and restore the batteries, barracks, and other original buildings.