Fort Miles Historical Area: A WWII Coastal Defense
Explore a well-preserved World War II coastal defense site with guided tours, museum exhibits, and scenic views in Cape Henlopen State Park.
Explore Fort Miles Historical Area in Cape Henlopen State Park, a key coastal defense installation during World War II. Discover its well-preserved fortifications, including Battery 519, and enjoy scenic views of the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean.
A brief summary to Fort Miles Historical Area
- 15099 Cape Henlopen State Park, Lewes, Delaware, 19958, US
- +1302-644-5007
- Visit website
- 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
Local tips
- Check the museum's schedule for guided tours and special events before your visit.
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the fort and its trails.
- Bring binoculars for bird watching and enjoying the coastal scenery.
- Visit during the weekend for guided tours to enrich your experience.
Getting There
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Driving
From Lewes, follow Cape Henlopen Drive into Cape Henlopen State Park. Once inside the park, follow the signs to Fort Miles Historical Area. Parking is available near the Orientation Building. Park entrance fees are applicable from March 1 to November 30: $5 daily for Delaware-registered vehicles and $10 daily for out-of-state vehicles. Annual passes are also available.
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Public Transport
Take the DART Route 204 bus to the Cape Henlopen State Park. From the bus stop, it's approximately a 30-minute walk to Fort Miles Historical Area. A one-way bus fare is typically around $2. Park entrance fees may also apply upon entering the park.
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Walking/Biking
From the Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal, follow the walking/biking path into Cape Henlopen State Park. Continue along the path, following signs for Fort Miles. The walk/bike ride is approximately 3 miles and takes you through scenic areas of the park. Park entrance fees are applicable from March 1 to November 30: $5 daily for Delaware-registered vehicles and $10 daily for out-of-state vehicles. However, there is no additional cost for pedestrians or cyclists.
Discover more about Fort Miles Historical Area
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Fire Control Tower 7
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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
2.8 km
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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 Historic 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
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Fort Miles Museum
0.2 km
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Seaside Nature Center
1.1 km
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Cape Henlopen State Park
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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
3.3 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
3.7 km
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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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Bay Crossing Club House
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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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Rigby's Bar & Grill
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Zogg's Raw Bar & Grill
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