Special Notice 1/18/19
DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation announced today that a section of Cape Henlopen State Park will be closed to accommodate a managed deer hunt taking place Thursday, Jan. 24.
About the Park
When the current lands of the state of Delaware were granted to William Penn sometime after 1682, Penn proclaimed that Cape Henlopen and its natural resources were to be for the common usage of the citizens of Lewes and Sussex County, thus establishing some of the nation's first "public lands." It has remained in the public domain ever since, playing a major role in local shipping and in the nation's military history. The historic Henlopen Lighthouse no longer helps to guide vessels through the treacherous bay waters, but the two stone "breakwaters" barriers off the point of the Cape, completed in 1869 and 1901, still form a safe harbor for boats during rough seas. As a Delaware state park, Cape Henlopen remains in the public domain.
Water, Beaches, and Trails
Cape Henlopen's beaches attract thousands of visitors who enjoy everything from ocean swimming, boating, fishing, and kayaking to clamming, paddle-boarding and wind-surfing. But Cape Henlopen offers more than just the ocean and bays. The park's premiere trails offer hiking and biking exploration.
A designated swimming beach, accessible from the Lewes entrance to the park, provides lifeguard patrols between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day (schedule may vary depending on staff availability).
Mobi-Mat equipment, consisting of three 30-foot mats allowing those in wheelchairs and power chairs to access the beach from the boardwalk, is also available at this location.
Camping and Cabins
Cape Henlopen's campground, set among pine-covered dunes, now includes 2-point hookups, 100-amp service on several sites, and sites to accommodate larger rigs. Twenty walk-in tent sites lie adjacent to the Waking Dunes Trail. Twelve camping cabins -- two-room individual cabins that offer an outdoor spigot and fire ring for cooking and share a communal bath house -- offer an economical alternative for vacationing at the beach. Visit our Reservations section for camping information and pricing.
Fort Miles Museum and Historical Area
During World War II, the Delaware River was a chief priority for defense planners because of the access it afforded to the giant trade centers of Wilmington, Philadelphia, and beyond. Fort Miles, located in what is now Cape Henlopen State Park, was a key piece of the nation's coastal defense at that time. Visit the Fort Miles page in our Attractions section for information about programs and tours.
Seaside Nature Center
The centerpiece of the newly-renovated Seaside Nature Center is a 495-gallon two-level touch tank, complete with viewing windows that allow visitors to see stingrays, horseshoe crabs and other species in the tank while they’re underwater. The nature center also features five 1,000-gallon tanks with local fish, exhibits that explain the different habitats within the park, a live Osprey cam (April through August), and a gift shop. A wide selection of activities and programs for children and adults are led by Seaside Nature Center staff each week.
Nature Center Hours
- Mid-June through Labor Day
- 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
- Fall and Spring
- 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily
- November through March
- 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday
- Closed Monday and Tuesday
Borrow-A-Bike Program
Free bikes are available at the Seaside Nature Center on a first-come, first-served basis, weather permitting, for 2 hours at a time, Bikes must remain within the park and stay on the paved bike trail. For more information, call the nature center. The Borrow-A-Bike Program is a project of the Friends of Cape Henlopen.
Available 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily on days when the nature center is open
Nature Preserve
Beach Plum Island Nature Preserve – Washover Barrier Spit provides the only publicly owned wild beach in Delaware incorporating dune and marsh habitat as it lies between the Delaware Bay and the Broadkill River. A portion of beachfront allows surf fishing and pedestrian use however, a majority of the Preserve is off limits to human activity for the purpose of wildlife conservation. It provides important habitat for horseshow crab spawning and shorebird feeding in the spring.
Amenities: Linear Trail on river side (pedestrian only). Parking lot, limited access to beach and Broadkill River.
Acreage: 127 acres
Upcoming Events
Spring Migration Bird Walks
Tuesday, April 23, 2019
8 a.m.
Search the park for birds on their spring migration. Each walkwill target current birding hot spots. For beginning and intermediate birders.Bring your binoculars or borrow a pair of ours. FREEPrograms with paid park entrance fee.
Add to Calendar
4/23/2019 8:00:00 AM
4/23/2019 10:00:00 AM
America/New_York
Spring Migration Bird Walks
Search the park for birds on their spring migration. Each walkwill target current birding hot spots. For beginning and intermediate birders.Bring your binoculars or borrow a pair of ours. FREEPrograms with paid park entrance fee.
Cape Henlopen State Park
Cape in Bloom
Wednesday, April 24, 2019
11 a.m.
Walk the trails in search of spring flowers and other signs ofplants in action. Dress to explore outside. For ages 7 and older with an adult. Limit 20.Pre-registration recommended by calling (302) 645-6852. FREE with paid park entrance fee
Add to Calendar
4/24/2019 11:00:00 AM
4/24/2019 12:00:00 PM
America/New_York
Cape in Bloom
Walk the trails in search of spring flowers and other signs ofplants in action. Dress to explore outside. For ages 7 and older with an adult. Limit 20.Pre-registration recommended by calling (302) 645-6852. FREE with paid park entrance fee
Cape Henlopen State Park
Feeding Frenzy
Wednesday, April 24, 2019
2 p.m.
School’s never out for our aquarium fishes. Watch them chow downand find out what they eat. For ages 5 and up with an adult. FREE with paid park entrance fee.
Add to Calendar
4/24/2019 2:00:00 PM
4/24/2019 2:30:00 PM
America/New_York
Feeding Frenzy
School’s never out for our aquarium fishes. Watch them chow downand find out what they eat. For ages 5 and up with an adult. FREE with paid park entrance fee.
Cape Henlopen State Park
Squid Dissection
Thursday, April 25, 2019
11 a.m.
Explore the ins and outs of a squid through a hands-on dissection!Learn about the squid’s world and see how its body is similar to yours. Forages 7 and older with a paying adult. Limit 20. Pre-registration required bycalling (302) 645-6852. $5 per personAlso offered on April 25
Add to Calendar
4/25/2019 11:00:00 AM
4/25/2019 12:00:00 PM
America/New_York
Squid Dissection
Explore the ins and outs of a squid through a hands-on dissection!Learn about the squid’s world and see how its body is similar to yours. Forages 7 and older with a paying adult. Limit 20. Pre-registration required bycalling (302) 645-6852. $5 per personAlso offered on April 25
Cape Henlopen State Park
Feeding Frenzy
Thursday, April 25, 2019
2 p.m.
School’s never out for our aquarium fishes. Watch them chow downand find out what they eat. For ages 5 and up with an adult. FREE with paid park entrance fee.
Add to Calendar
4/25/2019 2:00:00 PM
4/25/2019 2:30:00 PM
America/New_York
Feeding Frenzy
School’s never out for our aquarium fishes. Watch them chow downand find out what they eat. For ages 5 and up with an adult. FREE with paid park entrance fee.
Cape Henlopen State Park
Spring Time for Reptiles
Friday, April 26, 2019
11 a.m.
Spring finds many of our local snakes and turtles on the move.Discover which reptiles share our many habitats of Cape Henlopen during thisindoor program with live animals. For ages 5 and older with a paying adult.Limit 40. Pre-registration required by calling (302) 645-6852. $3per person
Add to Calendar
4/26/2019 11:00:00 AM
4/26/2019 12:00:00 PM
America/New_York
Spring Time for Reptiles
Spring finds many of our local snakes and turtles on the move.Discover which reptiles share our many habitats of Cape Henlopen during thisindoor program with live animals. For ages 5 and older with a paying adult.Limit 40. Pre-registration required by calling (302) 645-6852. $3per person
Cape Henlopen State Park
Feeding Frenzy
Friday, April 26, 2019
2 p.m.
School’s never out for our aquarium fishes. Watch them chow downand find out what they eat. For ages 5 and up with an adult. FREE with paid park entrance fee.
Add to Calendar
4/26/2019 2:00:00 PM
4/26/2019 2:30:00 PM
America/New_York
Feeding Frenzy
School’s never out for our aquarium fishes. Watch them chow downand find out what they eat. For ages 5 and up with an adult. FREE with paid park entrance fee.
Cape Henlopen State Park
Delaware Goes to War
Saturday, April 27, 2019
10 a.m.
On May 8, 1945 the allies declared victory in Europe in World War II. Fort Miles will celebrate the victory in our annual living history event. See firing demonstrations, learn about garrison life at Fort Miles, see guest speakers, hear live music, and watch a recreation of the surrender of U-858. The Fort Miles Museum will be open for $5 per person. For more information call (302) 644-5007.
Add to Calendar
4/27/2019 10:00:00 AM
4/27/2019 4:00:00 PM
America/New_York
Delaware Goes to War
On May 8, 1945 the allies declared victory in Europe in World War II. Fort Miles will celebrate the victory in our annual living history event. See firing demonstrations, learn about garrison life at Fort Miles, see guest speakers, hear live music, and watch a recreation of the surrender of U-858. The Fort Miles Museum will be open for $5 per person. For more information call (302) 644-5007.
Cape Henlopen State Park
Feeding Frenzy
Saturday, April 27, 2019
2 p.m.
Witness the different ways our local fish eat as we feed thestingrays in the touch tank and the other fish in the nature center aquariums. FREE
Add to Calendar
4/27/2019 2:00:00 PM
4/27/2019 2:30:00 PM
America/New_York
Feeding Frenzy
Witness the different ways our local fish eat as we feed thestingrays in the touch tank and the other fish in the nature center aquariums. FREE
Cape Henlopen State Park
Spring Migration Bird Walks
Tuesday, April 30, 2019
8 a.m.
Search the park for birds on their spring migration. Each walkwill target current birding hot spots. For beginning and intermediate birders.Bring your binoculars or borrow a pair of ours. FREEPrograms with paid park entrance fee.
Add to Calendar
4/30/2019 8:00:00 AM
4/30/2019 10:00:00 AM
America/New_York
Spring Migration Bird Walks
Search the park for birds on their spring migration. Each walkwill target current birding hot spots. For beginning and intermediate birders.Bring your binoculars or borrow a pair of ours. FREEPrograms with paid park entrance fee.
Cape Henlopen State Park
Discover Battery 519
Friday, May 3, 2019
11 a.m.
Construction of Battery 519 began in 1941 under the threat of war. Tour the battery to learn what the threats were and how Fort Miles planned to defend the United States from them. For ages 7 and up with a paying adult. Limit 30. Pre-registration is required by calling (302) 644-5007. $5 per person
Add to Calendar
5/3/2019 11:00:00 AM
5/3/2019 12:00:00 PM
America/New_York
Discover Battery 519
Construction of Battery 519 began in 1941 under the threat of war. Tour the battery to learn what the threats were and how Fort Miles planned to defend the United States from them. For ages 7 and up with a paying adult. Limit 30. Pre-registration is required by calling (302) 644-5007. $5 per person
Cape Henlopen State Park
Discover Battery 519
Friday, May 3, 2019
2 p.m.
Construction of Battery 519 began in 1941 under the threat of war. Tour the battery to learn what the threats were and how Fort Miles planned to defend the United States from them. For ages 7 and up with a paying adult. Limit 30. Pre-registration is required by calling (302) 644-5007. $5 per person
Add to Calendar
5/3/2019 2:00:00 PM
5/3/2019 3:00:00 PM
America/New_York
Discover Battery 519
Construction of Battery 519 began in 1941 under the threat of war. Tour the battery to learn what the threats were and how Fort Miles planned to defend the United States from them. For ages 7 and up with a paying adult. Limit 30. Pre-registration is required by calling (302) 644-5007. $5 per person
Cape Henlopen State Park
An Evening wiht Horseshoe Crabs
Friday, May 3, 2019
7 p.m.
Witness one of nature’s amazing scenes, as horseshoe crabs paradeup and down our beaches during their nesting season. We will explore the baybeach and uncover their mysterious lives. Dress to explore outside. For ages 7and older with an adult. Limit 20. Pre-registration required by calling (302)645-6852. $5per person Also offered on May 17
Add to Calendar
5/3/2019 7:00:00 PM
5/3/2019 8:00:00 PM
America/New_York
An Evening wiht Horseshoe Crabs
Witness one of nature’s amazing scenes, as horseshoe crabs paradeup and down our beaches during their nesting season. We will explore the baybeach and uncover their mysterious lives. Dress to explore outside. For ages 7and older with an adult. Limit 20. Pre-registration required by calling (302)645-6852. $5per person Also offered on May 17
Cape Henlopen State Park
Discover Battery 519
Saturday, May 4, 2019
11 a.m.
Construction of Battery 519 began in 1941 under the threat of war. Tour the battery to learn what the threats were and how Fort Miles planned to defend the United States from them. For ages 7 and up with a paying adult. Limit 30. Pre-registration is required by calling (302) 644-5007. $5 per person
Add to Calendar
5/4/2019 11:00:00 AM
5/4/2019 12:00:00 PM
America/New_York
Discover Battery 519
Construction of Battery 519 began in 1941 under the threat of war. Tour the battery to learn what the threats were and how Fort Miles planned to defend the United States from them. For ages 7 and up with a paying adult. Limit 30. Pre-registration is required by calling (302) 644-5007. $5 per person
Cape Henlopen State Park
Feeding Frenzy
Saturday, May 4, 2019
2 p.m.
Witness the different ways our local fish eat as we feed thestingrays in the touch tank and the other fish in the nature center aquariums. FREE
Add to Calendar
5/4/2019 2:00:00 PM
5/4/2019 2:30:00 PM
America/New_York
Feeding Frenzy
Witness the different ways our local fish eat as we feed thestingrays in the touch tank and the other fish in the nature center aquariums. FREE
Cape Henlopen State Park
Truckin' Through History
Saturday, May 4, 2019
2 p.m.
Take a ride on an historic WWII troop carrying truck as we tour the park looking at some of the lesser-known remains of Fort Miles. Tours meet at the Biden Center, and tickets go on sale at the Fort Miles Orientation Building each Saturday morning on a first-come, first serve basis. For ages 7 and up with a paying adult. Maximum of four tickets per group. Limit 12 per ride. $8 per person
Add to Calendar
5/4/2019 2:00:00 PM
5/4/2019 3:00:00 PM
America/New_York
Truckin' Through History
Take a ride on an historic WWII troop carrying truck as we tour the park looking at some of the lesser-known remains of Fort Miles. Tours meet at the Biden Center, and tickets go on sale at the Fort Miles Orientation Building each Saturday morning on a first-come, first serve basis. For ages 7 and up with a paying adult. Maximum of four tickets per group. Limit 12 per ride. $8 per person
Cape Henlopen State Park
Spring Migration Bird Walks
Tuesday, May 7, 2019
8 a.m.
Search the park for birds on their spring migration. Each walkwill target current birding hot spots. For beginning and intermediate birders.Bring your binoculars or borrow a pair of ours. FREEPrograms with paid park entrance fee.
Add to Calendar
5/7/2019 8:00:00 AM
5/7/2019 10:00:00 AM
America/New_York
Spring Migration Bird Walks
Search the park for birds on their spring migration. Each walkwill target current birding hot spots. For beginning and intermediate birders.Bring your binoculars or borrow a pair of ours. FREEPrograms with paid park entrance fee.
Cape Henlopen State Park
Discover Battery 519
Friday, May 10, 2019
11 a.m.
Construction of Battery 519 began in 1941 under the threat of war. Tour the battery to learn what the threats were and how Fort Miles planned to defend the United States from them. For ages 7 and up with a paying adult. Limit 30. Pre-registration is required by calling (302) 644-5007. $5 per person
Add to Calendar
5/10/2019 11:00:00 AM
5/10/2019 12:00:00 PM
America/New_York
Discover Battery 519
Construction of Battery 519 began in 1941 under the threat of war. Tour the battery to learn what the threats were and how Fort Miles planned to defend the United States from them. For ages 7 and up with a paying adult. Limit 30. Pre-registration is required by calling (302) 644-5007. $5 per person
Cape Henlopen State Park
Discover Battery 519
Friday, May 10, 2019
2 p.m.
Construction of Battery 519 began in 1941 under the threat of war. Tour the battery to learn what the threats were and how Fort Miles planned to defend the United States from them. For ages 7 and up with a paying adult. Limit 30. Pre-registration is required by calling (302) 644-5007. $5 per person
Add to Calendar
5/10/2019 2:00:00 PM
5/10/2019 3:00:00 PM
America/New_York
Discover Battery 519
Construction of Battery 519 began in 1941 under the threat of war. Tour the battery to learn what the threats were and how Fort Miles planned to defend the United States from them. For ages 7 and up with a paying adult. Limit 30. Pre-registration is required by calling (302) 644-5007. $5 per person
Cape Henlopen State Park
Cold War Bike Tour
Saturday, May 11, 2019
10:30 a.m.
Ride along with a park historian to see the Cold War relics in Cape Henlopen. Hear tales of Doomsday ships, spies, Soviet submarine tracking and more. Please bring your own bike. For ages 10 and older with an adult. Limit 20. Please call (302) 644-5007 to pre-register. $5 per person
Add to Calendar
5/11/2019 10:30:00 AM
5/11/2019 11:30:00 AM
America/New_York
Cold War Bike Tour
Ride along with a park historian to see the Cold War relics in Cape Henlopen. Hear tales of Doomsday ships, spies, Soviet submarine tracking and more. Please bring your own bike. For ages 10 and older with an adult. Limit 20. Please call (302) 644-5007 to pre-register. $5 per person
Cape Henlopen State Park
Discover Battery 519
Saturday, May 11, 2019
11 a.m.
Construction of Battery 519 began in 1941 under the threat of war. Tour the battery to learn what the threats were and how Fort Miles planned to defend the United States from them. For ages 7 and up with a paying adult. Limit 30. Pre-registration is required by calling (302) 644-5007. $5 per person
Add to Calendar
5/11/2019 11:00:00 AM
5/11/2019 12:00:00 PM
America/New_York
Discover Battery 519
Construction of Battery 519 began in 1941 under the threat of war. Tour the battery to learn what the threats were and how Fort Miles planned to defend the United States from them. For ages 7 and up with a paying adult. Limit 30. Pre-registration is required by calling (302) 644-5007. $5 per person
Cape Henlopen State Park
Ospreys Return!
Saturday, May 11, 2019
11 a.m.
Celebrate bird migration by following the exploits of our own osprey cam birds. Find out where they spent their winter and why they return. We’ll start inside, then look for these seahawks in the park. Dress to explore outside. For ages 7 and older with an adult Limit 20. Pre-registration required by calling (302) 645-6852. FREE with paid park entrance fee
Add to Calendar
5/11/2019 11:00:00 AM
5/11/2019 12:30:00 PM
America/New_York
Ospreys Return!
Celebrate bird migration by following the exploits of our own osprey cam birds. Find out where they spent their winter and why they return. We’ll start inside, then look for these seahawks in the park. Dress to explore outside. For ages 7 and older with an adult Limit 20. Pre-registration required by calling (302) 645-6852. FREE with paid park entrance fee
Cape Henlopen State Park
Discovery Battery 519
Saturday, May 11, 2019
2 p.m.
Construction of Battery 519 began in 1941 under the threat of war. Tour the battery to learn what the threats were and how Fort Miles planned to defend the United States from them. For ages 7 and up with a paying adult. Limit 30. Pre-registration is required by calling (302) 644-5007. $5 per person
Add to Calendar
5/11/2019 2:00:00 PM
5/11/2019 3:00:00 PM
America/New_York
Discovery Battery 519
Construction of Battery 519 began in 1941 under the threat of war. Tour the battery to learn what the threats were and how Fort Miles planned to defend the United States from them. For ages 7 and up with a paying adult. Limit 30. Pre-registration is required by calling (302) 644-5007. $5 per person
Cape Henlopen State Park
Feeding Frenzy
Saturday, May 11, 2019
2 p.m.
Witness the different ways our local fish eat as we feed thestingrays in the touch tank and the other fish in the nature center aquariums. FREE
Add to Calendar
5/11/2019 2:00:00 PM
5/11/2019 2:30:00 PM
America/New_York
Feeding Frenzy
Witness the different ways our local fish eat as we feed thestingrays in the touch tank and the other fish in the nature center aquariums. FREE
Cape Henlopen State Park
Spring Migration Bird Walks
Tuesday, May 14, 2019
8 a.m.
Search the park for birds on their spring migration. Each walkwill target current birding hot spots. For beginning and intermediate birders.Bring your binoculars or borrow a pair of ours. FREEPrograms with paid park entrance fee.
Add to Calendar
5/14/2019 8:00:00 AM
5/14/2019 10:00:00 AM
America/New_York
Spring Migration Bird Walks
Search the park for birds on their spring migration. Each walkwill target current birding hot spots. For beginning and intermediate birders.Bring your binoculars or borrow a pair of ours. FREEPrograms with paid park entrance fee.
Cape Henlopen State Park
Discover Battery 519
Friday, May 17, 2019
11 a.m.
Construction of Battery 519 began in 1941 under the threat of war. Tour the battery to learn what the threats were and how Fort Miles planned to defend the United States from them. For ages 7 and up with a paying adult. Limit 30. Pre-registration is required by calling (302) 644-5007. $5 per person
Add to Calendar
5/17/2019 11:00:00 AM
5/17/2019 12:00:00 PM
America/New_York
Discover Battery 519
Construction of Battery 519 began in 1941 under the threat of war. Tour the battery to learn what the threats were and how Fort Miles planned to defend the United States from them. For ages 7 and up with a paying adult. Limit 30. Pre-registration is required by calling (302) 644-5007. $5 per person
Cape Henlopen State Park
Discover Battery 519
Friday, May 17, 2019
2 p.m.
Construction of Battery 519 began in 1941 under the threat of war. Tour the battery to learn what the threats were and how Fort Miles planned to defend the United States from them. For ages 7 and up with a paying adult. Limit 30. Pre-registration is required by calling (302) 644-5007. $5 per person
Add to Calendar
5/17/2019 2:00:00 PM
5/17/2019 3:00:00 PM
America/New_York
Discover Battery 519
Construction of Battery 519 began in 1941 under the threat of war. Tour the battery to learn what the threats were and how Fort Miles planned to defend the United States from them. For ages 7 and up with a paying adult. Limit 30. Pre-registration is required by calling (302) 644-5007. $5 per person
Cape Henlopen State Park
An Evening with Horseshoe Crabs
Friday, May 17, 2019
7 p.m.
Witness one of nature’s amazing scenes, as horseshoe crabs parade up and down our beaches during their nesting season. We will explore the bay beach and uncover their mysterious lives. Dress to explore outside. For ages 7 and older with an adult. Limit 20. Pre-registration required by calling (302) 645-6852. $5 per person
Add to Calendar
5/17/2019 7:00:00 PM
5/17/2019 8:00:00 PM
America/New_York
An Evening with Horseshoe Crabs
Witness one of nature’s amazing scenes, as horseshoe crabs parade up and down our beaches during their nesting season. We will explore the bay beach and uncover their mysterious lives. Dress to explore outside. For ages 7 and older with an adult. Limit 20. Pre-registration required by calling (302) 645-6852. $5 per person
Cape Henlopen State Park
Discover Battery 519
Saturday, May 18, 2019
11 a.m.
Construction of Battery 519 began in 1941 under the threat of war. Tour the battery to learn what the threats were and how Fort Miles planned to defend the United States from them. For ages 7 and up with a paying adult. Limit 30. Pre-registration is required by calling (302) 644-5007. $5 per person
Add to Calendar
5/18/2019 11:00:00 AM
5/18/2019 12:00:00 PM
America/New_York
Discover Battery 519
Construction of Battery 519 began in 1941 under the threat of war. Tour the battery to learn what the threats were and how Fort Miles planned to defend the United States from them. For ages 7 and up with a paying adult. Limit 30. Pre-registration is required by calling (302) 644-5007. $5 per person
Cape Henlopen State Park
Truckin' Through History
Saturday, May 18, 2019
2 p.m.
Take a ride on an historic WWII troop carrying truck as we tour the park looking at some of the lesser-known remains of Fort Miles. Tours meet at the Biden Center, and tickets go on sale at the Fort Miles Orientation Building each Saturday morning on a first-come, first serve basis. For ages 7 and up with a paying adult. Maximum of four tickets per group. Limit 12 per ride. $8 per person
Add to Calendar
5/18/2019 2:00:00 PM
5/18/2019 3:00:00 PM
America/New_York
Truckin' Through History
Take a ride on an historic WWII troop carrying truck as we tour the park looking at some of the lesser-known remains of Fort Miles. Tours meet at the Biden Center, and tickets go on sale at the Fort Miles Orientation Building each Saturday morning on a first-come, first serve basis. For ages 7 and up with a paying adult. Maximum of four tickets per group. Limit 12 per ride. $8 per person
Cape Henlopen State Park
Feeding Frenzy
Saturday, May 18, 2019
2 p.m.
Witness the different ways our local fish eat as we feed thestingrays in the touch tank and the other fish in the nature center aquariums. FREE
Add to Calendar
5/18/2019 2:00:00 PM
5/18/2019 2:30:00 PM
America/New_York
Feeding Frenzy
Witness the different ways our local fish eat as we feed thestingrays in the touch tank and the other fish in the nature center aquariums. FREE
Cape Henlopen State Park
Spring Migration Bird Walks
Tuesday, May 21, 2019
8 a.m.
Search the park for birds on their spring migration. Each walkwill target current birding hot spots. For beginning and intermediate birders.Bring your binoculars or borrow a pair of ours. FREEPrograms with paid park entrance fee.
Add to Calendar
5/21/2019 8:00:00 AM
5/21/2019 10:00:00 AM
America/New_York
Spring Migration Bird Walks
Search the park for birds on their spring migration. Each walkwill target current birding hot spots. For beginning and intermediate birders.Bring your binoculars or borrow a pair of ours. FREEPrograms with paid park entrance fee.
Cape Henlopen State Park
Discover Battery 519
Friday, May 24, 2019
11 a.m.
Construction of Battery 519 began in 1941 under the threat of war. Tour the battery to learn what the threats were and how Fort Miles planned to defend the United States from them. For ages 7 and up with a paying adult. Limit 30. Pre-registration is required by calling (302) 644-5007. $5 per person
Add to Calendar
5/24/2019 11:00:00 AM
5/24/2019 12:00:00 PM
America/New_York
Discover Battery 519
Construction of Battery 519 began in 1941 under the threat of war. Tour the battery to learn what the threats were and how Fort Miles planned to defend the United States from them. For ages 7 and up with a paying adult. Limit 30. Pre-registration is required by calling (302) 644-5007. $5 per person
Cape Henlopen State Park
Discover Battery 519
Friday, May 24, 2019
2 p.m.
Construction of Battery 519 began in 1941 under the threat of war. Tour the battery to learn what the threats were and how Fort Miles planned to defend the United States from them. For ages 7 and up with a paying adult. Limit 30. Pre-registration is required by calling (302) 644-5007. $5 per person
Add to Calendar
5/24/2019 2:00:00 PM
5/24/2019 3:00:00 PM
America/New_York
Discover Battery 519
Construction of Battery 519 began in 1941 under the threat of war. Tour the battery to learn what the threats were and how Fort Miles planned to defend the United States from them. For ages 7 and up with a paying adult. Limit 30. Pre-registration is required by calling (302) 644-5007. $5 per person
Cape Henlopen State Park
Seining Delaware Bay
Saturday, May 25, 2019
9 a.m.
Collect fish and crabs with a seine net and discover who’s usingDelaware Bay as a nursery. Dress to get wet and wear secure shoes, no flip-flops. For ages 5 and older with a paying adult. Limit 30. NoReservations. Tickets available at the Nature Center the day of with a maximumof six per person. $5 perperson
Add to Calendar
5/25/2019 9:00:00 AM
5/25/2019 10:30:00 AM
America/New_York
Seining Delaware Bay
Collect fish and crabs with a seine net and discover who’s usingDelaware Bay as a nursery. Dress to get wet and wear secure shoes, no flip-flops. For ages 5 and older with a paying adult. Limit 30. NoReservations. Tickets available at the Nature Center the day of with a maximumof six per person. $5 perperson
Cape Henlopen State Park
Discover Battery 519
Saturday, May 25, 2019
11 a.m.
Construction of Battery 519 began in 1941 under the threat of war. Tour the battery to learn what the threats were and how Fort Miles planned to defend the United States from them. For ages 7 and up with a paying adult. Limit 30. Pre-registration is required by calling (302) 644-5007. $5 per person
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5/25/2019 11:00:00 AM
5/25/2019 12:00:00 PM
America/New_York
Discover Battery 519
Construction of Battery 519 began in 1941 under the threat of war. Tour the battery to learn what the threats were and how Fort Miles planned to defend the United States from them. For ages 7 and up with a paying adult. Limit 30. Pre-registration is required by calling (302) 644-5007. $5 per person
Cape Henlopen State Park
Discovery Battery 519
Saturday, May 25, 2019
2 p.m.
Construction of Battery 519 began in 1941 under the threat of war. Tour the battery to learn what the threats were and how Fort Miles planned to defend the United States from them. For ages 7 and up with a paying adult. Limit 30. Pre-registration is required by calling (302) 644-5007. $5 per person
Add to Calendar
5/25/2019 2:00:00 PM
5/25/2019 3:00:00 PM
America/New_York
Discovery Battery 519
Construction of Battery 519 began in 1941 under the threat of war. Tour the battery to learn what the threats were and how Fort Miles planned to defend the United States from them. For ages 7 and up with a paying adult. Limit 30. Pre-registration is required by calling (302) 644-5007. $5 per person
Cape Henlopen State Park
Feeding Frenzy
Saturday, May 25, 2019
2 p.m.
Witness the different ways our local fish eat as we feed thestingrays in the touch tank and the other fish in the nature center aquariums. FREE
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5/25/2019 2:00:00 PM
5/25/2019 2:30:00 PM
America/New_York
Feeding Frenzy
Witness the different ways our local fish eat as we feed thestingrays in the touch tank and the other fish in the nature center aquariums. FREE
Cape Henlopen State Park
Campfire Program: Night Sounds
Saturday, May 25, 2019
7 p.m.
Listen up and find out who’s calling and why after the sun goesdown. Bring marshmallows and sticks for roasting after the program! Bringfolding chairs, limited seating provided. Recommended for ages 5 and up with anadult. Meet at the campground amphitheater. Call 302-645-6852 for more information.FREE with paid park entrance fee
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5/25/2019 7:00:00 PM
5/25/2019 7:30:00 PM
America/New_York
Campfire Program: Night Sounds
Listen up and find out who’s calling and why after the sun goesdown. Bring marshmallows and sticks for roasting after the program! Bringfolding chairs, limited seating provided. Recommended for ages 5 and up with anadult. Meet at the campground amphitheater. Call 302-645-6852 for more information.FREE with paid park entrance fee
Cape Henlopen State Park
Battery 519 Lantern Tour
Saturday, May 25, 2019
8 p.m.
In 1943, World War II was in full swing, but it was much different than anticipated. Tour Battery 519 by lantern light and learn about U-boats on the prowl, sailors in distress, and what World War II turned out to be for soldiers stationed at Fort Miles. For ages 10 and older with a paying adult. Limit 30. Pre-registration is required by calling (302) 644-5007. $5 per person
Add to Calendar
5/25/2019 8:00:00 PM
5/25/2019 9:30:00 PM
America/New_York
Battery 519 Lantern Tour
In 1943, World War II was in full swing, but it was much different than anticipated. Tour Battery 519 by lantern light and learn about U-boats on the prowl, sailors in distress, and what World War II turned out to be for soldiers stationed at Fort Miles. For ages 10 and older with a paying adult. Limit 30. Pre-registration is required by calling (302) 644-5007. $5 per person
Cape Henlopen State Park
Dolphin Watch
Sunday, May 26, 2019
9:30 a.m.
Bottlenose dolphins return to our waters every spring. Discoverwhy they come back and go on a guided search from shore. For ages 5 and up witha paying adult. Limit 20.Pre-registration required by calling (302) 645-6852. $2 per person
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5/26/2019 9:30:00 AM
5/26/2019 10:30:00 AM
America/New_York
Dolphin Watch
Bottlenose dolphins return to our waters every spring. Discoverwhy they come back and go on a guided search from shore. For ages 5 and up witha paying adult. Limit 20.Pre-registration required by calling (302) 645-6852. $2 per person
Cape Henlopen State Park
Discover Battery 519
Friday, May 31, 2019
11 a.m.
Construction of Battery 519 began in 1941 under the threat of war. Tour the battery to learn what the threats were and how Fort Miles planned to defend the United States from them. For ages 7 and up with a paying adult. Limit 30. Pre-registration is required by calling (302) 644-5007. $5 per person
Add to Calendar
5/31/2019 11:00:00 AM
5/31/2019 12:00:00 PM
America/New_York
Discover Battery 519
Construction of Battery 519 began in 1941 under the threat of war. Tour the battery to learn what the threats were and how Fort Miles planned to defend the United States from them. For ages 7 and up with a paying adult. Limit 30. Pre-registration is required by calling (302) 644-5007. $5 per person
Cape Henlopen State Park
Discover Battery 519
Friday, May 31, 2019
2 p.m.
Construction of Battery 519 began in 1941 under the threat of war. Tour the battery to learn what the threats were and how Fort Miles planned to defend the United States from them. For ages 7 and up with a paying adult. Limit 30. Pre-registration is required by calling (302) 644-5007. $5 per person
Add to Calendar
5/31/2019 2:00:00 PM
5/31/2019 3:00:00 PM
America/New_York
Discover Battery 519
Construction of Battery 519 began in 1941 under the threat of war. Tour the battery to learn what the threats were and how Fort Miles planned to defend the United States from them. For ages 7 and up with a paying adult. Limit 30. Pre-registration is required by calling (302) 644-5007. $5 per person
Cape Henlopen State Park
Wild About Cape
Monday, June 17, 2019
9 a.m.
Get in touch with your “wild” side as we check out the beach and other nature places in the park.
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6/17/2019 12:00:00 AM
6/21/2019 12:00:00 AM
America/New_York
Wild About Cape
Get in touch with your “wild” side as we check out the beach and other nature places in the park.
Cape Henlopen State Park
Digging Cape
Monday, June 24, 2019
9 a.m.
Discover the mysteries of the land and the shore from the ground up as we “dig” into the nature of our habitats.
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6/24/2019 12:00:00 AM
6/28/2019 12:00:00 AM
America/New_York
Digging Cape
Discover the mysteries of the land and the shore from the ground up as we “dig” into the nature of our habitats.
Cape Henlopen State Park
Buggin Out
Monday, July 1, 2019
9 a.m.
Buzz around the park exploring for insects and their buggy world.
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7/1/2019 12:00:00 AM
7/3/2019 12:00:00 AM
America/New_York
Buggin Out
Buzz around the park exploring for insects and their buggy world.
Cape Henlopen State Park
Operation Fort Miles
Monday, July 8, 2019
9 a.m.
Experience Fort Miles history and develop the skills you need to complete the final rescue mission.
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7/8/2019 12:00:00 AM
7/12/2019 12:00:00 AM
America/New_York
Operation Fort Miles
Experience Fort Miles history and develop the skills you need to complete the final rescue mission.
Cape Henlopen State Park
Cape Adventurers
Monday, July 15, 2019
9 a.m.
Uncover the secrets of the park through nature and historical adventures!
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7/15/2019 12:00:00 AM
7/19/2019 12:00:00 AM
America/New_York
Cape Adventurers
Uncover the secrets of the park through nature and historical adventures!
Cape Henlopen State Park
Calling All Creatures
Monday, July 22, 2019
9 a.m.
Experience Cape Henlopen like animals do! Track their movements, listen to their calls, and view their home through “animal” eyes.
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7/22/2019 12:00:00 AM
7/26/2019 12:00:00 AM
America/New_York
Calling All Creatures
Experience Cape Henlopen like animals do! Track their movements, listen to their calls, and view their home through “animal” eyes.
Cape Henlopen State Park
Park Adventurers
Monday, July 29, 2019
9 a.m.
Venture back in history and into our local habitats with a team of fellow explorers.
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7/29/2019 12:00:00 AM
8/2/2019 12:00:00 AM
America/New_York
Park Adventurers
Venture back in history and into our local habitats with a team of fellow explorers.
Cape Henlopen State Park
Weird Cape!
Monday, August 5, 2019
9 a.m.
Find out about some of the weird and odd animals that adapt to the Cape Henlopen ecosystem.
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8/5/2019 12:00:00 AM
8/9/2019 12:00:00 AM
America/New_York
Weird Cape!
Find out about some of the weird and odd animals that adapt to the Cape Henlopen ecosystem.
Cape Henlopen State Park
Claws and Paws
Monday, August 12, 2019
9 a.m.
Adventure in the park in search of how animals move and get their food.
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8/12/2019 12:00:00 AM
8/16/2019 12:00:00 AM
America/New_York
Claws and Paws
Adventure in the park in search of how animals move and get their food.
Cape Henlopen State Park
Map and Directions
15099 Cape Henlopen Drive
Lewes, DE
(302) 645-8983
Email
Hours and Info
Park Hours
Open daily from 8 a.m. until sunset
*
Park Office Hours
April through October
Open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., 7 days a week
November through March
Open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
* Sunset time in Lewes, DE (EST) by Time.is
Seaside Nature Center
June 15 – Labor Day
9 a.m – 5 p.m. daily
April – June 14 / After Labor Day – October 22
9 a.m. – 4 p.m. daily
November – March
Wednesday – Sunday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
*2018 closed October 22 – 31 (10 days)
Entrance Fees
In-state: $5 Daily
Out-of-state: $10 Daily
Maps + Downloads
- Cape Henlopen State Park Map
- Cape Henlopen Campground Map
- Beach Plum Island Map
- Gordons Pond, J&B and Wolfe Neck Trail Map
- Regional Loop Map
- Park Activity Guide
- Disc Golf Scorecard and Map
- Pets in the Park Brochure
- Surf Fishing Brochure (includes maps)
- Birding Checklist
Love This Park?
- Join The Friends of Cape Henlopen State Park
- Become a Cape Henlopen State Park Volunteer
- Make an Online Donation to Cape Henlopen State Park
Activities
- Beach Weddings
- Camping – Primitive Youth Group
- Canoeing – Flatwater
- Cross-Country Skiing
- Disc Golf
- Fishing
- Geocaching
- Hiking
- Interpretive Programs
- Mountain Biking
- Nature/Cultural/Historical Programs
- Picnicking
- School Group Programs + REECH Program
- Sledding
- Summer Camps
- Volunteering
- Weddings/Special Events
Amenities
- Bait and Tackle Store
- Bathhouse
- Beaches
- Boat Rentals*
- Borrow-A-Bike Program
- Camp Store
- Campground
- Tent and RV sites with 3-Point Hookups
- Campground Laundry Facilities
- Camping cabins
- Day Use Areas
- Day Use Group Facilities
- Disc Golf Course
- Drinking Water
- Dump Stations
- Equestrian Trails
- Fishing Pier
- Food/Refreshment Concession Stand*
- Fort Miles Historic Site
- Guarded Swimming Area with Bathhouse*
- Seaside Nature Center -- Interpretive Center and Gift Shop
- Kayak/SUP Rentals*
- Osprey Cam
- Pet Areas
- Picnic Pavilions
- Picnic Tables
- Restrooms
- Showers
- Surf Fishing (Off-Road) Areas (license required)
- Trails
- Umbrella Rentals*
- Wedding/Special Event Venue
- Wheelchair-Accessible Beach Area
*Summer only
