
Due to COVID-19, the Life-Saving Station museum is currently closed. Temporary office hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday only
Be swept back to a time when night-time beach patrols and perilous high seas rescues were the only way to save shipwreck victims along the coasts of the United States. The original Indian River Life-Saving Station was built in 1876 for use by the United States Lifesaving Service, a government organization created to respond to the alarming number of shipwrecks along the coastlines of the United States and the precursor to today's U. S. Coast Guard.
The building was first located 400 feet closer to the shore, but a sand dune began to form around it almost as soon as it was finished. It was moved to its present location in 1877, and today has been meticulously restored to its 1905 appearance, complete with diamond-shaped trim. It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
This unique coastal property is great for any special event you may have in mind, and is ideal for beach destination weddings and receptions.
While your guests are visiting the beach, they can enjoy exciting programs and events, too!
Download the Indian River Life-Saving Station facility rental guidelines and site diagram.
Saturday, February 4, 2023
1:00 PM
Explore the varied habitats and scenery along the 1-mile loop on Burton Island Nature Preserve. Learn about the history of this island and how it came to be part of the state park. Identify trees, shrubs, grasses and birds along the way. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to program. After that, please call 302-227-6991. $5 per person
Saturday, February 11, 2023
2:00 PM
Bowline, figure eight, and double half hitch—for surfmen and sailors these were some of the essential working knots they used on a daily basis. Come to the Life-Saving Station to learn how to tie these practical knots and hear some of the history behind them. Then, construct your own personal knot board to display all of your finished knots at home. Ages 10 and up. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to program. After that, please call 302-227-6991. $15 per person
Saturday, February 11, 2023
7:00 PM
Learn what the surfmen went through to save shipwreck victims off the Delaware coast over 100 years ago. Venture out to the beach with a lantern and hear tales of tragedy and mystery from the station's logs. Pre-registration required. Ages 8 and up. Call 302-227-6991 to register. $10 per person. Online program registration ends 24 hours prior to program. After that, please call the park to reserve, at 302-227-6991.
Saturday, February 18, 2023
1:00 PM
Hike the Sea Hawk Trail with a naturalist and explore the many habitats within this hidden gem of a park! This 1.3-mile trail meanders through hardwood forest, meadow, salt marsh, and freshwater bog habitats. Online program registration ends 24 hours prior to program. After that, please call the park to reserve at 302-227-6991. $5 per person
Saturday, February 25, 2023
5:00 PM
Enjoy a guided hike over the Indian River Inlet bridge. Learn about the dynamic forces that have shaped the inlet over the last 200 years. Find out about the bridges that have spanned the inlet and how the current bridge design came to be. Online program registration ends 24 hours prior to program. After that, please call the park to reserve at 302-227-6991. $6 per person
Saturday, March 4, 2023
10:00 AM
Enjoy a guided hike over the Indian River Inlet bridge. Learn about the dynamic forces that have shaped the inlet over the last 200 years. Find out about the bridges that have spanned the inlet and how the current bridge design came to be. Online program registration ends 24 hours prior to program. After that, please call the park to reserve at 302-227-6991. $6 per person
Saturday, March 18, 2023
1:00 PM
It's time to get a little salty! Join a park interpreter to learn about the water salinity of Delaware Seashore. Harvest sea water to make some all natural sea salt and use it to create a scrub for your skin! Online registration ends 24 hours prior to program. After that, please call 302-227-6991. $15 per person
Friday, March 24, 2023
7:00 PM
Learn what the surfmen went through to save shipwreck victims off the Delaware coast over 100 years ago. Venture out to the beach with a lantern and hear tales of tragedy and mystery from the station's logs. Pre-registration required. Ages 8 and up. Call 302-227-6991 to register. $10 per person. Online program registration ends 24 hours prior to program. After that, please call the park to reserve, at 302-227-6991.
Saturday, March 25, 2023
1:00 PM
Have you always wanted to try surf fishing but weren’t sure how to get started? If so, this program is for you! Everything from fish identification to proper casting techniques will be covered in this three-hour program. Rods, reels, and bait are provided. Ages 12 and up. Those under 16 must be accompanied by a paying adult. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to program. After that, please call 302-227-6991. $25 per person