Picture of Indian River Life Saving Station

Indian River Life-Saving Station


News

About the Life-Saving Station

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.

group of people gathereed in front of life saving station

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.


Upcoming Events

Upcycling: Nautical Flag Art

Thursday, March 28, 2024

1:00 PM

Join park interpretive staff and try your hand at an 'upcycling' paint night. Learn about the history of the International Code of Signals and how it ties in with the history of the park. Paint your own word in nautical flags on a piece of rustic, reclaimed wood from park picnic tables and beach boardwalks. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to program. After that, please call 302-227-6991. $25 per person

Register Online

Add to Calendar 3/28/2024 1:00:00 PM 3/28/2024 3:00:00 PM America/New_York Upcycling: Nautical Flag Art Join park interpretive staff and try your hand at an 'upcycling' paint night. Learn about the history of the International Code of Signals and how it ties in with the history of the park. Paint your own word in nautical flags on a piece of rustic, reclaimed wood from park picnic tables and beach boardwalks. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to program. After that, please call 302-227-6991. $25 per person Delaware Seashore

Beach Driving Clinic

Saturday, March 30, 2024

9:00 AM

Learn park rules, licensing requirements, and tips from park staff to maximize your safety while driving on the beach. Then, follow park staff out to the beach to practice driving on the sand. Participants must have a valid surf tag and the required equipment to do so. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to program. After that, please call 302-227-6991. $20 per person

Register Online

Add to Calendar 3/30/2024 9:00:00 AM 3/20/2024 11:30:00 AM America/New_York Beach Driving Clinic Learn park rules, licensing requirements, and tips from park staff to maximize your safety while driving on the beach. Then, follow park staff out to the beach to practice driving on the sand. Participants must have a valid surf tag and the required equipment to do so. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to program. After that, please call 302-227-6991. $20 per person Delaware Seashore

Owl Pellet Dissection

Wednesday, April 3, 2024

1:00 PM

Learn about common owl species found in Delaware. A park naturalist will explain their adaptations and guide participants through a dissection of an owl pellet to determine its latest meal! Online program registration ends 24 hours before the program. After that, please call 302-227-6991. Ages 5 and up. All chaperones and observers must purchase a ticket. $6 per person

Register Online

Add to Calendar 4/3/2024 1:00:00 PM 4/3/2024 2:00:00 PM America/New_York Owl Pellet Dissection Learn about common owl species found in Delaware. A park naturalist will explain their adaptations and guide participants through a dissection of an owl pellet to determine its latest meal! Online program registration ends 24 hours before the program. After that, please call 302-227-6991. Ages 5 and up. All chaperones and observers must purchase a ticket. $6 per person Delaware Seashore

Squid Dissection: From Pen to Ink!

Friday, April 5, 2024

1:00 PM

Study one of the most specialized invertebrates of the sea! A park naturalist will guide participants in a dissection, and at the end of the program we will write with the squid's pen and ink! Ages 6 and up. Chaperones and observers must purchase tickets. Online program registration ends 24 hours prior to program. After that, please call the park to reserve, at 302-227-6991. $6 per person

Register Online

Add to Calendar 4/5/2024 1:00:00 PM 4/5/2024 2:00:00 PM America/New_York Squid Dissection: From Pen to Ink! Study one of the most specialized invertebrates of the sea! A park naturalist will guide participants in a dissection, and at the end of the program we will write with the squid's pen and ink! Ages 6 and up. Chaperones and observers must purchase tickets. Online program registration ends 24 hours prior to program. After that, please call the park to reserve, at 302-227-6991. $6 per person Delaware Seashore

Lantern Tour

Saturday, April 6, 2024

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.

Register Online

Add to Calendar 4/6/2024 7:00:00 PM 4/6/2024 8:30:00 PM America/New_York Lantern Tour 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. Delaware Seashore

The Great North American Eclipse

Monday, April 8, 2024

2:00 PM

Come to the park and experience a near-total eclipse! Delaware will experience a partial solar eclipse (close to 85%) with the peak occurring at about 3:15 p.m. The eclipse is not something to watch with the naked eye. Several pinhole projectors will be available for use, allowing you to safely see this stellar event. Eclipse peaks at 3:23 p.m. Meet at Tower 3. Free with park entry!

Add to Calendar 4/8/2024 2:00:00 PM 4/8/2024 4:30:00 PM America/New_York The Great North American Eclipse Come to the park and experience a near-total eclipse! Delaware will experience a partial solar eclipse (close to 85%) with the peak occurring at about 3:15 p.m. The eclipse is not something to watch with the naked eye. Several pinhole projectors will be available for use, allowing you to safely see this stellar event. Eclipse peaks at 3:23 p.m. Meet at Tower 3. Free with park entry! Delaware Seashore

Sea Glass Jewelry

Wednesday, April 10, 2024

1:00 PM

Make a simple sea glass pendant using a few basic wire-wrap techniques. Bring your own piece of sea glass or choose from our collection. Ages 12 and up. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to program. After that, please call 302-227-6991. $20 per person

Register Online

Add to Calendar 4/10/2024 1:00:00 PM 4/10/2024 1:00:00 PM America/New_York Sea Glass Jewelry Make a simple sea glass pendant using a few basic wire-wrap techniques. Bring your own piece of sea glass or choose from our collection. Ages 12 and up. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to program. After that, please call 302-227-6991. $20 per person Delaware Seashore

Introduction to Surf Fishing

Thursday, April 11, 2024

9:00 AM

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

Register Online

Add to Calendar 4/11/2024 9:00:00 AM 4/11/2024 12:00:00 PM America/New_York Introduction to Surf Fishing 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 Delaware Seashore

Beach Driving Clinic

Saturday, April 13, 2024

9:00 AM

Learn park rules, licensing requirements, and tips from park staff to maximize your safety while driving on the beach. Then, follow park staff out to the beach to practice driving on the sand. Participants must have a valid surf tag and the required equipment to do so. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to program. After that, please call 302-227-6991. $20 per person

Register Online

Add to Calendar 4/13/2024 9:00:00 AM 4/13/2024 11:30:00 AM America/New_York Beach Driving Clinic Learn park rules, licensing requirements, and tips from park staff to maximize your safety while driving on the beach. Then, follow park staff out to the beach to practice driving on the sand. Participants must have a valid surf tag and the required equipment to do so. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to program. After that, please call 302-227-6991. $20 per person Delaware Seashore

Introduction to Surf Fishing

Thursday, April 18, 2024

9:00 AM

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

Register Online

Add to Calendar 4/18/2024 9:00:00 AM 4/18/2024 12:00:00 PM America/New_York Introduction to Surf Fishing 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 Delaware Seashore

All Washed Up

Friday, April 19, 2024

1:00 PM

Explore the variety of objects that have washed up at Delaware Seashore State Park, from whelk to warheads! A park interpreter will share some common and not-so-common beach finds and how you should handle them. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to program. After that, please call 302-227-6991. Ages 7 and up. $6 per person.

Register Online

Add to Calendar 4/19/2024 1:00:00 PM 4/19/2024 2:00:00 PM America/New_York All Washed Up Explore the variety of objects that have washed up at Delaware Seashore State Park, from whelk to warheads! A park interpreter will share some common and not-so-common beach finds and how you should handle them. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to program. After that, please call 302-227-6991. Ages 7 and up. $6 per person. Delaware Seashore

Earth Day: Delaware's Dunes

Saturday, April 20, 2024

2:30 PM

Celebrate Earth Day and discover Delaware’s dunes! Sand dunes aren’t just a pretty feature of the coast- they’re an integral part of our coastal system. Find out how they form and why they’re the best first line of defense against natural disaster. Meet at the Indian River Life-Saving Station. Free with park entry!

Add to Calendar 4/20/2024 2:30:00 PM 4/20/2024 3:30:00 PM America/New_York Earth Day: Delaware's Dunes Celebrate Earth Day and discover Delaware’s dunes! Sand dunes aren’t just a pretty feature of the coast- they’re an integral part of our coastal system. Find out how they form and why they’re the best first line of defense against natural disaster. Meet at the Indian River Life-Saving Station. Free with park entry! Delaware Seashore

Hike the Indian River Inlet Bridge

Saturday, April 20, 2024

6:30 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

Register Online

Add to Calendar 4/20/2024 6:30:00 PM 4/20/2024 7:30:00 AM America/New_York Hike the Indian River Inlet Bridge 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 Delaware Seashore

Beach Driving Clinic

Thursday, April 25, 2024

9:00 AM

Learn park rules, licensing requirements, and tips from park staff to maximize your safety while driving on the beach. Then, follow park staff out to the beach to practice driving on the sand. Participants must have a valid surf tag and the required equipment to do so. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to program. After that, please call 302-227-6991. $20 per person

Register Online

Add to Calendar 4/25/2024 9:00:00 AM 4/25/2024 11:30:00 AM America/New_York Beach Driving Clinic Learn park rules, licensing requirements, and tips from park staff to maximize your safety while driving on the beach. Then, follow park staff out to the beach to practice driving on the sand. Participants must have a valid surf tag and the required equipment to do so. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to program. After that, please call 302-227-6991. $20 per person Delaware Seashore

Get in Touch with the Marsh: Holts Landing

Friday, April 26, 2024

10:00 AM

The marsh at Holts Landing is full of amazing sights and sounds, but have you ever wondered what it FEELS like? Join a park interpreter for this hands-on program that will let you touch everything from animal pelts to plant specimens to that sticky marsh mud. Meet at Holts Landing State Park. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to program. After that, please call 302-227-6991. Ages 6 and up. $6 per person.

Register Online

Add to Calendar 4/26/2024 10:00:00 AM 4/26/2024 11:00:00 AM America/New_York Get in Touch with the Marsh The marsh at Holts Landing is full of amazing sights and sounds, but have you ever wondered what it FEELS like? Join a park interpreter for this hands-on program that will let you touch everything from animal pelts to plant specimens to that sticky marsh mud. Meet at Holts Landing State Park. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to program. After that, please call 302-227-6991. Ages 6 and up. $6 per person. Holts Landing

Introduction to Surf Fishing

Saturday, April 27, 2024

9:00 AM

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

Register Online

Add to Calendar 4/27/2024 9:00:00 AM 4/27/2024 12:00:00 PM America/New_York Introduction to Surf Fishing 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 Delaware Seashore

Tales of Tower 3

Thursday, May 2, 2024

10:00 AM

Have you ever been curious about the concrete towers along Delaware's coast? Join a park interpreter to discover how they worked, how they were built, and how they helped defend the First State. Ages 7 and up. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to program. After that, please call 302-227-6991. $6 per person.

Register Online

Add to Calendar 5/2/2024 10:00:00 AM 5/2/2024 11:00:00 AM America/New_York Tales of Tower 3 Have you ever been curious about the concrete towers along Delaware's coast? Join a park interpreter to discover how they worked, how they were built, and how they helped defend the First State. Ages 7 and up. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to program. After that, please call 302-227-6991. $6 per person. Delaware Seashore

Sea Glass Jewelry

Friday, May 3, 2024

1:00 PM

Make a simple sea glass pendant using a few basic wire-wrap techniques. Bring your own piece of sea glass or choose from our collection. Ages 12 and up. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to program. After that, please call 302-227-6991. $20 per person

Register Online

Add to Calendar 5/3/2024 1:00:00 PM 5/3/2024 1:00:00 PM America/New_York Sea Glass Jewelry Make a simple sea glass pendant using a few basic wire-wrap techniques. Bring your own piece of sea glass or choose from our collection. Ages 12 and up. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to program. After that, please call 302-227-6991. $20 per person Delaware Seashore

Beach Driving Clinic

Saturday, May 4, 2024

9:00 AM

Learn park rules, licensing requirements, and tips from park staff to maximize your safety while driving on the beach. Then, follow park staff out to the beach to practice driving on the sand. Participants must have a valid surf tag and the required equipment to do so. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to program. After that, please call 302-227-6991. $20 per person

Register Online

Add to Calendar 5/4/2024 9:00:00 AM 5/4/2024 11:30:00 AM America/New_York Beach Driving Clinic Learn park rules, licensing requirements, and tips from park staff to maximize your safety while driving on the beach. Then, follow park staff out to the beach to practice driving on the sand. Participants must have a valid surf tag and the required equipment to do so. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to program. After that, please call 302-227-6991. $20 per person Delaware Seashore

Introduction to Surf Fishing

Thursday, May 9, 2024

9:00 AM

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

Register Online

Add to Calendar 5/9/2024 9:00:00 AM 5/9/2024 12:00:00 PM America/New_York Introduction to Surf Fishing 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 Delaware Seashore

Beach Driving Clinic

Friday, May 10, 2024

9:00 AM

Learn park rules, licensing requirements, and tips from park staff to maximize your safety while driving on the beach. Then, follow park staff out to the beach to practice driving on the sand. Participants must have a valid surf tag and the required equipment to do so. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to program. After that, please call 302-227-6991. $20 per person

Register Online

Add to Calendar 5/10/2024 9:00:00 AM 5/10/2024 11:30:00 AM America/New_York Beach Driving Clinic Learn park rules, licensing requirements, and tips from park staff to maximize your safety while driving on the beach. Then, follow park staff out to the beach to practice driving on the sand. Participants must have a valid surf tag and the required equipment to do so. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to program. After that, please call 302-227-6991. $20 per person Delaware Seashore

Osprey Watch

Saturday, May 11, 2024

10:30 AM

Join a park interpreter and learn to identify the osprey and other large coastal birds. Discover what they like to eat, how they catch their food, where they like to nest, and why we don't see any osprey in coastal Delaware during the winter. A limited number of binoculars will be available to borrow. Meet at the Savages Ditch picnic pavilion. Free with park entry!

Add to Calendar 5/11/2024 10:30:00 AM 5/11/2024 11:30:00 AM America/New_York Osprey Watch Join a park interpreter and learn to identify the osprey and other large coastal birds. Discover what they like to eat, how they catch their food, where they like to nest, and why we don't see any osprey in coastal Delaware during the winter. A limited number of binoculars will be available to borrow. Meet at the Savages Ditch picnic pavilion. Free with park entry! Delaware Seashore

Lantern Tour

Wednesday, May 22, 2024

8:00 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.

Register Online

Add to Calendar 5/22/2024 8:00:00 PM 5/22/2024 9:30:00 PM America/New_York Lantern Tour 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. Delaware Seashore

Hike the Indian River Inlet Bridge

Friday, May 24, 2024

7:30 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

Register Online

Add to Calendar 5/24/2024 7:30:00 PM 5/24/2024 8:30:00 AM America/New_York Hike the Indian River Inlet Bridge 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 Delaware Seashore

Terrapin Talk

Wednesday, May 29, 2024

10:00 AM

When driving through the park, you may have noticed 'turtle crossing' signs. These are referring to the Diamondback terrapin. Learn what is being done to protect this brackish water turtle in the park and what you can do to help ensure its survival. Meet at the Savages Ditch picnic pavilion. Free with park entry!

Add to Calendar 5/29/2024 10:00:00 AM 5/29/2024 11:00:00 AM America/New_York Terrapin Talk When driving through the park, you may have noticed 'turtle crossing' signs. These are referring to the Diamondback terrapin. Learn what is being done to protect this brackish water turtle in the park and what you can do to help ensure its survival. Meet at the Savages Ditch picnic pavilion. Free with park entry! Delaware Seashore

All Washed Up

Thursday, May 30, 2024

1:00 PM

Explore the variety of objects that have washed up at Delaware Seashore State Park, from whelk to warheads! A park interpreter will share some common and not-so-common beach finds and how you should handle them. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to program. After that, please call 302-227-6991. Ages 7 and up. $6 per person.

Register Online

Add to Calendar 5/30/2024 1:00:00 PM 5/30/2024 2:00:00 PM America/New_York All Washed Up Explore the variety of objects that have washed up at Delaware Seashore State Park, from whelk to warheads! A park interpreter will share some common and not-so-common beach finds and how you should handle them. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to program. After that, please call 302-227-6991. Ages 7 and up. $6 per person. Delaware Seashore

Get in Touch with the Marsh: Holts Landing

Friday, May 31, 2024

10:00 AM

The marsh at Holts Landing is full of amazing sights and sounds, but have you ever wondered what it FEELS like? Join a park interpreter for this hands-on program that will let you touch everything from animal pelts to plant specimens to that sticky marsh mud. Meet at Holts Landing State Park. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to program. After that, please call 302-227-6991. Ages 6 and up. $6 per person.

Register Online

Add to Calendar 5/31/2024 10:00:00 AM 5/31/2024 11:00:00 AM America/New_York Get in Touch with the Marsh The marsh at Holts Landing is full of amazing sights and sounds, but have you ever wondered what it FEELS like? Join a park interpreter for this hands-on program that will let you touch everything from animal pelts to plant specimens to that sticky marsh mud. Meet at Holts Landing State Park. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to program. After that, please call 302-227-6991. Ages 6 and up. $6 per person. Holts Landing