11 Fascinating Things You Probably Didn't Know About Cape Henlopen State Park In Delaware
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Kim Magaraci
Author
Cape Henlopen State Park is one of Delaware’s most popular attractions, and after spending some time in Lewes and exploring the park fully, it’s easy to understand why! With miles of trails, hidden bunkers in the hills, a gigantic dune and more to offer, there’s so much to see at Cape Henlopen State Park that you’ll want to return again and again.
Even if you consider yourself a Cape Henlopen expert, you might learn a thing or two about the park by checking out these little-known features of this popular corner of the First State.
The miles of sand that protect Cape Henlopen are some of the biggest dunes on the East Coast, and you can walk the beaches alongside them to really appreciate their size and beauty. You can hike up to the Great Dune on the Walking Dunes trail from the Herring Point parking lot.
You can walk or bike between Lewes and Rehoboth Beach on the Gordon's Pond trail, catching some amazing views on the way. Enjoy Rehoboth's nightlife after a full day of seeing all that Cape Henlopen has to offer.
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Watch the park's resident ospreys as they nest and take care of their eggs. You'll be captivated waiting for them to hatch, and then watching the baby birds as they begin their fledging journey. You can catch the live stream from April-September on the Osprey Cam website.
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Meet turtles in the touch-tank and observe the 5,000 gallons of fish tank with local marine life. The exhibits in the nature center will leave you with a new appreciation for everything that lives and thrives in the park.
Keep quiet on the Seaside and Pinelands nature trail and you might catch a glimpse of one of Cape Henlopen's many foxes! They're gorgeous and mostly harmless - if anything, you'll just scare them away.
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These World War II military lookout towers line the Delaware Bay, having once held the most important job of keeping our east coast ports safe from potential enemy attacks. You can relive the history of the towers by climbing the one along the Cape Henlopen bike trail. The 360-degree view is one of the best in Delaware.
The Fort Miles area includes Battery 519, six barracks buildings, a fire control tower, an orientation building, and the Fort Miles Artillery Park. During World War II, there were over 2,500 soldiers stationed here, ready to defend Wilmington and Philadelphia's important waterways.
The grounds of the Museum are open 8 a.m. to sunset daily. The Museum Orientation Building is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. March 3 – June 10 and Tuesday through Saturday June 13 – September 9.
The grounds of the Museum are open 8 a.m. to sunset daily. The Museum Orientation Building is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. March 3 – June 10 and Tuesday through Saturday June 13 – September 9.
You can rent a kayak or paddleboard from the Delaware State Park office, or you can bring your own and drop in. The calm bay waters are perfect for open paddling, and getting to see the Lighthouse from up close really will make you appreciate its size. Rentals are available from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM from May-September for paddlers ages 8 and older. To paddle on your own, you must be 13. The Park charges $15/hour, and you can call 302-645-6852 for information.
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If you've never tried disc golf, Cape Henlopen is a beginner-friendly course that would be a great first game. Much like regular golf, the point is to take as few throws as possible to land your frisbee in the basket. It's a great family activity, and one that few people take advantage of on the beach.
Delaware ghost stories often include the story of a solider that still walks the grounds, hiding in the bunkers and visiting sleeping campers.
Take to the skies (or watch more experienced fliers with their ornate kites) at the Great Delaware Kite Festival every year at Cape Henlopen State Park. For Lewes natives, it's a sign that spring is on the way!
Enjoy the miles of beach along the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean next time you stop by Cape Henlopen State Park – it makes a great day trip when you pair it with a visit to the charming town of Lewes.
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