Two weeks ago, I posted about the Lewes Maritime Trail, a 4-mile route highlighting the town’s connection to the sea. Today, I’m sharing another fascinating historical site: The Fort Miles Museum, located within the expansive Cape Henlopen State Park.
To reach the museum by vehicle, travel to the end of Savannah Road toward Lewes Beach, turn right onto Cape Henlopen Drive, and proceed to the park gatehouse to pay the visitor fee or present a pass.
Alternatively, you can access the park and museum via its multi-use trail system. If you choose to park outside the entrance, convenient parking is available at the Cape May Lewes Ferry Terminal, which sits less than a mile from the park boundary. You can view the park's layout on this Cape Henlopen State Park Map.
About Fort Miles and the Museum
Fort Miles is situated on high ground overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. During World War II, this strategic location served as a vital lookout and defense station against the German navy, housing more than 2,300 soldiers tasked with protecting crucial trade and security points up the coast.
The museum complex features Battery 519, historical barracks buildings, a fire control tower, an orientation building, and the Fort Miles Artillery Park.
Admission to the indoor and outdoor educational exhibits is free. Visitors can explore displays on the WWII Civil Air Patrol, the 261st Coast Artillery, civilian service, recruitment posters, and scale models. Guided tours of Battery 519 are also available.
A featured exhibit, Oil Still Bleeds, pays tribute to Delaware’s servicemembers who were at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. The exhibit is built around a 650-pound relic from the USS Arizona and includes an interactive touch screen. Nearby, you can view a 16-inch gun barrel from the USS Missouri, representing both the U.S. entry into the war and the eventual surrender ceremony.
Fort Miles and the museum are open year-round, with expanded events and tours offered during the spring, summer, and fall.
While You’re There
The museum is just a short distance from Cape Henlopen State Park’s beaches, including one featuring a seasonal bathhouse and snack grill. Visitors can also access a historic WWII observation tower for panoramic views of the water or follow the meandering trails through the pine forests and marshlands. For a longer excursion, the paved trail system connects all the way to the town of Rehoboth Beach.
Thank you for exploring our local history and being such a wonderful part of our community with us! We love sharing the unique treasures of the Lewes area, and we’re so glad to have you along for the journey.