7 Amazing Reasons to Visit Cape Henlopen State Park

I have no explanation as to why it took me this long in life to discover Cape Henlopen at the Delaware Seashore. Maybe because we live some 300 miles north, or maybe it is just a hidden gem. I could keep this little secret to myself, but that would be just terribly selfish.  So here I am about to share with you one of my now favorite places on earth, and why you should put on your list of places to visit.

Delaware State Parks

Change Of Plans

Sometimes, when one door closes another one opens. That is exactly how we discovered and ultimately ended up Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes, Delaware.

We were to embark on our maiden voyage with our new camper over spring break, only to be delayed several days due severe weather and high winds. In the frustrating days we were grounded at home, I stumbled upon this place called Cape Henlopen on one of the RV pages I follow. It was everything we love; nature and history at the shore. I made the command decision to change our entire itinerary last minute. We would embark instead to the Delaware Seashore once the weather passed.

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A Little Bit of Everything

It is not often you find a place that gives you a little bit of everything you love. The opportunities for exploration are endless.  From the moment we pulled into Cape Henlopen State Park, we knew we had just found somewhere we would return over and over. There was something new and delighting awaiting us at every turn as we explored this amazing area of the Delaware Seashore.

If you like nature, history, and a beach atmosphere, this place is absolutely for you. You can stay directly inside of the state park at the campground. From there you can roam freely throughout the sprawling state park. The campground offers cabins, RV sites, and walk-in tent sites. Otherwise, if staying elsewhere in the area, you can easily get a pass to visit the State Park for the day.

7 Amazing Reasons To Visit Cape Henlopen State Park

1. Seaside Nature Center

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Located right inside the park, this nature center has a stingray and turtle touch tank, reptile exhibits and ocean animal habitats. Additionally, you will find a live osprey camera, a gift shop with nature based and educational gifts, and so much more. A seaside nature trail starts from the nature center and leads out to the bay and back. The nature center also offers wonderful educational programs and classes for kids and adults . More on that below.

2. Expansive Bike Paths and Hiking Trails

The well maintained, paved bike paths take you around the entire state park.  As you wind through the wide open space through the scenery of sand and beach grass, you come upon old bunkers and towers.  These intriguing structures make you want to learn more about where you are. You can see other more subtle remnants of the old military installation if you keep your eyes open. Additionally, there are opportunities to learn more about the history of this once operational military facility at the Fort Miles Museum.

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3. Fort Miles Museum

Fort Miles Museum is located directly on the grounds of the former World War Two Army Installation.  There is so much hidden history here. The close proximity to the major ports of Philadelphia and Wilmington made this area a potential target for German attacks during the War. Fort Miles served as an integral part of our coastal defense during that time.

I was so intrigued by this little know part of our history, I purchased a wonderfully written and informative book in the nature center gift shop titled Delaware’s Ghost Towers, written by Author William C. Grayson. You can find the book HERE on Amazon.

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4. McBride Beach

In addition to the pristine white sand as far as you can see, McBride Beach is one of the best beaches I have visited as far as comfort and amenities. Complete with a boardwalk, bathrooms, concession stand, plenty of parking, and more,  you are sure to have a wonderful day at the beach.

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5. Delaware Bay

The bay is a bike or car ride from the campground or an easy hike from the nature center on the seaside nature trail. If you love fishing, clamming or crabbing, you cannot ask for a better location. The fishing pier jets way out into the bay, providing an optimal fishing experience. Low tide on shore offers a great opportunity to dig for clams. They are plentiful, fresh and delicious! Make sure you have the proper licensing for fishing and harvesting and are abiding by all of the Delaware fishing regulations. The beauty of the calm waters of the bay and lighthouse in the distance is a perfect backdrop for your photos.

6. Free Borrow-a-Bike Program

Yes free! You are welcome to bring your own, but if you don’t have room to lug your family’s bikes with you, you are covered. However, keep in mind that bikes are first come first serve, and demand is pretty high during peak season. The booth is located in the nature center parking lot. You will surely want to take advantage of the park’s beautiful bike trail system either with your own bikes or borrowed.

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7. Nature Programs and Events

• Cape Henlopen State Park offers a wide variety of educational programs. Some are free, and some have a minimal fee. Classes begin or are located at the nature center, There is a small auditorium for such classes. However, many are held outside at the bay or ocean for a full immersive learning experience.
• You will find events such as: An Evening with Horseshoe Crabs, Spring Migration Bird Walks, Feeding Frenzy Demonstrations, Night Sounds Campfire Programs, Dolphins Watches and so much more. We were lucky enough to be there on the day of a Squid Dissection class. To my surprise, our girls were totally into it.

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In addition to great nature programs, there are many historical events on the schedule. For example: Cold War Bike Tour, Battery 519 Lantern Tour and Operation Fort Miles to name just a few. Check out the state park ‘upcoming events’ section HERE for the most current schedule.

Cape Henlopen is a beautiful and wonderfully rewarding destination. It is clear the mission aims to immerse both children and adults into the beauty and history of the Delaware Seashore. Cape Henlopen State Park also makes it very affordable for families to visit, making this one of the best destinations I have encountered for families.

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