History Comes Alive at Fort Miles

Just a short drive from the heart of Rehoboth Beach, you’ll find Cape Henlopen State Park, where history and nature meet in quiet harmony. Here, one of Delaware’s most fascinating historic sites, Fort Miles, waits to be explored.

After wartime service in the Pacific aboard the storied “Mighty Mo,” the battleship USS Missouri, one of the ship’s original 16-inch guns found a permanent home here in the fall of 2016. This very gun once thundered from the decks of the Missouri while anchored in Tokyo Bay on September 2, 1945. This was the day the Japanese surrender was signed, marking the end of World War II.

Today, it stands as a silent sentinel overlooking the Delaware coastline, a powerful reminder of the courage, precision, and sacrifice that defined a generation.

Built during World War II, Fort Miles played a vital role in protecting America’s coastlines and the busy waterways leading into the Delaware Bay. Equipped with heavy artillery, minefields, and searchlights, the fort helped safeguard vital ports such as Wilmington and Philadelphia.

When long-range missiles rendered coastal forts obsolete, Fort Miles faded into quiet retirement. But like the tides, history has a way of returning, and today the site has been lovingly preserved as part of Cape Henlopen State Park. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and celebrated as one of the nation’s premier examples of restored coastal defense history.

Where History Meets Natural Wonder

Beyond its historic bunkers and towering artillery, Cape Henlopen unfolds into a naturalist’s paradise. The dunes and beaches surrounding the fort are nesting grounds for an extraordinary variety of coastal birds.

Birders will love spotting piping plovers, royal terns, American oystercatchers, and the ever-charming ruddy turnstones dancing along the edge of the surf.

On a quiet morning, you can stand near the observation tower and hear the call of gulls mix with the gentle rush of the Atlantic. A soundscape that has changed little since soldiers once stood watch here.

It’s a rare place where you can feel the layers of history while watching the tides change right before your eyes.

A Perfect Day Itinerary from The Avenue Inn & Spa

Morning

Begin your morning with a leisurely breakfast and a cup of freshly brewed coffee at The Avenue Inn & Spa, just a block from the beach. When you’re ready, head north on a scenic 15-minute drive to Cape Henlopen State Park in nearby Lewes. On your way there, stop by Lloyd’s Market, 611 Savannah Road in Lewes, and pick up a to-go lunch for later. Our staff likes the rotisserie chicken roasted right in the shop.

Start your Cape Henlopen State Park visit at the Fort Miles Museum and Historical Area, where you can explore restored bunkers, climb a World War II observation tower, and stand beside the iconic Missouri gun, a tangible link between Delaware’s shores and world history.

Midday

Enjoy your tasty Lloyd’s lunch before exploring the park’s walking trails. The Gordons Pond Trail is a local favorite, with a 3.2-mile path connecting Cape Henlopen to Rehoboth Beach and offering sweeping marsh views and frequent bird sightings.

Traveler Tip: Don’t forget your camera. The salt marsh light here is stunning, especially as the day warms.

Afternoon

Head toward the park’s Point Overlook, where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean. Here, migratory birds soar, and dolphins are often seen cresting offshore. Bring binoculars and keep an eye out for a bald eagle gliding along the horizon.

Evening

Head back to Rehoboth Beach and unwind with cocktails and dinner at The Blue Hen. Afterwards, take a gentle stroll along the boardwalk as the sun dips low, painting the sky in soft shades of gold and rose.

It’s the perfect ending to a day filled with history, discovery, and the natural beauty of Delaware’s coast.

Check out the WWII tower in Cape Henlopen State Park just north of The Avenue Inn & Spa.

Quick Tips for Visiting Fort Miles and Cape Henlopen

• Getting There: Cape Henlopen State Park is located in Lewes, about 15 minutes north of The Avenue Inn & Spa. The park’s entrance is well-marked, and parking is available near the Fort Miles Historic Area.
• Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall offer comfortable temperatures and excellent birding opportunities. Mornings are ideal for photography and fewer crowds.
• What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes, binoculars, water, sunscreen, and your camera. A light jacket is helpful when coastal breezes pick up.
• Guided Tours: The Fort Miles Museum offers guided tours during the warmer months with knowledgeable volunteers who share stories of Delaware’s role in coastal defense.
• Park Access: A modest entrance fee supports Delaware State Parks’ award-winning maintenance and preservation programs
• Plan Ahead: Check trail maps and seasonal birding updates at destateparks.com.
• Bonus Historical Stops: In the town of Lewes, not far from Cape Henlopen State Park, Zwaanendael Museum and Lewes Historical Society offer more maritime history. 

Stay, Discover, and Reflect

Whether you’re drawn by history, wildlife, or simply the stories that live between land, sea, and sky, Cape Henlopen promises a day that lingers in memory long after you’ve left the shore.

And when your day of exploring comes to an end, The Avenue Inn & Spa is your sanctuary of comfort. A place where friendly faces, coastal charm, and thoughtful touches await your return.

Plan your stay at avenueinn.com. Like a delightful collection of seashells, there is an abundance of rich history just beneath your feet and all around you here at the shore.

*Check in with each location suggested above for the latest information.