Children's Museums

Fort Miles Historical Area

Name: Fort Miles Historical Area
Address: 15099 Cape Henlopen State Park, Lewes, DE 19958, Lewes, DE, US
Telephone: (302) 644-5007
Rating: 4.7

★★★★☆ 4.7 (634 reviews)

📍 15099 Cape Henlopen State Park, Lewes, DE 19958

📞 (302) 644-5007

🌐 www.destateparks.com/park/fort-miles

Visit Website 📍 Get Directions

🕐 Hours

Monday	Closed
Tuesday	Closed
Wednesday	10 AM–4 PM
Thursday	10 AM–4 PM
Friday	10 AM–4 PM
Saturday	10 AM–4 PM
Sunday	Closed

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About Fort Miles Historical Area

WWII fort with tours & a swing band. Old fort from WWII, in Cape Henlopen State Park, with tours, interpretive programs & a swing band. Battery 519 is a 15,000-square-foot underground fortified bunker from WWII that serves as the centerpiece exhibit, accessible through guided and self-guided tours. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 634 visitors.

Quick Facts

Type: Natural History Museum & Historic Site
Location: Overlooking Atlantic Ocean on sand dunes
Main Attraction: Battery 519 - 15,000 sq ft underground fortified bunker
Historical Focus: WWII and Cold War defense of Delaware Bay and trade centers
Best For: All ages - guided tours, self-guided exhibits, special events

💡 Did You Know?

⭐Battery 519 is a 15,000-square-foot underground fortified bunker from WWII that serves as the centerpiece exhibit, accessible through guided and self-guided tours
⭐Fort Miles houses a relic from the USS Arizona, the battleship destroyed at Pearl Harbor, serving as a powerful memorial artifact connected to that historic attack
🏛️The fort played a critical defensive role in WWII coastal protection, specifically defending against German U-boat attacks off the U.S. East Coast
⭐Fort Miles offers unique lantern tours and special programs including family campouts and school/youth education programs in addition to standard museum hours
⭐The site features six original barracks buildings, a fire control tower, and the Fort Miles Artillery Park with multiple large-caliber cannons on display grounds

💬 What Visitors Say

💬Check the website before visiting to confirm which tours are offered on your specific day—admission may be free but paid Battery 519 tours have limited availability and should be registered for online in advance.
🕐Visit during Memorial Day through Labor Day when the fort is open daily (10am-4pm), as off-season hours are limited to weekends only. Plan accordingly if visiting November through March.
💡Combine the underground Battery 519 bunker tour with the walking trails and Artillery Park to maximize your visit—the grounds are easy to navigate with scenic overlooks and you can view cargo ships and New Jersey across the water on clear days.
💡Take a guided tour to fully appreciate the fort's significance in WWII history, particularly regarding German U-boat defense and the USS Arizona relic on display—knowledgeable staff provide context that transforms the experience beyond self-guided exploration.
💡Plan for 2-3 hours to explore both the interior bunker and exterior walking paths at a comfortable pace. Parking is easy and paths are well-maintained, making it accessible for families of all fitness levels.