Fort Miles Museum and Battery 519
1 / 10

Fort Miles Museum and Battery 519

4.7
·96 reviews·Lewes, United States

Explore a preserved WWII coastal defense fort with massive artillery and engaging museum exhibits within Cape Henlopen State Park.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekends

Museum open, guides available

CrowdMedium
Loading map...
Fort Miles Museum and Battery 519

Fort Miles Museum and Battery 519

Best Time

Weekends

Museum open, guides available

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore a preserved WWII coastal defense fort with massive artillery and engaging museum exhibits within Cape Henlopen State Park.

4.7
(96 reviews)

"Beautiful state park with WWII artillery fort with large guns on display including a 16" from the USS Missouri."

Vertical photo
TIP

Check Museum Hours First

Museum hours vary; confirm online before your visit to avoid disappointment. :calendar:

Budget for Park Entry

A $10 park fee applies for non-locals to enter Cape Henlopen State Park. :moneywithwings:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The 16-inch Gun

The 16-inch Gun

Outdoor Display

Marvel at the massive 16-inch gun, salvaged from the USS Missouri, a powerful relic of WWII coastal defense.

WWII Artillery Fort Bunkers

WWII Artillery Fort Bunkers

Fort Miles Historic Area

Explore the imposing concrete bunkers that once housed artillery, offering a tangible connection to wartime history.

Fort Miles Museum Exhibits

Fort Miles Museum Exhibits

Inside Battery 519

Discover fascinating displays detailing Fort Miles' role in WWII and its defense against potential enemy threats.

USS Arizona Artifact

USS Arizona Artifact

Fort Miles Museum

See a poignant artifact from the USS Arizona, adding another layer of historical significance to your visit.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Cape Henlopen State Park Entry Fee

Access to Fort Miles Museum requires entry into Cape Henlopen State Park, which has a $10 fee for out-of-town visitors. Plan for this cost when budgeting your trip to explore the historic fort and its exhibits.

Museum Hours & Guided Tours

The Fort Miles Museum has specific operating days, so check their schedule online before visiting. Consider the $6 guided tour for an in-depth hour-long experience led by knowledgeable guides.

Best Times

When
Weekends
Why
Museum open, guides available
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Has anyone been to the Lightship Overfalls in Lewes? (Would love some tips for the ship or general Lewes area travel)

Check Museum Hours First

Museum hours vary; confirm online before your visit to avoid disappointment. :calendar:

Budget for Park Entry

A $10 park fee applies for non-locals to enter Cape Henlopen State Park. :moneywithwings:

reddit.com

Things to do in southern DE ( Rehoboth)

reddit.com

Rehoboth Beach first timer to Delaware

Guided Tour Recommended

For deeper insights, opt for the $6 guided tour; it's highly praised by visitors. :microphone:

Explore the Grounds

Don't miss walking around to see barracks and outdoor gun displays. :walking:

reddit.com

Must do in Rehoboth/ Dewey Beach family vacation?

Tips

from all over the internet

Check Museum Hours First

Museum hours vary; confirm online before your visit to avoid disappointment. :calendar:

Budget for Park Entry

A $10 park fee applies for non-locals to enter Cape Henlopen State Park. :moneywithwings:

Guided Tour Recommended

For deeper insights, opt for the $6 guided tour; it's highly praised by visitors. :microphone:

Explore the Grounds

Don't miss walking around to see barracks and outdoor gun displays. :walking:

Start at Orientation Barrack

Begin your visit at the orientation barrack for a good overview. :informationdeskperson:

What Travellers Say

4.7
(96 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Fort Miles Museum and Battery 519 for its fascinating historical exhibits and impressive WWII artillery, especially the 16-inch gun. The opportunity to explore the bunkers and learn about Delaware's role in the war is a significant draw. While the museum itself is free, the Cape Henlopen State Park entry fee is a consideration for some.

"Beautiful state park with WWII artillery fort with large guns on display including a 16" from the USS Missouri. Interesting free museum in one of the large gun bunkers with lots of displays on the fort and WWII."

Mike Sih

"It was really nice to learn more about Delaware and the history of Fort Miles in WW2"

Deacon Gorlich

"Great exhibits - just walking in a space that was once an important defense against U-boats. Very knowledgeable guides. There are special events at the museum, you can find them on line.
Accessible♿️ with wide walkways, on site parking. Starr your visit at the orientation barrack."

Tatiana Hoover

What People Like

Impressive WWII artillery
Fascinating bunker exploration
Educational museum exhibits

What People Dislike

State park entry fee

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Fort Miles Museum is located within Cape Henlopen State Park in Delaware. You'll need to drive through the park to reach the museum. There are two parking areas: a smaller one near the barracks and a larger one closer to the museum. Reddit

Yes, there are on-site parking areas available. One is smaller and allows you to walk through the base barracks first, while the other is more direct to the museum. Reddit

Fort Miles is about a 15-20 minute drive from Rehoboth Beach, making it a feasible day trip or excursion for those looking for historical sites beyond the beach. Reddit

The site is described as accessible with wide walkways, making it easier for visitors with mobility challenges to explore the grounds and museum. :wheelchair:

Visitors recommend starting at the orientation barrack for an overview before exploring the museum and outdoor exhibits. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The Fort Miles Museum itself is free to enter, though donations are gratefully accepted. However, you must pay the Cape Henlopen State Park entrance fee. :dollar:

The park entrance fee is $10 for visitors from out of town. Locals may have a different rate. This fee grants access to the entire state park, including Fort Miles. Reddit

The museum has specific operating days, and it's crucial to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date hours before planning your visit. :clock1:

While the museum has specific hours, you can typically see the outdoor displays and artillery pieces every day within the state park. Reddit

For general admission to the museum, advance booking is usually not required. However, for special events or guided tours, it's advisable to check for reservation needs. :ticket:

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

You can explore exhibits on Fort Miles' WWII history, see large artillery pieces like the 16-inch gun from the USS Missouri, and view an artifact from the USS Arizona. The bunker itself is also an impressive part of the experience. Reddit

Yes, guided tours are available for approximately $6 and last about an hour. They are highly recommended for a deeper understanding of the fort's history and significance. Reddit

Fort Miles was a crucial coastal defense installation during World War II, designed to protect the Delaware Bay and the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard from enemy submarines and attacks. Reddit

Fort Miles is located within the beautiful Cape Henlopen State Park, which offers beaches, trails, and other recreational activities in addition to the historical fort. Reddit

Beyond the massive guns, the museum features artifacts related to the soldiers' lives, military operations, and the strategic importance of the fort during WWII. An artifact from the USS Arizona is also on display. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The massive 16-inch gun, the imposing concrete bunkers, and the panoramic views from the fort's elevated positions offer excellent photographic opportunities. Capture the scale of the artillery and the historical architecture. :camera:

Generally, photography for personal use is allowed inside the museum, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions posted within the exhibits. Avoid flash photography if it's prohibited. :iphone:

The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset can provide beautiful lighting for the outdoor structures and the surrounding park landscape. Midday sun can be harsh, but still works for capturing the scale of the guns. :sunriseovermountains:

Photographing the sheer size of the 16-inch gun against the sky or capturing the atmospheric interiors of the bunkers can create striking images. The contrast between the historical military structures and the natural park setting is also compelling. :art:

Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the grounds. Consider the weather, as you'll be outdoors. The vastness of the site allows for wide-angle shots of the artillery and structures. :athletic_shoe:

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Fort Miles offers a unique and engaging experience for families. The sheer size of the guns and the exploration of the old bunkers can capture a child's imagination, making history feel tangible and exciting. The wide walkways ensure accessibility for strollers, and the outdoor space provides room for kids to move around. Reddit

Consider the guided tour for a more structured and informative experience that can be tailored to keep younger visitors interested. The museum exhibits provide educational content about WWII, which can be a great learning opportunity. Remember to factor in the Cape Henlopen State Park entrance fee, which grants access to the entire park, offering additional family-friendly activities like beaches and nature trails.

🏛️ History Buffs

For history enthusiasts, Fort Miles is a treasure trove. The well-preserved WWII artillery fort, complete with its massive guns and original bunkers, offers an unparalleled opportunity to step back in time. The museum within Battery 519 provides detailed exhibits on the fort's strategic importance, its role in coastal defense, and the lives of the soldiers stationed there. Reddit

The guided tours are particularly valuable, offering in-depth historical context and anecdotes from knowledgeable guides. The presence of an artifact from the USS Arizona adds another layer of historical significance. Exploring the grounds allows for a comprehensive understanding of the fort's layout and defensive capabilities, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in military history.

🚶‍♀️ Outdoor Explorers

Fort Miles is situated within the expansive Cape Henlopen State Park, offering a fantastic combination of history and nature. After exploring the fort's structures and artillery, visitors can enjoy the park's scenic beauty. The grounds around the fort are great for walking and offer views of the Delaware Bay. Reddit

Combine your visit with a stroll along the park's trails or a relaxing time at the beach. The accessible pathways around the fort make it easy to navigate, and the open spaces provide opportunities for photography and enjoying the coastal environment. It's an ideal destination for those who appreciate both historical exploration and outdoor recreation.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History of Fort Miles

Fort Miles was a critical component of the United States' coastal defense system during World War II. Established in the early 1940s, its primary mission was to protect the Delaware Bay, the vital port of Wilmington, and the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard from potential enemy naval attacks and submarine incursions. The fort was equipped with powerful artillery, including the impressive 16-inch guns, designed to engage enemy vessels from miles offshore. Its strategic location made it a formidable deterrent against any Axis naval presence in the region. Reddit

The fort's operational life as an active military installation was relatively short, primarily focused on the WWII era. After the war, its military significance waned with advancements in military technology and changing defense strategies. The site was eventually decommissioned and later became part of Cape Henlopen State Park. Today, the remnants of Fort Miles, including its massive gun emplacements and concrete bunkers, stand as a testament to a crucial period in American military history, offering visitors a tangible connection to the past. Reddit

Visitors often express surprise at the scale and historical importance of Fort Miles, noting how it sheds light on a lesser-known aspect of Delaware's role in World War II. The preservation efforts have made it possible to explore these historic structures and learn about the dedicated service of the soldiers stationed there. The museum within Battery 519 further enriches the experience by providing detailed exhibits and artifacts that bring the fort's story to life.

Exploring the Bunkers and Guns

The most striking features of Fort Miles are its massive concrete bunkers and the imposing artillery pieces. Battery 519, which now houses the museum, is a prime example of the fort's robust construction. Walking through these thick-walled structures offers a glimpse into the operational spaces where soldiers worked and lived during wartime. The sheer scale of the bunkers is awe-inspiring, highlighting the engineering prowess and defensive considerations of the era. Reddit

Outside, the star attraction is the 16-inch gun, a relic from the USS Missouri. Its immense size is a powerful visual reminder of the firepower stationed at Fort Miles. Visitors can walk around these outdoor displays, imagining the fort in its active service. The grounds also feature other gun emplacements and barracks, allowing for a comprehensive exploration of the military complex. Many visitors find it fascinating to simply wander the grounds and absorb the atmosphere of this historic site. Reddit

For those interested in a deeper dive, the guided tours are highly recommended. They provide context and stories that bring the static displays to life, explaining the function of each part of the fort and the daily lives of the soldiers. The combination of exploring the physical structures and learning their history makes for a compelling and educational experience.

You may also like