Fort Miles Museum and Historic Area

0 miles
Closed
  • Friday 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Saturday 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Cape Henlopen State Park - Lying amidst rolling sand dunes, on a high bank overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, is the Fort Miles Historical Area, home of the Fort Miles Museum. The central features of the museum include Battery 519, six barracks buildings, a fire control tower, an orientation building, and the Fort Miles Artillery Park. The museum tells the story of Fort Miles, a key piece of our nation's coastal defense, from World War II through the early 1970’s. Walking tours/bike tours.

Recent Reviews

Fort Miles Museum and Historic Area
E Z : 5 on 6/5/2024 6:29 pm
A spontaneous stop at Fort Miles turned into a fascinating history lesson! We were surprised to learn about the critical role this location played in World War II, particularly its defense against German U-boats. It's a sobering reminder of how close the war came to the U.S. mainland.

The knowledgeable staff truly brought the history to life. They explained everything in detail, making even the lesser-known aspects of the war, like U-boat attacks off the U.S. coast and the tragic loss of life, come into focus. Their expertise really deepened our understanding of this period.

I was particularly surprised to learn that a piece of the USS Arizona from Pearl Harbor is on display here. It served as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made during the war. Seeing this artifact firsthand added a whole new layer of significance to the experience.

Fort Miles is a treasure trove for history lovers. With so much to learn and see, it's definitely worth a visit! From the strategic location to the stories of U-boat attacks and the USS Arizona memorial, this place offers a unique window into a sometimes forgotten part of World War II history.
5 5
Fort Miles Museum and Historic Area
Rhys Newcombe : 4 on 8/13/2024 8:23 pm
Honestly I'm not quite sure the history of these barracks but it makes for a dope bike ride 🚴🏼
Hit this on a day that isn't too hot so you can bike for ~15 miles to fully enjoy the park / historical area.
You won't find the most picturesque features here but the ride and ocean views are fun
4 5
Fort Miles Museum and Historic Area
Morgan Baker : 5 on 2/25/2024 9:31 pm
The Museum was closed Sundays, but the exterior was cool. There are buildings you can walk around, and several huge guns that are set around the grounds you can look at. Some scenic overlooks as well as informational plaques. It's great to walk around. Easy to park and the paths are easy to navigate. You can see cargo ships sailing into the bay, and even New Jersey across the water on a clear day.
5 5
Fort Miles Museum and Historic Area