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Featured view of Fort Miles Museum and Historical Area in Lewes, Delaware

World War II

Fort Miles Museum and Historical Area

Lewes, Delaware

A preserved World War II coastal-defense complex at Cape Henlopen where bunkers, heavy artillery, exhibits, and tours tell the story of guarding Delaware Bay and the Delaware River.

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Destination Details

Overview

About Fort Miles Museum and Historical Area

Fort Miles Museum and Historical Area occupies part of the former Fort Miles military installation inside Cape Henlopen State Park. Developed during World War II to defend the entrance to Delaware Bay and the vital shipping route toward Wilmington and Philadelphia, the fort combined massive coastal guns, concrete batteries, observation towers, mine defenses, and a large military community. Portions of the installation later served Cold War-era military purposes, adding another layer to the site’s defense history.

The centerpiece for visitors is Battery 519, an underground gun battery now used as a museum, together with outdoor artillery displays and exhibits interpreting the soldiers, civilians, and technology associated with the fort. Many exhibits can be viewed without an additional museum charge, while guided Battery 519 tours take visitors deeper into the bunker and explain how its 12-inch gun system operated. The combination of preserved fortifications, restored weapons, Delaware Bay scenery, and World War II interpretation makes Fort Miles one of the state’s strongest military-history destinations.

Visitor Essentials

Plan Your Visit

Hours

2026 museum hours: January 1–March 31, Friday–Saturday 10:00 AM–4:00 PM; April 1–May 25, Wednesday–Saturday 10:00 AM–4:00 PM; May 25–September 7, daily 10:00 AM–4:00 PM; September 7–November 1, Wednesday–Saturday 10:00 AM–4:00 PM; November 1–December 31, Friday–Saturday 10:00 AM–4:00 PM. Guided tour days and times vary and are updated during the year; reservations are recommended for Delaware State Parks tours.

Admission

Many museum exhibits are free. Guided Battery 519 tour: $6 per person; Fort Miles Historical Association members, veterans, and active-duty military are free. Cape Henlopen State Park vehicle entrance fee applies March 1–November 30: $10 for Delaware-registered vehicles and $20 for out-of-state vehicles.

Hours and admission prices may change. Confirm current details on the official website before visiting.

Historical Connections

Historical Eras

World War IIEarly Cold War

Road Trips Featuring This Destination

Featured view for Defending the Delaware: Forts from Civil War to World War II
90 mi · 2 Days

Defending the Delaware: Forts from Civil War to World War II

Follow a century of Delaware coastal defense from a Civil War island fortress to a modernized river fort and the World War II batteries at Cape Henlopen.

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