In the shadow of the tall observation towers that line the Cape Henlopen Coast lies abandoned World War II ruins at Fort Miles Historic Area, which is open for exploration year-round. Visit 1940s bunkers and batteries, see machine guns up-close, and even climb a tower to relive the area’s involvement in the Second World War. It’s truly an incredible experience for anyone interested in the history of the Delmarva region.

Cape Henlopen State Park has many trails that weave and wind through sand and forest.

Flickr / Lee Cannon

If you take the Pinelands Trail or the Bike Loop Trail, you’ll soon stumble upon a hidden treasure at the top of the hill.

Flickr / Jukie Bot

Enter the Fort Miles Historic Area to see remnants of World War II’s lasting impact on the Delmarva region.

Flickr / Ryan Keene

Batteries, bunkers, guns and barracks are left here from when Fort Miles was constructed.

Fort Miles was established because of the importance of protecting the ports of Wilmington, Philadelphia.

Flickr / Jeffrey

After World War II, the land that made up Fort Miles was donated to the State of Delaware to establish Cape Henlopen State Park.

Flickr / Jeffrey

Batteries and Bunkers were left standing as historic reminders of the impact on World War II on the entire Delmarva area.

Flickr / Lee Cannon

Many of these bunkers are left exactly as they were, and they’ve stood the test of time and are now open to be explored.

Flickr / Lee Cannon

Battery 518, seen here, is probably the most well known due to the gigantic machine guns that peek out of the front.

Luckily, these guns were never fired outside of training exercises, as the coast was never legitimately threatened during the war.

Flickr / Lee Cannon

Bunker 519 is open for tours on certain days of the year, if you want to learn about the history of the fort from the guides.

Flickr / Lee Cannon You can find the tour schedule online.

Perhaps the coolest thing to do at Fort Miles Historic Area is climbing the observation tower.

Flickr / Lee Cannon

The view from the top is absolutely incredible - and it’s a more unique experience than climbing a lighthouse!

Flickr / Lee Cannon

These Obeservation Towers were only supposed to last through the war, but over 70 years later, they still stand tall as a testament to the engineers and United States Military.

Flickr / Jeffrey You can visit Fort Miles at Cape Henlopen State Park from 8 AM - Sunset, year round.:15099 Cape Henlopen Drive, Lewes, DE 19958

If you’re looking for more incredible trails to explore this weekend, I recommend trying one of the 14 Trails In Delaware You Must Take If You Love The Outdoors.

Flickr / Lee Cannon

Flickr / Jukie Bot

Flickr / Ryan Keene

Flickr / Jeffrey

You can find the tour schedule online.

You can visit Fort Miles at Cape Henlopen State Park from 8 AM - Sunset, year round.:15099 Cape Henlopen Drive, Lewes, DE 19958

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.