Be swept back to a time when night-time beach patrols and perilous high seas rescues were the only way to save shipwreck victims along the coasts of the United States. The original Indian River Life-Saving Station was built in 1876 for use by the United States Lifesaving Service, a government organization created to respond to the alarming number of shipwrecks along the coastlines of the United States and the precursor to today's U. S. Coast Guard.
The building was first located 400 feet closer to the shore, but a sand dune began to form around it almost as soon as it was finished. It was moved to its present location in 1877, and today has been meticulously restored to its 1905 appearance, complete with diamond-shaped trim. It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
This unique coastal property is great for any special event you may have in mind, and is ideal for beach destination weddings and receptions.
While your guests are visiting the beach, they can enjoy exciting programs and events, too!
Download the Indian River Life-Saving Station facility rental guidelines and site diagram.
Saturday, April 27, 2024
9:00 AM
Have you always wanted to try surf fishing but weren’t sure how to get started? If so, this program is for you! Everything from fish identification to proper casting techniques will be covered in this three-hour program. Rods, reels, and bait are provided. Ages 12 and up. Those under 16 must be accompanied by a paying adult. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to program. After that, please call 302-227-6991. $25 per person
Thursday, May 2, 2024
10:00 AM
Have you ever been curious about the concrete towers along Delaware's coast? Join a park interpreter to discover how they worked, how they were built, and how they helped defend the First State. Ages 7 and up. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to program. After that, please call 302-227-6991. $6 per person.
Friday, May 3, 2024
1:00 PM
Make a simple sea glass pendant using a few basic wire-wrap techniques. Bring your own piece of sea glass or choose from our collection. Ages 12 and up. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to program. After that, please call 302-227-6991. $20 per person
Saturday, May 4, 2024
9:00 AM
Learn park rules, licensing requirements, and tips from park staff to maximize your safety while driving on the beach. Then, follow park staff out to the beach to practice driving on the sand. Participants must have a valid surf tag and the required equipment to do so. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to program. After that, please call 302-227-6991. $20 per person
Thursday, May 9, 2024
9:00 AM
Have you always wanted to try surf fishing but weren’t sure how to get started? If so, this program is for you! Everything from fish identification to proper casting techniques will be covered in this three-hour program. Rods, reels, and bait are provided. Ages 12 and up. Those under 16 must be accompanied by a paying adult. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to program. After that, please call 302-227-6991. $25 per person
Friday, May 10, 2024
9:00 AM
Learn park rules, licensing requirements, and tips from park staff to maximize your safety while driving on the beach. Then, follow park staff out to the beach to practice driving on the sand. Participants must have a valid surf tag and the required equipment to do so. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to program. After that, please call 302-227-6991. $20 per person
Saturday, May 11, 2024
10:30 AM
Join a park interpreter and learn to identify the osprey and other large coastal birds. Discover what they like to eat, how they catch their food, where they like to nest, and why we don't see any osprey in coastal Delaware during the winter. A limited number of binoculars will be available to borrow. Meet at the Savages Ditch picnic pavilion. Free with park entry!
Wednesday, May 22, 2024
8:00 PM
Learn what the surfmen went through to save shipwreck victims off the Delaware coast over 100 years ago. Venture out to the beach with a lantern and hear tales of tragedy and mystery from the station's logs. Pre-registration required. Ages 8 and up. Call 302-227-6991 to register. $10 per person. Online program registration ends 24 hours prior to program. After that, please call the park to reserve, at 302-227-6991.
Friday, May 24, 2024
7:30 PM
Enjoy a guided hike over the Indian River Inlet bridge. Learn about the dynamic forces that have shaped the inlet over the last 200 years. Find out about the bridges that have spanned the inlet and how the current bridge design came to be. Online program registration ends 24 hours prior to program. After that, please call the park to reserve at 302-227-6991. $6 per person
Wednesday, May 29, 2024
10:00 AM
When driving through the park, you may have noticed 'turtle crossing' signs. These are referring to the Diamondback terrapin. Learn what is being done to protect this brackish water turtle in the park and what you can do to help ensure its survival. Meet at the Savages Ditch picnic pavilion. Free with park entry!
Thursday, May 30, 2024
1:00 PM
Explore the variety of objects that have washed up at Delaware Seashore State Park, from whelk to warheads! A park interpreter will share some common and not-so-common beach finds and how you should handle them. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to program. After that, please call 302-227-6991. Ages 7 and up. $6 per person.
Friday, May 31, 2024
10:00 AM
The marsh at Holts Landing is full of amazing sights and sounds, but have you ever wondered what it FEELS like? Join a park interpreter for this hands-on program that will let you touch everything from animal pelts to plant specimens to that sticky marsh mud. Ages 6 and up. Meet at Holts Landing State Park. This is a free program, but registration is required. Please call 302-227-6991 to register.