Delaware Seashore State Park

The over 2,700 acres that make up Delaware Seashore State Park are bounded on the east by the Atlantic Ocean and on the west by the Rehoboth and Indian River Bays. Because of the natural forces of wind and water, the natural shifting of the inlet channel between the bay and the ocean left this barrier island inaccessible until the mid-1900’s. In 1939, the federal government completed construction of two large steel and stone jetties, stabilizing the Indian River Inlet. The Division of Parks and Recreation began operating this park in 1963.

Delaware Seashore State Park is a haven for beach lovers, with swimming and sunbathing as main attractions to the park; the park’s campground is a vacation destination for thousands of visitors each year. In addition, there are designated areas for surfing just north of the Indian River Inlet. Other popular activities in the park include camping, fishing, clamming, crabbing, windsurfing, and sailing.

The old Indian River Life-Saving Station, built in 1881, remains standing in the park. It is one of the oldest surviving life boat stations on the coast and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

A nature trail on Burton’s Island affords visitors a scenic view of the salt marshes and the bay islands, where gulls and terns gather in their noisy summer nesting colonies. You may also see herons and egrets during your visit. Deer can often be seen at sunrise and sunset. Sea mammals including otters, seals, and whales may be spotted in the waters near the park. To get to the Burton’s Island Nature Trail, take the Park Office exit from Route 1 and follow the signs. Insect repellant is recommended for visitors who intend to walk this trail.

Delaware Seashore State Park is open from 8:00 a.m. to sunset, year-round; an entrance fee is charged. Brochures with a map of the park are available in the park office. Public restrooms are available. For more information call the park office at (302) 277-2800.

Fenwick Island State Park

Fenwick Island State Park is on the barrier island that lies between Bethany Beach and the state line at Fenwick Island. During World War II, the park’s lands were a part of Delaware’s coastal defense. A concrete observation tower remains from this era near the northern boundary of the park. In 1966, the land was assigned to the former State Park Commission as part of Delaware Seashore State Park. In 1981, it was renamed Fenwick Island State Park.

The park is a popular area for swimming and sunbathing. There are also areas designated for surfing, fishing, clamming, and crabbing. Several species of waterfowl make their home in the salt marshes that line the Little Assawoman Bay. Visitors may see nesting gulls and terns, osprey, herons, ducks, geese, and even an occasional bald eagle. The barrier dunes that lie along the ocean are home to the federally-protected piping plover.

Fenwick Island State Park is open from 8:00 a.m. to sunset, year-round; an entrance fee is charged. Brochures with a map of the park are available at the park office. Public restrooms are available. For more information call the park office at (302) 539-9060.

Fenwick Island Lighthouse

Construction of the Fenwick Island Lighthouse began in 1857. It was in continuous operation, except during World War II, until 1978 when the light was turned off and removed by the U.S. Coast Guard.

In 1981, due in large part to the efforts of the Friends of the Fenwick Island Lighthouse citizens group, ownership of the lighthouse was transferred to the state of Delaware. On May 26, 1982, the lighthouse once again became operational. The Friends continue to maintain the lighthouse; a schedule stating when the lighthouse is open is posted on the door. The keepers’ houses on either side of the lighthouse are now private residences.

In the yard adjoining the lighthouse is the first of the Five Mile Stones of the Transpeninsular Line surveyed in 1751. Often confused with the Mason-Dixon Line, the Transpeninsular Line forms the southern boundary of Delaware. Both the Transpeninsular Line and the Mason-Dixon Line result from surveys completed to settle boundary disputes between the Lords Baltimore and the Penn family.

On April 26, 1751, the first of the markers, with Penn’s coat of arms facing north and Baltimore’s coat of arms facing south, was placed at Fenwick Island. These markers were positioned every five miles, ending thirty-five miles inland at the middle point of the Transpeninsular Line. This is the point where in 1763, Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon began charting the famous boundary which bears their names—the Mason-Dixon Line.