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, November 9, 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
Tuesday, November 12, 2024
10:00 AM
Hike a 3-mile loop at the Fresh Pond Tract of Delaware Seashore State Park with a park naturalist. Learn to identify flora and fauna along the way, and discover the history of this oasis of preserved land in a sea of development. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to program. After that, please call 302-227-6991. $6 per person
Wednesday, November 13, 2024
2:00 PM
Bowline, figure eight, and double half hitch—for surfmen and sailors these were some of the essential working knots they used on a daily basis. Come to the Life-Saving Station to learn how to tie these practical knots and hear some of the history behind them. Then, construct your own personal knot board to display all of your finished knots at home. Ages 10 and up. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to program. After that, please call 302-227-6991. $15 per person
Wednesday, November 13, 2024
7:00 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.
Thursday, November 14, 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
Friday, November 15, 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. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to program. After that, please call 302-227-6991. $6 per person
Friday, November 15, 2024
2:00 PM
Learn about common owl species found in Delaware. A park naturalist will explain their adaptations and guide participants through a dissection of an owl pellet to determine its latest meal! Online program registration ends 24 hours before the program. After that, please call 302-227-6991. Ages 5 and up. All chaperones and observers must purchase a ticket. $6 per person
Saturday, November 16, 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
Tuesday, November 19, 2024
10:00 AM
Hike the Sea Hawk Trail with a park interpreter and explore the many habitats within this hidden gem! The 1.3-mile trail meanders through hardwood forest, meadow, salt marsh and freshwater bog habitats. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to program. After that, please call 302-227-6991. $6/person
Wednesday, November 20, 2024
2:00 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
Wednesday, November 20, 2024
5:00 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
Thursday, November 21, 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, November 22, 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. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to program. After that, please call 302-227-6991. $6 per person
Friday, November 22, 2024
2:00 PM
Learn about common owl species found in Delaware. A park naturalist will explain their adaptations and guide participants through a dissection of an owl pellet to determine its latest meal! Online program registration ends 24 hours before the program. After that, please call 302-227-6991. Ages 5 and up. All chaperones and observers must purchase a ticket. $6 per person
Saturday, November 23, 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