Trip AdvisorSeaside Nature Center
When the current lands of the state of Delaware were granted to William Penn sometime after 1682, Penn proclaimed that Cape Henlopen and its natural resources were to be for the common usage of the citizens of Lewes and Sussex County, thus establishing some of the nation's first "public lands." It has remained in the public domain ever since, playing a major role in local shipping and in the nation's military history.
Although the historic Henlopen Lighthouse no longer guides vessels through the treacherous bay waters, two stone "breakwaters" barriers off the point of the Cape, completed in 1869 and 1901, still form a safe harbor for boats during rough seas. As a Delaware state park, Cape Henlopen remains in the public domain.
The Seaside Nature Trail takes visitors to the Seaside Nature Center, a nearly one-mile rustic loop. The centerpiece of the newly-renovated Seaside Nature Center is a 495-gallon, two-level touch tank, complete with viewing windows that allow visitors to see stingrays, horseshoe crabs, and other underwater species.
The nature center also features five 1,000-gallon tanks with local fish, exhibits that explain the different habitats within the park, a live Osprey cam (April through August), and a gift shop. A wide selection of activities and programs for children and adults are led by Seaside Nature Center staff each week. Programs offered include hayrides, guided nature walks and hikes, birding trips, preschool programs, school programs, and children's vacation workshops.
Job Aps
Job ApsA 52 Weeks of Fun Fascinating Fact about Seaside Nature Center
Bride and groom bald cypress trees on Kings Highway, dating back to 1812, owe their lineage to local trees felled to make the legendary shakes that clad most of the town’s historic buildings.Upcoming Events
Coming Soon: To do, see, stay, etc
- Sponsored by: Lewes Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Bureau
- Seaside Nature Center
- Lewes
- (302) 645-8983