Built for Fort Miles
15 towers
Eleven in Delaware and four across the bay in New Jersey
Delaware coastal history
Delaware's WWII Observation Towers
Discover the fire-control towers that guarded Delaware Bay—and find the two restored overlooks where visitors can still climb above the coast.
Interpretive view of a Delaware coastal fire-control tower
Restored overlooks
2 to climb
Tower 7 at Cape Henlopen and Tower 3 at Towers Beach
Wartime mission
Guard the bay
Crews tracked ships approaching the Delaware coast
Sentinels on the sand
Built for a view no ship could escape
During World War II, the entrance to Delaware Bay was strategically vital. Fort Miles protected the shipping channel leading toward Philadelphia, Wilmington and other important ports and industries. Its concrete towers gave observers a clear view far beyond the dunes.
The towers were not gun emplacements. They were precise observation posts connected to Fort Miles by telephone. Crews in separate towers reported bearings, allowing plotting rooms to calculate a ship's position and direct the fort's coastal artillery. Fort Miles practiced for that threat throughout the war but never had to engage an enemy warship.
Where to visit
Two restored towers, two different coastal views
Both overlooks are inside Delaware state parks. Make the tower part of a larger beach, trail or history day, and confirm current access before you leave.
Interpretive view
Restored public overlook
Tower 7 — The Observatory
Cape Henlopen State Park, Lewes
Tower 7 stands in the Fort Miles historic area, where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic. The restored tower offers a broad view over the park when access is open.
The climb
Reaching the observation level requires a substantial stair climb. Tower access follows park operations and may close for weather, maintenance or programming.
Best paired with
Fort Miles history, cycling trails and a full Cape Henlopen day
Interpretive view
Opened to visitors in 2023
Tower 3 at Towers Beach
Delaware Seashore State Park
Tower 3 sits beside Route 1 at Towers Beach. Its rehabilitation created a public overlook with views of the Atlantic, coastal dunes, inland bays and wetlands.
The climb
Visitors climb nearly 100 spiral steps to reach the top. An entry ramp improves access to the tower, but the observation level itself is reached by stairs.
Best paired with
Ocean views, beach time and an easy coastal-history stop
How fire control worked
A coastline-wide measuring instrument
No single tower could fix a ship's exact position. The power came from combining observations across the network.
Step 01
Watch the approaches
Crews scanned the ocean and Delaware Bay for ships and submarines moving toward the coast.
Step 02
Report the bearing
Observers in separate towers measured the direction of a target and relayed those readings by telephone.
Step 03
Plot the position
Fire-control teams combined intersecting bearings so Fort Miles batteries could aim their coastal guns.
Before you go
Make the climb part of a relaxed park day
The towers are historic structures inside active coastal parks. A little preparation keeps the visit safe and avoids a weather-related disappointment.
Check access before leaving
Park hours do not guarantee tower access. Weather, maintenance and scheduled programs can change climbing availability.
Prepare for the stairs
Both restored overlooks involve enclosed stair climbs. Closed-toe shoes and a comfortable pace make the visit easier.
Bring a camera, not a drone
The tower views are made for wide coastal photographs. Follow current state-park rules for drones and commercial photography.
Protect the dunes
Use marked paths and boardwalks. Never enter a closed tower, cross fenced dunes or approach a tower on private property.
Information reviewed July 29, 2026. Park operations and tower access can change. Posted signs and park staff guidance always take precedence.
Quick answers
Observation tower FAQs
The essentials for choosing a tower and understanding what you are seeing along the Delaware coast.
Which Delaware observation towers can visitors climb?
Tower 7 in Cape Henlopen State Park and Tower 3 at Towers Beach in Delaware Seashore State Park have been restored for public climbing when access is open. Check the official park page before making a special trip.
Why were the towers built?
The towers were fire-control stations for Fort Miles. Observers watched the coast, measured the direction of ships and relayed bearings to plotting rooms that helped aim the fort’s artillery.
How many World War II fire-control towers were built?
Fifteen towers were built as part of the Fort Miles defense system: eleven along the Delaware coast and four across Delaware Bay in New Jersey.
Is the climb accessible?
The surrounding parks and approaches include accessible features, and Tower 3 has an improved entry ramp. Reaching the observation levels still requires stairs, so contact the park about current conditions and accommodations.
Do the towers have set opening hours?
Tower access can follow park staffing, programs, weather and maintenance rather than a single year-round schedule. Use the official Delaware State Parks pages linked above for current information.
Keep exploring
Build a coastal-history day
Connect the tower story with beaches, trails, military history and nearby towns.
Cape Henlopen State Park
Plan a day around Fort Miles, beaches, trails, fishing and Tower 7.
ExploreDelaware Seashore State Park
Pair Tower 3 with Towers Beach, Indian River Inlet or the park’s bayside stops.
ExploreLewes, Delaware
Explore the maritime town closest to Cape Henlopen and Fort Miles.
ExploreMore coastal sightseeing
Find lighthouses, museums, boardwalks and other Delmarva landmarks.
Explore