52 Weeks of Fun

Not Just Destination Finders, But Destination Storytellers

Trip Advisor

Seaside 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 Aps

A 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.

Attraction Advice

The Center is open 10 AM to 4 PM Wednesdays through Sundays, and closed Mondays and Tuesdays. There is no charge for admission, but there is a daily entrance fee to Cape Henlopen State Park of $5 per in-state vehicle and $10 per out-of-state vehicle.



Trip Advisor

The Seaside Nature Center provides visitors with live underwater species, including a hands-on touch tank featuring horseshoe crabs and stingrays.
Visit Southern Delaware

The Seaside Nature Center underwent renovation in 2017, adding a two-level touch tank and five 1000-gallon tanks.
Trip Advisor

The newly-renovated Seaside Nature Center provides interpretive and hands-on exhibits displaying the coastal habitat of Delaware.
Trip Advisor

A one-mile rustic nature trail leads to the Seaside Visitor Center.

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