7 Wonders Of The World That Are Actually Right Here In Delaware

Is there anywhere else in the world where you can explore an abandoned World War II fort, climb an observation tower, watch both the sunrise and the sunset, AND spend as much time on the beach and in the ocean as you'd like? I don't think so. Cape Henlopen, in Lewes, has all of that and more. There are hiking trails and campsites, but you're never too far from the quaint, historic downtown of Lewes. The grounds of Cape Henlopen State Park were once a fort, and many remnants of the land's history remain available for you to explore. Plus, the Lewes beaches may be the finest beaches in the state. Cape Henlopen is an absolutely magical, unforgettable place.

Hike through White Clay Creek State Park and you might forget you're in Delaware. That might be because the unrivaled beauty of the park will take you by surprise, considering its relatively urban location, or it might be because you actually wandered over state lines into Pennsylvania or Maryland. Either way, this park has beautiful wading pools along the trails, incredible open meadows and abandoned farms, tall trees that let the light peek through just the right amount, and oh, the eastern terminus of the Mason Dixon Line. Who would have thought this was hiding right outside of Newark?

First of all, whether you trust the bridge or not, you've got to admit that the design and the blue lights make for quite a sight, and possibly one of the most enchanting bridges in the country. When you add a gorgeous seashore with clean beaches and incredible cottages for camping, then you'll realize this site is truly special. When you also realize that the historic Indian River Lifesaving Station is still intact after hundreds of years of service to Delaware's coastal mariners and swimmers, then you'll begin to really see how this area is one of the most amazing wonders of Delaware.

Nemours is one of the most elaborate DuPont Mansions and certainly one of the wonders in Delaware. It's full of history, incredible landscaping, artifacts from Delaware's past, and beautiful works of art. Nemours stands out from the other DuPont homes, though, and it makes our list as one of the Wonders of Delaware, because of what else lies within its grounds. Rather than turning the entire property into mansion, garden and more - Alfred I Dupont dedicated a portion of his estate to the healthcare of ill children, and now Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children shares grounds with this mansion. Through the Nemours Foundation, The DuPoint Hospital has become one of the best pediatric hospitals in the world. We could all learn a lesson from the philanthropy of AI DuPont, and his incredible estate.

Bombay Hook is potentially the most important stopover on the Atlantic Flyway for migratory birds, and if you visit during the right time of year, you'll certainly understand why. The right marshland lends itself to resting, nesting and breeding for migratory waterfowl, and there is protected marshland for as far as your eyes can see at Bombay Hook. The Refuge is open to visitors, who can drive through and stop at one of the half-dozen walking points, which include a boardwalk for easy accessibility. Visit Bombay Hook if you want to be astounded by the beauty of nature left alone for years.

When it comes to engineering wonders in Delaware, the Rehoboth-Lewes Canal holds its own. The Canal that cuts through the historic town of Lewes was first built in 1913, right before the United States was to enter World War I. Originally the canal was meant for shipping, to make routes from the Delaware Bay and Broadkill River down to the Rehoboth Bay quicker and easier. With increased investment in infrastructure, the commercial use of the canal was soon unnecessary. For the most part, the canal has been used for recreational purposes. In present day Lewes, the canal separates two parts of the city and is waterfront to many restaurants and parks throughout the town. If you're looking for an incredible feat of engineering that's as beautiful as it is long, you'll fall in love with the Lewes Canal.

Fort Delaware is an architectural marvel - from the underground tunnels to the moat that protects the gigantic walls, it really is an impressive military fort. Beyond the incredible design and construction, Fort Delaware is known to be the most haunted place in Delaware, and for good reason. During the Civil War, Fort Delaware was a Confederate Soldier's hell. It is well documented that the Confederate prisoners of war were not treated well at Fort Delaware, and their ghosts still haunt the hallowed grounds. The hauntings at Fort Delaware are so well known that multiple TV shows have featured the site, and the ghost tours that are offered in the fall fill up almost instantly. This incredible fort has so many decades of history in its walls that it's hard to not be amazed as you walk the solemn grounds.