When out-of-staters visit the Delaware beaches for the first time, they all ask the same question: what's with the towers? Those of us who grew up here know that these watchtowers have been standing on the shore since World War II, built to search for German ships, U-Boats, and other offshore threats. If you want to get a closer look at these relics of history, head to Cape Henlopen State Park and climb to the top for a breathtaking view.
These beach-front towers dot the shoreline from Lewes to Fenwick Island, and many beachgoers make it a point to get up close to investigate the monoliths whenever they're walking nearby.
History buffs and visitors can enjoy a self-guided tour of Fort Miles to see bunkers, batteries, and more. One of the coolest things you can do while you're here is climb to the top of the tower!
The way up is 118 steep steel steps, so be sure you're up for a bit of a workout. If you're afraid of heights, you might be uncomfortable, as you can see straight down from the spiral staircase.
The view from way up here is unbeatable, though, and guests all agree that it's worth the work! You can see far across the bay and the Cape. Bring binoculars and look for birds high in the trees below!
Listen up -- monsters are real. Don't worry - there aren't any hiding in the closet, or at the bottom of the stairs when you turn off the light. In fact, the largest, fiercest monster in Delaware isn't hiding at all! He's hanging out in front of the Dover Motor Speedway, and he'd actually really like it if you came to visit. Here's more on the Dover monster statue:
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Dover Motor Speedway is more than just a car track. The track hosts live Standardbred harness racing, and the nearby Woodlands is home to Firefly Music Festival. Bally's also operates a casino resort adjacent to the property.
However, it's the motor speedway that draws in thousands of NASCAR and motor racing fans year after year. This is one of the most popular attractions in Delaware.
The track has been nicknamed the "Monster Mile" for decades, and in 2000, adopted "Miles the Monster" as their mascot. The massive monster statue was built to welcome guests to Dover Motor Speedway in 2008. The official nickname for the monument is the Monster Monument at Victory Plaza, presented by Ally.
The 46-foot-tall monster doesn't have any legs because the sculptors ran out of room. Even though he's just half a monster, he weighs more than 20 tons. To put that in perspective, that's more than three full sized T-Rexes!
Don't let Miles the Monster's enormous size or glowing red eyes scare you, though. He's truly a unique roadside attraction that you ought to visit, even if it's just to snap a photo and say hello. If you're feeling proud to hail from our unique state, check out this unique state pride apparel from Wear Your Roots!
For more odd fun in the First State, read about these unique roadside attractions:
Delaware’s Creepiest House, Woodburn Mansion, Is Said To Be Full Of Hauntings
Woodburn Mansion in Dover, DE, built in 1790, is renowned for its Georgian architecture and numerous ghost sightings, making it one of Delaware's most haunted locations.
Woodburn Mansion in Dover, DE was built in 1790 and remains one of the finest examples of Georgian homes in the entire state. The 7 bedroom house has been home to many of Delaware's wealthy citizens, and it was bought by the State of Delaware in 1965 to be the Governor's Home. It was then renovated to make it more modern. One thing has stayed the same throughout all of the years and all of the residents of the Governor's House - the ghosts of Woodburn Mansion have never left. Many people consider this one of the most haunted places in Delaware! The spirits appear in many forms, mostly pleasant, and have been heard and seen by so many people that it's hard to dispute that there's something not quite right about the estate. Take a look, and let us know what YOU think. Is Woodburn one of the scariest places in Delaware?
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When you look at Woodburn Mansion in the 1950s, pictured below shortly before the State of Delaware purchased it, you can almost tell it's an eerie and historic place.
Prior to being the "Governor's House," this haunted place in Delaware was home to senators, politicians, wealthy farmers, doctors and other members of Delaware's elite class. Nearly every resident has reported hearing or seeing one of the Mansion's many ghosts.
The property is adorned with crepe myrtles, boxwoods, and large poplar trees.
These large trees loom over the property, giving visitors a sense of dread. The feeling makes sense when you find out that one of the ghosts of Woodburn Mansion is a southern slave raider who died hanging from a tree that still stands. When Dan Cowgill, a Quaker man, owned Woodburn, it was a stop on the Underground Railroad. One night, a group of slave raiders came to the mansion, and as Mr. Cowgill chased them away, one attempted to escape by climbing the large poplar tree in the front yard. He slipped, unnoticed, and got caught in a knot in the tree, where he hanged until his death. To this day, you can still hear screams and shackles, as this evil man must relive his death frequently, as his own personal hell. This tale is one of the most well-known of the many ghost stories in Delaware.
The first Ghost of Woodburn Mansion was reported in the early 1820s, just a few decades after the house was built. Early residents and guests had no idea they were sleeping in the most haunted house in Delaware.
Dr. M.W. Bates had a preacher as a guest for the night, and after a night of socializing, the guest retreated to an upstairs bedroom. On his way down the stairs in the morning, he passed another guest who was dressed in colonial garb and shuffling up the steps. When he approached the breakfast table and suggested they wait for this other guest, the Bates' were confused. There were no other guests in the house. The Preacher described the man he encountered in detail, and it was revealed that the man he passed was Mrs. Bate's father - who had been dead for years.
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The dining room is particularly haunted, much to the chagrin of any wine lovers who spend the night here.
While the decor has changed throughout the decades, the ghosts still remain fascinated with this room at Woodburn. Governors' wives have heard scampering footsteps in the dining room at all hours of the night, Revolutionary-era gentlemen have been seen floating across the room, and the "wine ghosts" seem to imbibe whatever vino is left out here.
Most of the ghosts reported at Woodburn seem to be friendly and fun-loving. In fact, some of them have been a little too fun.
When Governor Charles Terry Jr. was living in the mansion, one ghost in particular was seen helping himself to vintage wines in the dining room. A previous owner of Woodburn reported that he'd fill his wine decanter every night, and find it empty the next morning. These wine-drinking apparitions usually appear dressed in revolutionary-era clothes, even in modern day. Occupying the most haunted house in Delaware is hard work, and even ghosts need to wind down sometimes.
One ghost is quite younger than the rest, and it makes you wonder what occurred to have her haunting Woodburn.
A young girl is seen often in the garden, wearing a red checkered gingham dress. She loves to splash and play in the pools and fountains, and she was seen 'crashing' the inauguration of Governor Michael Castle in 1985. Guests of the new Governor felt something tugging at them throughout the ceremony, and then they saw the young girl floating shyly in a corner of the reception hall.
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Do you want to get to know the Ghosts of Woodburn? You can visit the most haunted house in Delaware if you dare.
Luckily, the Mansion is open to visitors Monday through Friday from 8:30-4:00, but you have to call and make an appointment. Believe it or not, they don't like just anyone strolling about the grounds! Maybe someone should tell that to the ghosts.
For information on scheduling a tour, visit Woodburn on the web. If you're looking for more haunted places in Delaware, be sure to check out our Northern Delaware Haunted Road Trip, and let the ghosts and ghouls terrify you. If you enjoy a good mystery, check out this murder mystery experience in Dover, DE.
Discovering local lore and legends around the US is one of our passions. If you want to watch a fascinating look at how Americans have become obsessed with the likes of Big Foot and flying saucers watch this interview with Heather Moser from Small Town Monsters:
