An 18th-century logging pond gives Trap Pond State Park a historical dimension. In Sussex County, this tangible record of the landscape connects with bald cypress trees, waterways, coastal areas, and places where maritime history and regional culture come to life. Travel interests here range from nature and trails to museums and local cuisine.

Water, Woods, and Coastlines

Trap Pond State Park preserves one of the northernmost naturally occurring stands of bald cypress trees in the United States. For on-the-water experiences, there are paddling opportunities, waterways, and guided pontoon boat tours. Landscape history and water activities are different facets of the same park.

Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge protects more than 10,000 acres of habitat. A seven-mile canoe trail runs along Prime Hook Creek. These figures show two scales: a large refuge and a specific route on the water. Beach Plum Island Nature Preserve offers a different focus: it encompasses beach, dune, tidal marsh, and river habitats.

The coastal parks also offer different points of reference. Delaware Seashore State Park has six miles of ocean shoreline and 20 miles of bay shoreline, as well as more than seven miles of trails for hiking, biking, and birdwatching. Cape Henlopen State Park has 19.3 miles of trails. Together, these figures highlight both the lengths of different stretches of coastline and trails suited to a range of activities.

History in Churches and Museums

Construction of Old Christ Church began in 1771. It is the only 18th-century frame church in the Chesapeake region to retain original elements of its interior. The Zwaanendael Museum commemorates Swanendael, the first European colony in Delaware, and presents the maritime, military, and social history of the region around Lewes. The two places have different focuses: preserved elements of a historic church and the diverse history of a region.

The Indian River Life-Saving Station was built in 1876 and now serves as an educational center for maritime heritage. Historic sites can also be found along the Southeast Sussex Historical Trail, which connects homes, churches, museums, and landmarks. History enthusiasts can explore both individual institutions and a range of different historic sites.

Trails and Getting There

The American Discovery Trail runs 45 miles through Sussex County. Another kind of water route is the Broadkill River Canoe Trail, which runs between Memorial Park in Milton and the Nature Conservancy’s McCabe Preserve. The two descriptions help with orientation without equating the routes: one trail is described by its length in the county, the other by its endpoints.

You can also make the journey itself part of your plans with a specific route across the water. The Cape May-Lewes Ferry carries cars and passengers between Lewes and Cape May, New Jersey; the crossing takes 80 minutes. Check the schedule when planning to make sure the ferry fits your itinerary.

Regional Cuisine and Farms

Sussex County’s restaurant and culinary scene is also known as the “Culinary Coast.” In Southern Delaware, wineries offer wine tastings and live music. Farm visits and U-pick activities are also among the experiences available there; some farms welcome visitors and sell their own products. Examples include fresh ice cream, lavender chocolate, cherry cider, and bison burgers. The culinary scene thus encompasses restaurants and wine as well as products and offerings from individual farms.

Discover more destinations: Dewey Beach, Rehoboth Beach, Fenwick Island, Milford, Lewes, Long Neck, Millsboro, Greenwood, Seaford, Dagsboro, Bethany Beach.

For the broader travel overview: Delaware.