While Delaware doesn’t offer the packed powder vacations of many northern states, it does bring some excellent wintertime activities to the table. Nowhere is that on display more than at the beautiful Delaware Seashore State Park. From winter camping to hiking to off-roading, activities are vast and varied. Here’s how to have the best winter weekend getaway at Delaware Seashore Park.
Camping at Seashore State Park is available year-round at select campsite locations along the Indian River Inlet. With RV hookups, bathroom facilities, camping areas, and more, these sites are within walking distance of the Atlantic Ocean and are not far from restaurants, boat rentals, bait shops, and even a life-saving station. Lots of water and sand mark this unique camping experience.
There are few places to ride your ATV in the First State due to strict environmental laws, but the privately-owned track for motorbikes and ATV’s at Snakecreek features a pee-wee motocross course as well as a full-sized racing one. It’s less than an hour away from the beach, and you will find big air jumps and loamy but well-maintained soil.
In Killens Pond State Park you’ll find the 75-acre Killens Pond. The pond is said to be home to “largemouth bass, catfish, carp, perch, crappie, bluegills, and pickerel”. While summer is the most popular time to come, winter rewards you with an ice fishing experience that will test your patience and bring out your pure love of fishing. If you don’t have the patience to ice fish, there are events going on throughout the colder months, such as hikes, birding, environmental conservation seminars, and more. Make sure you have proper permits as well as knowledge of fishing laws and regulations.
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It doesn’t get cold enough for ponds and lakes to freeze over in The First State. However, luckily, there is a fantastic 49,000-square-foot ice center in the middle of the Delaware State Fairgrounds less than an hour away from Seashore State Park. This large rink offers public skating, learn-to-skate lessons, and the famous “bumper cars on ice!”
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Two types of hunting are allowed at the Seashore State Park. Hunting for waterfowl usually opens round the end of October/beginning of November and runs through the end of January, while deer hunting runs for a bit longer throughout January, featuring archery, muzzleloader, and shotgun seasons. In order to hunt, you must follow state laws and obtain a legal hunting license in Delaware.
Located in the Seashore State Park, the Indian River Life-Saving Station was established in 1876 to rescue shipwrecked sailors along the Delaware coast. Having recently been restored to its former 1905 glory, the station now serves as a maritime museum, offering tours, exhibits, workshops, presentations, and more.
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Next, we head back to the races track, as nothing could be more fitting in this NASCAR state. The Midway Speedway Park is located just minutes from the Seashore State Park, and it features three parks in one. You get go-kart racing, mini golf, and a water park all in one convenient location. Plus, an off-season spin around the track means short lines and more time burning rubber on over 10 different styles of go-karts.
Finally, top off your day with a visit to Dogfish Head’s restaurant and pub. With locally sourced seafood, a raw bar, and cold brews from the brewery/distiller out back, Chesapeake & Maine is sure to hit that sweet spot in briny and savory, hoppy and sudsy. Plus, you will find hand-crafted cocktail and a pub menu that features fresh lobster rolls, crab cakes, oyster po’boys, and more.
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