Looking for Something to Do in Cape May? Visit the Cape May World War II Observation Tower at Sunset Beach and climb to the top.

Looking for Something to Do in Cape May?   

Visit the Cape May World War II Observation Tower at Sunset Beach and climb to the top.

World War II Tower in Cape May at Sunset Beach

We recently visited Sunset Beach in Cape May to hunt for Cape May Diamonds, check out the Sunken Ship in Cape May, have Ice Cream and get a round of Miniature Golf in before Sunset. One our favorite things to do at Sunset Beach is to climb the World War II Fire control Tower 23 which has recently been restored with a grant to (MAC) Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities. You can purchase a Lookout Tower Combination Package for a discount for the Lighthouse and Tower. Combine a tour of the World War II Lookout Tower with the historic Cape May Lighthouse for $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 3-12. The tower is easier to climb than the Cape May Lighthouse and features broad views of Sunset Beach, The Cape May Lighthouse and the Concrete Ship. Parking is free at the Fire Tower in Cape May, and don’t forget to bring your camera for some great shots of the beach area. In addition to the historical background the Tower displays both personal and historical artifacts; the friendly staff is was very informative on the history of this World War II Fire Control Tower.

Top of Cape May Fire Tower

History of the Fire Control Tower 23 in Cape May (courtesy of Cape May Mac)

Fire Control Tower No. 23 is New Jersey’s last remaining restorable World War II tower, part of the immense Harbor Defense of the Delaware system known as Fort Miles.  Built in 1942, the tower was one of 15 towers that helped aim batteries of coastal artillery, stretching from North Wildwood, N.J. to Bethany Beach, DE. Four were in Cape May County, N.J.—the towers located in North Wildwood and Wildwood Crest were torn down and a third tower is located inside Cape May’s Grand Hotel, Beach and Philadelphia avenues.  Fire Control Tower No. 23 is on land now part of the Cape May Point State Park. The tower was listed on the New Jersey Register of Historic Places on May 29, 2003 and on the National Register on Nov. 17, 2003.

Phase I of this project included the following: building spiral staircases in the Tower so that the public can safely climb to the top; construction of a wooden walkway from the street to the Tower, and a deck around its base, to preserve the fragile dune environment; replacing the missing windows and doors; recreating historical details, such as the original wooden ladders, and outfitting the watch room and viewing platform at the top; installing interpretive panels along the walkway and at every level in the Tower; introducing lighting and safety alarms; and upgrading the existing parking lot across Sunset Boulevard and connecting it with a cross-walk to the Tower.

This project was helped made possible by MAC’s restoration architect, Robert Russell of Holt Morgan Russell and three agencies which have awarded MAC $1.3 million in funding for the project: the New Jersey Historic Trust, the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority and the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs.  MAC is also mounting permanent Memorial Plaques in the Tower that will allow family members to honor veterans of any war or engagement

Cape Henelopon Park World War II Observation Tower

Cape Henlopen has many year-round hiking and biking opportunities. Experience the park's scenic and ever-changing landscape - and get a lesson in history - along the three-mile-long paved trail that loops the park. Take a trail break and climb to the top of the World War II Observation Tower, where the 360-degree views are spectacular. Or take a short climb to the top of a former military bunker to view the dynamic action along the Atlantic coastline. Explore the coastal environment along the Seaside or the Pinelands Nature Trails, or hike the six miles of beach along the Atlantic Ocean.

Cape Henelopon Park World War II Observation Tower Located across the Bay from Cape May.

Kids Climb Free Cape May Lighthouse Mid Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC) Cape May, New Jersey

About Cape May and Cape May Resort.com

Cape May is a city at the southern tip of Cape May Peninsula in Cape May County, New Jersey, where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean. With a rich history, award-winning beaches & boating, designation as a top birding location, and many Victorian structures, Cape May is a seaside resort drawing visitors from around the world. Cape May was recognized as one of America's top 10 beaches by the Travel Channel and its beach was ranked fifth in New Jersey in the 2008 Top 10 Beaches. 

http://capemayvictorian.com CapeMayVictorian.com is a custom photo sharing site in which you can explore local Cape May images, download your favorite vacation spot or order a custom framed picture or a one of kind gift of your vacation memory.

http://capemayresort.com Cape May Resort.com is a local Cape May Web Site featuring Things to Do in Cape May, along with Cape May Digital Coupons for savings. If you’re looking for information and reviews for your next trip to Cape may, you’ve come to the right place. At Cape May Resort.com we’ll give you the most current information from Yelp and real time local You Tube Videos to preview your next vacation or week-end trip.  We offer the best in recent reviews from Real People with Real Reviews from Yelp. 

http://capemayresort.blogspot.com/  Looking for Something to Do in Cape May New Jersey ? Spend a day at the beach, or go Dolphin and Whale Watching. Visit a local winery or check out the lighthouse and sunken ship at Cape May State Park. Cape May offers beach lovers Victorian architecture, fine dining, bird watching, boating and fishing in addition to world class resort and vacation accommodations.  If you’re looking for information and reviews for your next trip to Cape may, you’ve come to the right place.Cape May Resort.com has been part of the South Jersey Cape May area since 1988. Let us put our local experience to work for you.