Cape Henlopen is a diamond among state parks

I can't write enough about how great Cape Henlopen State Park is. Not many state parks come close to offering what this park has, including access to the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay, a top-notch campground, the history of Fort Miles, great biking and walking trails and a variety of programs for all ages. There are even free bikes available thanks to a program provided by the active Friends group.

I've been to other parks in other states that blow you away with their scenery – particularly those in mountain states – but there is something extra special about Cape Henlopen. It's a place to create family memories that you cherish forever.

Others have recognized it – USA Today named it one of the top 20 state parks in the nation.

I was surprised to discover that I've visited several parks that have made various best lists:

Custer State Park, South Dakota; Cayo Costa State Park, Captiva, Fla.; Makoshika State Park, Mont.; Ecola State Park, Astoria, Ore.; Niagara Falls State Park, N.Y.; Itasca State Park, Minn.; Chimney Rock State Park, N.C.; Assateague State Park, Md.; and Bahia Honda State Park, Fla.

Itasca is the source of the mighty Mississippi River, and you can actually walk across the river on stones. My daughter, Beth, worked at Bahia Honda in the Florida Keys for a few years. Visits there are always special.