Trolley Tours of Historic Lewes offered through Sept. 8
From Captain Kidd and the eternal rhythms of the tides to the salty courage of Delaware pilots and the nationally recognized architecture of its historic district, Lewes' past is colorful, unique and proud. The ancient beam of old Cape Henlopen Light still haunts the local seas and local imaginations in "Delaware's Saltiest Town."
With Lewes’ wealth of intriguing historical sites, fascinating museums, distinctive boutiques, array of savory restaurants and pristine beaches, The Lewes Historical Society invites visitors and locals to tour the region and explore the rich local history. Participants will discover historic destinations downtown, learn fun facts about the region’s maritime history and experience history as it comes alive.
The Historic Trolley Tour goes around historic Lewes as attendees learn about the history, the architecture and the people who have helped shape this picturesque town. The one-hour tour will acquaint visitors with the Lewes of yesterday and today, as they ride 5 ½ miles around Lewes. This tour is presented by The Lewes Historical Society and the Cape May-Lewes Ferry.
Through Thursday, Sept. 8, the Historic Trolley Tours will begin at 12:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays. This tour lasts for 60 minutes and costs $10 per adult and $5 for students with ID cards and children under 12. To purchase tickets in advance, visit The Lewes Historical Society’s Ryves Holt House at 218 Second St. or call 302-645-7670. Tours leave from the trolley stop at the corner of Second and Market streets, beside St. Peter’s cemetery.
The Maritime Trolley Tour highlights the history of Lewes and the Cape Henlopen region from the early 17th through the 21st centuries. Participants will travel through Cape Henlopen State Park and hear about the early explorers of the Delaware Bay, the lighthouses, breakwaters, quarantine station, Fort Miles and the efforts to secure the area in times of war. As the trolley leaves the park and travels into Lewes, participants will hear about the Cape May-Lewes Ferry, menhaden fishing industry, Delaware River and Bay pilots, Lewes shipbuilding industry, the Lewes Life-Saving Station, the Lightship Overfalls and other topics of maritime interest.
Through Tuesday, Sept. 6, the Maritime Trolley Tour begins at 11:15 a.m and 12:30 p.m. Tuesdays. This tour is $10 per adult and $5 for students with ID cards and children under 12. To purchase tickets in advance, visit The Lewes Historical Society’s Ryves Holt House at 218 Second St. or call 302-645-7670. Day-of tickets are only available on Tuesdays from 10:15 to 11:15 a.m. at the Lewes Ferry Terminal. Tours leave from the Lewes Ferry Terminal.
Schedules are subject to change. For more information, call 302-645-7670.
