Visitors enjoy the spacious observation deck at the DuPont Nature Center, which offers views of horseshoe crabs and native birds /Visit Central Delaware photo 

Visitor Experience Offers Educational Exhibits and Commanding Views of the Mispillion Harbor Reserve

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control will welcome visitors to the DuPont Nature Center at the Mispillion Harbor Reserve when the center reopens for the 2026 season Wednesday, April 1. The DNREC facility, managed by the Division of Fish and Wildlife, will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the following days:

• April: Open Wednesdays and Saturdays only
• May through August: Open Tuesdays through Saturdays, closed on Sundays and Mondays
• September: Open Wednesdays and Saturdays only
• October through March: Closed to general admission, open for special events and programs only

In the spring, the DuPont Nature Center’s large deck overlooking the harbor offers wildlife watchers an unparalleled view of the spectacle of spawning horseshoe crabs and migrating shorebirds, including federally-listed threatened red knots that depend on horseshoe crab eggs to help fuel their 9,000-mile journey to the Arctic. More information on horseshoe crab and shorebird viewing is available from the nature center at the de.gov/dnc webpage.

Inside, visitors will find exhibits that describe the environmental and historical importance of the Mispillion Harbor and can view saltwater tanks showcasing a diversity of aquatic species. This year, the nature center will be showcasing a new environmental art exhibit created by the community helping guests connect to the local environment with the center at the heart of it. Along with educational exhibits, the nature center hosts a variety of programs that focus on the Delaware Bay ecosystem and local wildlife.

The DuPont Nature Center also offers live views of nesting osprey and wildlife visiting the area through its osprey cam and Mispillion Harbor cam. Both live cams can be viewed at the de.gov/dnc webpage.

DNREC’s DuPont Nature Center is located in the heart of Delaware’s Bayshore Region at 2992 Lighthouse Road, near Slaughter Beach, east of Milford. Admission is free and open to the public. For inquiries about the center’s programs and operations, email patrick.ruhl@delaware.gov, or call 302-422-1329.

About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities, and educates Delawareans about the environment. The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife conserves and manages Delaware’s fish and wildlife and their habitats, and provides fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing and boating access on more than 68,000 acres of public land owned or managed by the Division of Fish and Wildlife. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube or LinkedIn.

Media Contacts: Alyssa Imprescia Alyssa.imprescia@delaware.gov; Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov;

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