Holts Landing State Park, a Delaware State Park located near Dewey Beach, Georgetown and Lewes

HOLTS LANDING STATE PARK

HOLTS LANDING STATE PARK
Road 346
Millville, Delaware 19967

Phone: 302-227-2800
Toll Free: 302-739-9220

Email:

Hidden Facet

Holts Landing is an undiscovered facet of the Diamond State's park system. The 203-acres area contains a variety of beautiful landscapes, from bay shore beach to grassy fields and hardwood forests. Historically, the shores of the inland bays were home to native Americans, who harvested seafood and hunted in the surrounding marshes and forests. After the European settlers arrived, agriculture developed slowly around the "little bays."

The property that is now Holts Landing State Park has a long recorded history as a small family farm. The Holt family maintained a farm with a bayshore boat landing on this site until 1957, when the property was sold to the state highway department. Then, in 1965, the first parcel of land was transferred to the State Park Commission, forming Holts Landing State Park Crabbing at Holts LandingHolts Landing State Park is home to the only pier on Delaware's Inland Bay that was built specifically for crabbing.The sturdy pier opened in 2001 and overhangs the shallow bay waters, allowing crabbers and anglers alike to fish for blue crabs and other mid-Atlantic delicacies. The pier is open daily from 8 a.m. until sunset.

Picnic on the Bay

Today, the Delaware Division of Parks and Recreation provides a surprising variety of recreation pursuits at this small bayside park. Picnicking is one of the more popular activities. Picnic tables and grills are located under shade trees throughout the park, and the large grassy lawns overlooking the bay invite visitors to spread out a picnic blanket. A picnic pavilion with a built-in barbeque grill can be reserved for family reunions, corporate parties, and other group events. Children will enjoy the new playground near the picnic area, and horseshoe pitching provides an entertaining diversion for those who bring the stakes and horseshoes.

The World Isn't Tame, Yet

Throughout the year, visitors can enjoy the park's peaceful surroundings with a quiet stroll along the shoreline or through the fields. Many large birds, such as hawks, herons, and osprey frequent the area, and songbirds make their home among the forest trees and shrubs. Careful hikers may spot a deer, raccoon, possum, muskrat, or fox, or see animal footprints in the sandy soil. Several old borrow pits used by the highway department have evolved into small ponds hidden in the woods, creating a valuable freshwater habitat for native flora and fauna. A well-kept secret, Holts Landing harbors many pleasant surprises.

History of the Area

Historically, the shores of the inland bays were home to native Americans, who harvested seafood and hunted in the surrounding marshes and forests. After the European settlers arrived, agriculture developed slowly around the "little bays."

The property that is now Holts Landing State Park has a long recorded history as a small family farm. The Holt family maintained a farm with a bayshore boat landing on this site until 1957, when the property was sold to the state highway department. Then, in 1965, the first parcel of land was transferred to the State Park Commission, forming Holts Landing State Park

Location

Holts Landing State Park is located near Dewey Beach, Georgetown and Lewes

Nearby Parks

Delaware Seashore State Park

Assawoman Bay State Wildlife Area

Fenwick Island State Park

Cape Henlopen State Park

Beach Plum Island State Park

Prime Hook State Wildlife Management Area

Redden State Forest

Redden State Forest Bailey Tract

Ellendale State Forest

Wicomico State Forest

Picnicking

Today, the Delaware Division of Parks and Recreation provides a surprising variety of recreation pursuits at this small bayside park. Picnicking is one of the more popular activities. Picnic tables and grills are located under shade trees throughout the park, and the large grassy lawns overlooking the bay invite visitors to spread out a picnic blanket. A picnic pavilion with a built-in barbeque grill can be reserved for family reunions, corporate parties, and other group events. Children will enjoy the new playground near the picnic area, and horseshoe pitching provides an entertaining diversion for those who bring the stakes and horseshoes.

Area Attractions

Assawoman Canal

The nearby Assawoman Canal is also part of Holts Landing State Park. The 97-acre canal connects the Indian River Bay with Little Assawoman Bay to the south. Measuring over three miles in length, the canal was originally dug by hand by immigrants during the 1890's. Although its waters are very shallow now, the canal operated as part of the nation's inland waterway system at various times throughout its history. Currently, a privately-owned marina operates on a leased portion of the Assawoman Canal, near the Indian River Bay. The marina services include a fuel pump and a small boat launching ramp (fee required) for boaters and park visitors. The Division of Parks and Recreation, in cooperation with private landowners, is currently planning to develop additional recreational facilities in the area. Call the Delaware Seashore State Park office at (302) 227-2800 for more information on available activities along the Assawoman Canal.

Assawoman Canal

The nearby Assawoman Canal is also part of Holts Landing State Park. The 97-acre canal connects the Indian River Bay with Little Assawoman Bay to the south. Measuring over three miles in length, the canal was originally dug by hand by immigrants during the 1890's. Although its waters are very shallow now, the canal operated as part of the nation's inland waterway system at various times throughout its history. Currently, a privately-owned marina operates on a leased portion of the Assawoman Canal, near the Indian River Bay. The marina services include a fuel pump and a small boat launching ramp (fee required) for boaters and park visitors. The Division of Parks and Recreation, in cooperation with private landowners, is currently planning to develop additional recreational facilities in the area. Call the Delaware Seashore State Park office at (302) 227-2800 for more information on available activities along the Assawoman Canal.

Indian River Bay

Of course, the most popular attraction at Holts Landing is the Indian River Bay. On a clear day, visitors at the park have a grand view of the entire bay, from the Indian River Inlet bridge in the east to the river coves in the west. The park's central location makes it a convenient launching point for small motorized boats, sailboats, windsurfing boards, and other small water craft. A boat launching ramp provides easy access for trailered boats, too.

Fishing in the bay is a fun leisure activity, from boats or from the shoreline. Lucky anglers may land a flounder, bluefish, perch, or sea trout. The shallow bay waters are perfect for clamming, too.

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