By Steffen Klenk
Located within Hamilton Township, Mays Landing is a town that is rich in culture and history. One can spend the day walking Historic Main Street, dining at a waterfront restaurant, or taking in the scenery this extraordinary place provides. But did you know about Lake Lenape?
Travel just northwest from the center of Downtown Mays Landing and you will find Lake Lenape. Every year, thousands flock to this scenic waterfront to enjoy a wide array of activities. One can spend a day relaxing by the beach, boating, kayaking, or having a friendly picnic.
Located just off of Park Road, you will find Lake Lenape Park East. It is a perfect spot to relax and have fun with volleyball courts, picnic tables and playground. On any summer day, the park grounds are sprawling with outdoor festivities, such as the South Jersey Wine Festival, and the annual Dragon Boat Festival held in July. Hosted by Gilda’s Club of South Jersey, this event attracts teams from all across the region in an effort to support cancer survivors and patients.
Bring your camera and capture the most picturesque view of the historic lighthouse. The Lake Lenape lighthouse was built in 1939 by Herman Dehn Sr. It stands 65 feet tall and was built using hand tools and assistance from neighborhood kids. For many years, locals called it the “singing tower” because of hymns that played from speakers installed at the top of the tower.
Just down the road from Lenape Park East is The Cove, a small but quaint beach, open to the public every summer. Seasonal beach tags and wristbands are available by visiting Mays Landing Town Hall or the Hamilton Township website.
If you’re looking to enjoy all of the amenities of nature, Lenape Park West is for you. The park is located off of 6303 Old Harding Highway, off of County Road 559, and encompasses almost 2,000 acres of land. Here, you can go on a nature excursion, take in miles of hiking and mountain bike trails, go fishing with your family, or enjoy a day out on the lake with your boat, canoe or kayak. Or, pack a lunch and take in the scenery this waterfront park has to offer.
With its long list of waterfront activities and miles of open water, Lake Lenape is the gem that makes Mays Landing a special place to live and visit. Next time you’re planning a weekend of adventure, be sure to discover all that Lake Lenape has to offer. Learn more by visiting atlantic-county.org/parks or call 609-625-8219.
Steffen Klenk is a multimedia journalist. He resides in Ocean City and enjoys capturing the eclectic moments of shore life.
