Bombay Hook NWR has one of the finest auto tour routes in the refuge system. A 12-mile round-trip length, the tour route passes by each of the four freshwater impoundments affording ample room to stop and view ever-present water birds feeding or resting. Depending on the season and wildlife presence, visitors can easily spend a half day or more traveling the tour route. As usual, the best times for observation are early and late in the day when wildlife is most active. Except for the spur to Finis Pool, the route will accommodate tour buses and recreation vehicles. A cassette tape interpreting the auto tour is available at the visitor center.
The ditches along the tour route should also be carefully watched for wading birds that are often there to feed on fish. The Finis Pool outlet at the turnaround is a good place to see both fish and frogs. Except for rainwater runoff, Finis Pool supplies water that it collects from Finis Branch to all other impoundments. The refuge impoundments were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps shortly after the refuge was established in 1937.
During spring and fall weekend afternoons, the 250-year-old Allee House is open to visitors. Owned by the refuge, the historic house is a restored example of the brick farmhouses of 18th century Delaware. It is located on the auto tour route.
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