About New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park
"The town itself is perhaps the dearest place to live in, in all New England..nowhere in all America will you find more patrician-like houses, parks and gardens more opulent, than in New Bedford…all these brave houses and flowery gardens came from the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian oceans. One and all, they were harpooned and dragged up hither from the bottom of the sea." H. Melville, "Moby-Dick"
Quick Facts
Location & Map
New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park is located in Massachusetts.
Operating Hours
Welcome to New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park! The Visitor Center and Garden provide a distinctive urban park experience. Operating hours vary seasonally and may differ from those of our local partners/businesses within the park boundary and throughout the city. Please refer to the Visitor Center hours listed below for access and note that park grounds remain open year-round. Holiday Closures: Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
Activities
Getting There
New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park Visitor Center is centrally located in downtown New Bedford at 33 William Street. If you're arriving by car, take I-195 and use Exit 25, following signs for Downtown New Bedford. Parking is available in nearby garage or street parking around the visitor center. If you’re traveling by public transportation, the local SRTA buses service the downtown area, with stops close to the visitor center. Once in the area, the Visitor Center is a short walk.
View Official DirectionsContact & Address
Topics & Themes
Things To Do
Nathan & Polly Johnson Virtual Tour
Nathan and Polly Johnson House Virtual Tour You will learn about the important history of this house and the role…
Become a New Bedford Junior Ranger
Welcome to New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park’s Junior Ranger program! The park is excited to have you become a…
Visitor Centers
Visitor Center & Park Garden Hours
Discover the vibrant heart of New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park at the National Park Visitor Center. Immerse yourself in a brief orientation and gather…
Hours: The operating hours for the Visitor Center and Garden vary from other local businesses within the park boundary and surrounding city. The Visitor Center operates seasonally, please see active exceptions to ensure that the Visitor Center is open during your visit.
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