New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park

About

Entrance / day-use fee applies.

This park's official page lists: Store / concessions.

This park's official page lists: Visitor center.

At the park

• Visitor center exhibit

Shows and experiences

• Guided program
• Junior Ranger program
• Ranger & guided programs

Events

• Visitor Center Open: Summer Schedule 09:00 AM–05:00 PM · Located at 33 William Street in downtown New Bedford, Massachusetts, the Visitor Center is situated within the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park. The building is accessible from William Street, with stairs at the front entrance and an accessible ramp located on the right side of the building through the Visitor Center garden. Cobblestone streets and sidewalks surround the area.
• Ranger Talk: Blubber and Bones: The Products of Whaling
• Walking Tour: Exploring Extraordinary Whales
• Walking Tour: Whaling in New Bedford
• Ranger Talk: In the Footsteps of Douglass and Melville
• Walking Tour: Underground Railroad in New Bedford
• Walking Tour: Women on Whaleships
• Ranger Talk: A New Life In New Bedford
• Walking Tour: Blubber and Bones: The Products of Whaling
• Walking Tour: In the Footsteps of Douglass and Melville
• Family Programming
• Whaling Walking Tour: A New Life In New Bedford
• Walking Tour: The History of New Bedford Harbor
• Ranger Talk: Whaling in New Bedford
• Living History: 1850's Ladies in the Garden
• 1850 Ladies: Autumn Chores
• WALKING TOUR: Secrets on the Hill with the 1850s Ladies 04:00 PM–05:30 PM · Walking Tours begin at the Visitor Center. A ranger or volunteer will meet visitors either inside the Visitor Center or Outside in the Visitor Center Garden before the tour begins. The main entrance is located at the top of the front steps on William Street. An accessible ramp entrance is available on the right side of the building through the Visitor Center Garden.
• TALK: Women on Whaleships 06:00 PM–07:00 PM · The talk is at the visitor center Makerspace, second floor. The main entrance is located at the top of the front steps on William Street. An accessible ramp entrance is available on the right side of the building through the Visitor Center Garden.
• TALK: The Fall of Whaling and the Rise of Industrialization in New Bedford 06:00 PM–07:00 PM · The talk is at the visitor center Makerspace, second floor. The main entrance is located at the top of the front steps on William Street. An accessible ramp entrance is available on the right side of the building through the Visitor Center Garden.
• FILM: Into the Deep: America, Whaling, & The World, a Ric Burns film for PBS 06:00 PM–08:30 PM · The film is at the visitor center Corson building. The main entrance is located at the top of the front steps on William Street. An accessible ramp entrance is available on the right side of the building through the Visitor Center Garden.

Before you go

Mobility

Available in the park: mobility & stroller rentals. Confirm rental availability and pricing with the park.

Limits

Yes, service dogs are legally permitted anywhere in a park that visitors can go

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.

Weather & when to go

In New Bedford, Massachusetts, you’ll experience all four seasons in their full glory! Summers are warm and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 56°F to 83°F, perfect for enjoying the coastal breeze. As the year turns, fall brings crisp, cool weather, with temperatures between 30°F and 70°F, offering the ideal backdrop for stunning autumn foliage. Winters are chilly, with temperatures ranging from 20°F to 45°F, occasionally bringing snow to the scenic city. By spring, the weather begins to warm up again

Visitor center

Mariners' Home

Visitor center

Nathan and Polly Johnson House

Visitor center

New Bedford Whaling Museum

Visitor center

New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park Visitor Center

Visitor center

New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park Visitor Center

Visitor center

New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park Visitor Center

Visitor center

New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park Visitor Center

Visitor center

New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park Visitor Center

Visitor center

Seamens Bethel

Visitor center

Seamens Bethel

Visitor center

Visitor Center & Park Garden

Visitor center

Visitor Center & Park Garden

Facilities on the park map

2 bench, 1 first aid kit, 1 mobility rental, 7 restroom, 15 visitor information.

History

Heritage status

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places