New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park
New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park is located in New Bedford, Massachusetts. This park is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the history of whaling in the United States. It was established in 1996 and covers an area of approximately 34 acres.
New Bedford holds great historical significance as it was once the whaling capital of the world. The city played a crucial role in the 19th-century whaling industry and was home to numerous whaling ships, sailors, and merchants. The park aims to showcase this rich maritime heritage through its exhibits, buildings, and programs.
Visitors to the park can explore various attractions and activities. The Corson Building serves as the visitor center, offering information and exhibits about the park's history. The Seamen's Bethel, a famous chapel that inspired Herman Melville's novel "Moby-Dick," is another must-see site within the park. Adjacent to the park is the New Bedford Whaling Museum, which is not part of the national park but provides further insight into the whaling industry.
In addition to these attractions, visitors can also stroll through the streets of the historic district, which is lined with architecturally significant buildings. The park provides guided tours and educational programs to enhance visitors' understanding of the area's whaling heritage.
Around the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, there are other notable attractions. The Schooner Ernestina-Morrissey, once an Arctic exploration ship, is currently undergoing renovation at the State Pier and can be visited. The Fort Taber Park and Military Museum, located on Clark's Point, offers a glimpse into the area's military history.
Overall, New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park offers a fascinating exploration of the American whaling industry and its impact on the city of New Bedford. Visitors can immerse themselves in the history of this once-thriving industry and gain a greater understanding of America's maritime past.
Location
New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park is situated in the charming seaside city of New Bedford, Massachusetts. Tucked along the southeast coast of the state, the park is strategically located within the larger New Bedford downtown area, showcasing its significance as one of the foremost whaling ports in the world during the 19th century. Surrounded by an idyllic natural beauty, the park sits adjacent to the scenic Acushnet River, which gracefully flows into the expansive Buzzards Bay. With its ideal coastal position, the park offers visitors breathtaking panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, as well as easy access to a range of maritime activities and attractions, further enhancing the rich regional history and the unique experience it provides to all who venture to this captivating location.
Address & Contact
33 William StreetNew Bedford, MA 02740Driving DirectionsPhone: 508-996-4095Web: Link
Weather & Seasonality
The best time to visit New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park would be during the months of May to September. During this period, the weather is mild and suitable for outdoor activities, with average maximum temperatures ranging from 68°F to 83°F. Precipitation levels remain moderate, averaging between 3.3 to 4.5 inches per month. This timeframe ensures pleasant conditions for exploring the park and enjoying the surrounding area.
Things to do and learn in New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park
Activities
Some of the activities you can do in New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park are: Junior Ranger Program Shopping Bookstore and Park Store
Topics
Learn about these topics at New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park: Architecture and Building Arts Native American Heritage Transportation African American Heritage Religion and Spirituality Churches Schools and Education Women's History Wars and Conflicts Civil War Social Movements Roads, Routes and Highways Civil Rights Urban America Maritime Pacific Islander Heritage Oceans Ships and Shipwrecks Immigration Whales Abolition Movement
Amenities
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 all the essential materials before embarking on your journey to explore the park, its diverse partners, and the rich tapestry of experiences that the City of New Bedford has to offer. *Please not the Visitor Center operates seasonally. Please see active exceptions to ensure that the Visitor Center is open for your visit.
Passport Stamp locations
The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Visitor Center & Park Garden Hours.
Campsites within or near New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park
This park doesn't have any campsites within its boundaries (or we haven't found them yet)).
Hotels within or near New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park
Affiliate disclosure: When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network, Expedia and Amazon.Baymont by Wyndham North Dartmouth
A stay at Baymont by Wyndham North Dartmouth places you in the heart of North Dartmouth, within a 5-minute drive of New Bedford Museum of Glass and St. Anthony of Padua Church. Featured amenities include a business center, a 24-hour front desk, and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 171 Faunce Corner Mall Rd, North Dartmouth, Massachusetts 02747-12
Web: Link
Whaler Inn and Suites
With a stay at Whaler Inn and Suites in New Bedford, you'll be within a 5-minute drive of St. Anthony of Padua Church and Buttonwood Park Zoo. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and a 24-hour front desk. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 500 Hathaway Rd, New Bedford, Massachusetts 02740
Web: Link
Hampton Inn by Hilton New Bedford/Fairhaven
Located in Fairhaven, Hampton Inn by Hilton New Bedford/Fairhaven is in the historical district, within a 5-minute drive of Fairhaven Town Hall and New Bedford Art Museum. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, express check-in, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Planning an event in Fairhaven? This hotel features 1890 square feet (176 square meters) of event facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1 Hampton Way, Fairhaven, Massachusetts 02719
Web: Link
Orbits Inn
Located in Somerset, Orbits Inn is within a 5-minute drive of USS Massachusetts and Battleship Cove. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 537 Riverside Avenue, Somerset, Massachusetts 02725
Web: Link
Residence Inn by Marriott New Bedford Dartmouth
Located in North Dartmouth, Residence Inn by Marriott New Bedford Dartmouth is in a national park, within a 10-minute drive of New Bedford Museum of Glass and St. Anthony of Padua Church. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, express check-out, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 181 Faunce Corner Rd, North Dartmouth, Massachusetts 02747
Web: Link
Delano Homestead Bed & Breakfast
When you stay at Delano Homestead Bed & Breakfast in Fairhaven, you'll be near the beach, within a 5-minute drive of Fort Phoenix State Reservation and New Bedford Whaling National Historic Park. Featured amenities include a computer station, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 39 Walnut Street, Fairhaven, Massachusetts 02719
Web: Link
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott New Bedford
With a stay at Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott New Bedford in New Bedford, you'll be in the historical district, just a 5-minute walk from New Bedford Seastreak Ferry Terminal and 6 minutes by foot from Seamen's Bethel. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a business center, and express check-out. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 185 Macarthur Drive, New Bedford, Massachusetts 02740
Web: Link
Best Western Dartmouth-New Bedford
With a stay at Best Western Dartmouth-New Bedford in North Dartmouth, you'll be within a 10-minute drive of Buttonwood Park Zoo and Steward Center for Weight Control - Hawthorn. Featured amenities include a business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and dry cleaning/laundry services. This hotel has 2 meeting rooms available for events. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 737 State Road, North Dartmouth, Massachusetts 02747
Web: Link
New Bedford Harbor Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection
A stay at New Bedford Harbor Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection places you in the heart of New Bedford, steps from New Bedford Art Museum and Zeiterion Theatre. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk and an elevator. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 222 Union St, New Bedford, Massachusetts 02740
Web: Link
The Harbor Inn
Located in Westport, The Harbor Inn is within a 15-minute drive of Goosewing Beach Preserve and Dundery Brook Trail. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 23 Acoaxet Rd, Westport, Massachusetts 02790
Web: Link
News and Alerts
| Date issued | Details |
|---|---|
| 2024-11-25 | Winter Hours 2024-2025 New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park has announced winter hours of operation for the park’s visitor center. The visitor center, located at 33 William Street will be open to the public Wednesday - Saturday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. This change in hours begins December 1, 2024 and remains in effect until March 31, 2025. The Visitor Center will be closed on Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays. In addition, the Visitor Center will be closed on the following holidays Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. More |
| 2024-09-10 | A New Whale of a Statue Will Raise Awareness of Marine Debris New Bedford, MA – The Water We’re Swimming In, a sculpture created by artist Elaine Alder made of marine debris collected off the coast of Massachusetts, will be unveiled on Sept. 22 at 10:00 AM at Captain Paul Cuffe Park, located on the corner of Johnny Cake Hill and Union Street, part of the New Bedford Whaling Museum campus. The exhibit is a partnership between New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the New Bedford Whaling Museum to bring attention to marine debris issues in New Bedford. More |
| 2024-05-31 | Daily Screening of film “Love Letters for New Bedford” New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park has announced that a daily screening of the award-winning documentary “Love Letters for New Bedford” will be shown at 3:30 PM Wednesday – Sunday in the park visitor center theater starting June 1, 2024. New Bedford filmmaker Ethan de Aguiar created this documentary to celebrate New Bedford’s artists and champion the city’s growing and vibrant creative economy. The almost 18-minute film contains interviews of 18 local artists, educators, poets, journalists, authors, vocalists, and others, who shared their love for New Bedford and its citizens. Once completed, the film was submitted to 33 film festivals, gaining 15 Official Selections and 4 Awards. The film received International Wins for Best Documentary from the Portugal International Film Festival, 2023 Texas Arthouse Festival, Block Island Film Festival, and Screaming Ostrich International Film Festival. More |
| 2024-01-19 | Black History Month 2024 New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park has announced its programming commemorating Black History Month during February 2024. This year’s theme chosen by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH®) is African Americans and the Arts. New Bedford is known for its rich culture and historical artistic significance, and we celebrate today’s artists of the African diaspora who come from every corner of the globe. Two of New Bedford’s own, Iva Brito and Eden Soares will be telling the stories of their art and inspiration. In addition, the 1850s Ladies will explore New Bedford and Boston anti-slavery societies and how crafts became a part of the abolitionist cause. Finally, the park will show the movie, 12 Years A Slave, directed by African Brit Steve McQueen and tells the story of Solomon Northup, who was kidnapped and sold into enslavement from freedom. More |
| 2023-01-24 | Park events highlighting Black History Month New Bedford, MA – New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park is proud to offer a month of events in recognition of Black History Month beginning February 4th and continuing through the end of the month. All events are open to the public and free of charge. Two events will take place at the Visitor Center at 33 William St, New Bedford, MA 02740 and two events will be hosted online and require pre-registration. More |