New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park (U.S. National Park Service)

QUICKLINKS:

The City That Lit the World

New Bedford was the mid 19th century’s preeminent whaling port and for a time “the richest city in the world.” Come stroll down cobblestone streets, visit the world’s largest whaling museum, tour a whaling merchant’s home and whaleman's chapel, and walk a 19th century schooner’s decks. Walk in the footsteps of Herman Melville and Frederick Douglass and learn about a remarkable era.

New Online Kids' Activity

A Whaling Adventure is a new program that uses flash animation and a combination of historic images, quotes and paintings, illustrations, and audio clips to introduce young visitors to the whaling story.Explore a 19th century whaling port and set sail on a whaling voyage around the world! Are you ready for a whaling adventure? Click here to begin.

A park ranger chats with a couple of visitor in front of the national park visitor center.

Plan Your Visit

Plan to start your visit to New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park at the national park visitor center. Here, you can pick up brochures about area attractions, view exhibits and the park's orientation film, and plan your day with friendly park staff and volunteers.
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History and Culture

Learn about the people, places, and stories that contributed to New Bedford's emergence as the 19th century whaling capital of the world, and learn about the diverse cultures that continue to call this unique maritime city home today.
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Write to

New Bedford Whaling NHP
33 William Street
New Bedford, MA 02740

E-mail Us

Phone

Visitor Information
(508) 996-4095

Fax

(508) 984-1250

Climate

The summers are mild while the winters can be cold with wind, ice, and snow. Normal temperature in January is 30.6 F and in July 73.5 F. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and dress according to the weather.