Plan Your Visit

Welcome to New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park

In Herman Melville's epic novel Moby-Dick Melville describes New Bedford as "perhaps the dearest place to live in, in all New England." He would certainly recognize many of the 19th century buildings and sites that may be found within the park today.

After strolling the cobblestone streets of the park, visiting our partner sites, engaging in park programs, and shopping and dining at the many shops and restaurants in and around the park, perhaps you will share Melville's sentiment of this special place.

 

New Bedford Whaling Museum
The New Bedford Whaling Museum is the world's preeminent whaling museum and houses special collections, long-term and changing exhibits, rare whale skeletons, a half-scale model of a whaling bark and much more...

 

Rotch-Jones-Duff House and Garden Museum

The 28-room Greek Revival mansion was built in 1834 and chronicles 15 years of economic, social and domestic life in New Bedford. The museum is open to the public and hosts house and garden tours, special exhibits annually, and an assortment of special events. More

 

Schooner Ernestina

The Schooner Ernestina was launched in Essex, MA on February 1, 1894. She is home ported in New Bedford at the State Pier and is the official vessel of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, a National Historic Landmark, and is part of New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park. She proudly embodies the rich maritime heritage not only of Massachusetts but indeed the entire United States. She has served as a successful fishing schooner; as an Arctic exploration vessel that came to within 578 miles of the North Pole; as a U.S. Naval vessel in World War II; and as a Cape Verde packet ship.