New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park - Plan Your Visit (U.S. National Park Service)

Fishing vessels in New Bedford harbor. Buildings in New Bedford Whaling NHP can be seen in the background

NPS photo by John Robson

View of New Bedford harbor and buildings in the park (background)

Welcome to New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park

New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park is the only national park site dedicated to preserving and interpreting America's nineteenth century whaling story.

In Herman Melville's epic novel Moby-Dick he describles 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 make up the park today.

We hope you will share Melville's sentiment after strolling the cobblestone streets of the park, visiting our partners sites, engaging in park programs, and shopping and dining at the many shops and restaurants in and around the park.