New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park - Things To Do (U.S. National Park Service)

A blue whale skeleton in the Jacobs Gallery of the New Bedford Whaling Museum

Courtesy of the New Bedford Whaling Museum

A 66-foot blue whale skeleton hangs from the ceiling in the Jacobs gallery of the New Bedford Whaling Museum.

Getting Started

Start your visit at the national park visitor center to get a brief orientation, pick up maps and brochures, view exhibits and plan your day. Take a guided or self-guided tour to learn more about New Bedford's fascinating history, visit our partner institutions, attend special programs and events that take place in the park year round and explore the many shops, restaurants and galleries located in and around the park. Partner sites include the New Bedford Whaling Museum, Rotch-Jones-Duff House and Garden Museum, Seamen's Bethel, Waterfront Visitor Center and Schooner Ernestina.

Programs in the Park

The park and its partners offer a wide array of progams and activities year round. The programs and activities highlighted on this site focus on those related to the park's interpretive themes and offered by partners. We invite you to visit our partners and their websites to learn more about other programs and activities taking place in New Bedford.