Accessibility

Accessibility in the Park

At New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, we are doing our best to make your visit welcoming, informative, and enjoyable. From the visitor center to public programs and online resources, we are working hard to make things easier for everyone, no matter your access needs.

We are a small team, but we care deeply about this place and the people who visit. If you have questions or want to plan ahead, we are happy to help. Just call us at 508-996-4095.

 

What to Know Before You Visit

This national park is located in the center of a busy downtown. As an urban park, we work in partnership with local businesses, nonprofit organizations, and private property owners. Not all buildings within the park boundary are managed by the National Park Service, so accessibility may vary.

The park is also part of a historic district with buildings, streets, and sidewalks that date back to the 1800s. Many features such as cobblestone roads, narrow entrances, and uneven walking surfaces were built before modern accessibility standards. While improvements have been made, some spaces remain difficult to navigate for visitors using wheelchairs, walkers, or strollers.

We know conditions are not perfect, but we are making steady progress where we can. We continue to improve access while preserving the historic character of this unique place. Your feedback helps us know where to focus our efforts.

 

Accessibility Features at the Visitor Center

The Visitor Center at 33 William Street includes the following accessible features:

• An accessible entrance with a ramp
• Elevator access to all public levels
• Accessible restrooms
• Water refill station

If you need assistance during your visit, please contact us at 508-996-4095.

 

Service Animals

Service animals are welcome in all areas of the park, including the Visitor Center. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a service animal is a dog that is individually trained to perform tasks directly related to a person’s disability. Emotional support animals and pets are not considered service animals and may not enter public buildings.

If you're visiting with a service animal and would like to know more about what to expect, feel free to contact us in advance.

Visit the Service Animal page for more information.

 

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

We are always working to improve accessibility across the park. If you have suggestions, questions, or ideas about how we can do better, we would love to hear from you.

To learn more about the laws and policies that guide accessibility in the National Park Service, click here.