Enjoy free access to New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park—there’s no entrance fee! While we don’t offer Annual or Senior passes here anymore, you’re still welcome to explore the park at no cost. Just keep in mind that some of our partner museums and nearby sites may have their own entry fees.
2025 Free Entrance Days in the National Parks
Come experience the national parks! All National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to everyone (other fees, including timed entry or reservation fees, may apply). Mark your calendar for these entrance fee-free dates:
Thursday, January 9 — National Day of Mourning for President James Earl Carter Jr.
America the Beautiful - The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Series
To find a location near you that issues these interagency passes, search the list of all federal recreation sites where the passes are issued, including national parks. In addition to getting one of the Interagency Passes in person at national parks and other federal recreation sites, many of the America the Beautiful - The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands (Interagency) Passes are available to order from the USGS Online Store (allow at least three weeks for order processing and delivery). Please visit the USGS Online Store for detailed information about how to purchase a pass online and whether purchasing a pass now is the right decision for you.
Please remember when making your purchase that Interagency Passes are non-refundable, non-transferable, cannot be extended and cannot be replaced if lost or stolen. Passholders must show valid photo identification (ID) with each pass.
Fee Free Park
New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park does not charge a park fee to visitors. Being a fee free park, it is no longer possible for visitors to purchase Annual or Senior passes at this park. Please note that entrance fees may be charged at privately owned museums and other similar sites within the National Park, including park partners. Follow this link for information about how to obtain the America the Beautiful Interagency Passes. The park still offers the free passes listed below.
At parks that do charge a fee, the entrance fee-free days for 2022 will be:
Passes available at
New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park:
The 2022 Interagency Pass - Military Annual
Photo on the pass by Mark Gruenhaupt, 2020 Share the Experience Photo Contest Grand Prize Winner
Military Annual Pass
Cost: Free
Available for:
Current US military members and their dependents in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and Space Force, as well as Reserve and National Guard members. Please check photo ID requirements before arriving.
Educators may help students obtain 4th Grade Passes. Learn more at the Every Kid Outdoors website. Educators however, do not qualify for a 4th Grade Pass but may want to get one of the other Interagency Passes.
The 2022 Interagency Access Pass
Photo on the pass by Steven Koehler, Yellowstone National Park
Access Pass
Cost: Free lifetime pass
Available for: US citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities. Applicants must provide documentation of permanent disability and residency or citizenship.
Mail: Purchase an Access Pass using an application form (558KB PDF) that can be exchanged through mail. Processing and shipping fees will be charged for mail orders.
The Access Pass may provide a 50 percent discount on some amenity fees charged for facilities and services such as camping, swimming, boat launching, and specialized interpretive services.
The Access Pass generally does NOT cover or reduce special recreation permit fees or fees charged by concessioners.
Golden Access Passports are no longer sold. However, these passes are still honored according to the provisions of the pass. Passes may not be purchased as gifts since eligible recipient must show proof of eligibility.
according to the provisions of the pass.
Passes may not be purchased as gifts since eligible recipient must present proof of eligibility.
The 2022 Interagency Volunteer Pass
Photo on the pass by Mark Gruenhaupt, 2020 Share the Experience Photo Contest Grand Prize Winner
Volunteer Pass
Cost: Free annual pass
Available for: Volunteers with 250 service hours with federal agencies that participate in the Interagency Pass Program
How to get: Volunteers should contact their volunteer coordinator for more information.
The 2022 Interagency Annual Senior Pass and the 2021 Interagency Lifetime Senior Pass
Photos for the passes by Mark Gruenhaupt, 2020 Share the Experience Photo Contest Grand Prize Winner (top) and Lori Wilkinson, Yellowstone National Park (bottom)
Senior Pass
Both Senior Passes are not available for purchase at New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park Cost:
$80 Lifetime Senior Pass
$20 Annual Senior Pass
Available for: US citizens or permanent residents ages 62 or over. Applicants must provide documentation of age and residency or citizenship.
The Senior Pass may provide a 50 percent discount on some amenity fees charged for facilities and services such as camping, swimming, boat launch, and specialized interpretive services.
The Senior Pass generally does NOT cover or reduce special recreation permit fees or fees charged by concessioners.
Golden Age Passports are no longer sold. However, these passes are still honored according to the provisions of the pass.
Passes may not be purchased as gifts since eligible recipient must show proof of eligibility.
Last updated: October 24, 2024
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Contact Info
Mailing Address:
33 William Street
New Bedford,
MA
02740
Phone:
508-996-4095
To reach the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, you can contact us by phone at (508) 996-4095. Whether you have questions about visiting the park, upcoming events, or general information, our team is available to assist you during our regular business hours. We look forward to helping you make the most of your visit!
