Guided Tours

A ranger leads a guided walking tour in front of the historic Nathan and Polly Johnson House in downtown New Bedford, one of many sites featured in the park’s seasonal tour offerings.

NPS Photo

Discover the Stories Beneath the Surface

Step into history with a free guided walking tour through Historic Downtown New Bedford. From courageous escapes on the Underground Railroad to the global reach of the whaling industry, each tour highlights a unique chapter of the city’s past. All tours begin at the Visitor Center at 33 William Street and are subject to change.

Tour Season:
May 22 – October 12, 2025

Tour Days:
Wednesday through Sunday

Two Tours Daily:
10:30 AM and 2:30 PM

Check the full weekly schedule below

Day	10:30 AM Tour	2:30 PM Tour
Wednesday	Exploring Extraordinary Whales	Ranger's Choice
Thursday	Underground Railroad in New Bedford	Women on Whaleships
Friday	In the Footsteps of Douglass & Melville	Blubber & Bones: The Products of Whaling
Saturday	A New Life in New Bedford	Underground Railroad in New Bedford
Sunday	History of New Bedford Harbor	Whaling

Need assistance or have questions? Call: 508-996-4095 or Email: e-mail us.

 

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Prefer to explore from home?

Check out our free virtual tours of the Nathan and Polly Johnson House and the Schooner Ernestina-Morrissey. These digital experiences offer a closer look at the people and stories that helped shape New Bedford’s legacy, accessible anytime at

 

 

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Weather or Not, Let’s Explore!

New Bedford's weather has a mind of its own. It might be sunny, foggy, breezy, or all three before lunch. It keeps us on our toes, and that’s part of the adventure. Before you join one of our guided tours through historic streets and waterfront views, check the current conditions below. Rangers may adjust or create alternative tours depending on the weather to help keep everyone safe. Maybe a light jacket, comfortable shoes, and a little weather know-how can help make any day a great one to explore. You can also swing by the Visitor Center to fill up your water bottle before you go.

Hazardous Weather Conditions

Lat: 41.635704799451005 Long: -70.92416400073103

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