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"The town itself is perhaps the dearest place to live in, in all New England..nowhere in all America will you find more patrician-like houses, parks and gardens more opulent, than in New Bedford…all these brave houses and flowery gardens came from the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian oceans. One and all, they were harpooned and dragged up hither from the bottom of the sea." H.
Melville, "Moby-Dick"
2 experiences from the National Park Service, plus every activity offered in the park. Check details on NPS.gov before you go.
Welcome to New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park’s Junior Ranger program! The park is excited to have you become a steward and help continue to preserve and protect your national parks. At…
Learn more about Become a New Bedford Junior Ranger on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Nathan and Polly Johnson House Virtual Tour You will learn about the important history of this house and the role it played in many African Americans’ lives in New Bedford and far beyond.
Learn more about Nathan & Polly Johnson Virtual Tour on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)Showing 2 of 2
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Facility
Discover the vibrant heart of New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park at the National Park Visitor Center. Immerse yourself in a brief orientation and gather all…
33 William Street, New Bedford, MA (508) 996-4095 Directions
Daily, Sunrise to Sunset · New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park
Welcome to New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park! The Visitor Center and Garden provide a distinctive urban park experience. Operating hours vary seasonally and may differ from those of our local partners/businesses within the park boundary and throughout the city. Please refer to the Visitor Center hours listed below for access and note that park grounds remain open year-round. Holiday Closures: Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
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No entrance fees listed.
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Updated 33 min ago
In New Bedford, Massachusetts, you’ll experience all four seasons in their full glory! Summers are warm and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 56°F to 83°F, perfect for enjoying the coastal breeze. As the year turns, fall brings crisp, cool weather, with temperatures between 30°F and 70°F, offering the ideal backdrop for stunning autumn foliage. Winters are chilly, with temperatures ranging from 20°F to 45°F, occasionally bringing snow to the scenic city. By spring, the weather begins to warm up again
Visitor Center
The park’s Visitor Center is your starting point for exploring the stories, people, and history of New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park.
Hours:
May 1 through November 30
Wednesday - Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
December 1 through April 30
Wednesday - Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The Visitor Center is closed to public visitation on:
*The park may occasionally offer special programs, events, or activities outside regular Visitor Center operating hours. Check the park calendar and Visitor Center drop-down option under the Basic Information page when planning your visit.
Visitor Center Garden
Temporary Closures and Operational Changes
Have you always heard of New Bedford sites as stops on the Underground Railroad but don’t know which places and home? Join a park ranger as he shares specific names, places, and stories of the people of New Bedford and how their abolitionist tendencies helped shape our city.
Did you know that Abraham Lincoln visited and spoke to the public here in downtown New Bedford? Have you been to a public meeting and been frustrated with the rules of order? Do you know how those rules connect to New Bedford? Join our 1850s Ladies for a stroll at dusk and learn about some lesser-known stories that connect New Bedford to the world.
(rain date October 24th)
Have you always known whaleships to be exclusively for men? Join in with one of our volunteers as she shares journals and historical records supporting that women assisted with navigation, served in medical roles, and built relationships with whaling families around the world.
Join a ranger and discover how New Bedford’s maritime economy shaped its growing industries and connected the city to people and places around the world. Learn how the rise of industrialization shaped New Bedford and influenced the people who built lives here during this period of profound change.
For two centuries, American whale oil lit the world -- illuminating and powering the start of the industrial revolution and laying the groundwork for a truly global economy. This two-hour film tells the riveting and extraordinary story of the American whaling industry, from its origins off the coast of New England, through the great golden age of deep-ocean whaling, to the industry's spectacular demise.
New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park Visitor Center is centrally located in downtown New Bedford at 33 William Street. If you're arriving by car, take I-195 and use Exit 25, following signs for Downtown New Bedford.
Parking is available in nearby garage or street parking around the visitor center. If you’re traveling by public transportation, the local SRTA buses service the downtown area, with stops close to the visitor center. Once in the area, the Visitor Center is a short walk.
Mailing address: 33 William Street, New Bedford, MA 02740
Ask about trails, fees, weather, events, or planning your visit.
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