New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park
New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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Can't say enough about visiting the New Bedford Whaling Museum. There was so much to see and tons of hands on activities for our 5 year old daughter too. You'll enjoy a few videos of the fisherman catching the whales and how the town became known as "The City that Lit the World." There is a whaling ship inside the museum that you can go on (kids will love this), and touch. Expect to be here a couple of hours of so to appreciate everything the museum has to offer. There is a nice gift shop inside. Lastly, take the opportunity to speak with a museum guide to give you detailed information about the items in the museum, especially the whale fossils hanging in the entrance. Don't forget to visit first the National Parks center to get the kids a whale stamp. It's around the corner. Have fun! Best day ever spent with the family.
JazJaz
00
Not a building, museum, or park, New Bedford Whaling National Historic Park is a district of the city, that includes all of those things and much more. For most people it's a destination for history, arts, food, and entertainment, for many it's a place to work, and for some it's home. Everyone is welcome. You'll be enchanted by the streets, buildings, art, music, cuisine, and people. Old coexists with new, townies and tourists. Don't ask about the namesake, the magnificent creatures. We really shouldn't have killed all those whales, but today we strive for redemption. This place is now gifted with vibrancy, grit, beauty, and hope. 'Love to see you!
Mark BernardoMark Bernardo
00
A sweet educational trip to the whaling museum. I was thinking it is a whale museum and I was wrong! It is the whaling museum about the whaling history in New Bedford, New England and in the world. It is eye opening to learn about whale oil, how it was replaced by petroleum, up and down of the whaling industry and the textile industry in New Bedford. The museum is also loaded with arts. Whale bones can be used to make tools, arts and even corset pads... all the people in the museum are extremely nice and helpful. Due to the pandemic, it is recommended to book your tickets online to have your time slot for the visit.
Li LiLi Li
00
We were there at 10:30 on a Wednesday morning. The entire staff was standing around the counter talking loudly. They said hello and asked if they could help us. We said we stopped in to look. Without offering any information about the exhibits or the facilities they returned to the conversation. They have a lot of nice displays and detailed written histories. Were it not for the employees I would have rated it a 4 or 5. The restrooms were still locked. I tired of hearing one of the employees shrill voices echoing through the big old building and left.
Lowell MarkinsLowell Markins
00
This is an interesting place to visit, more because I am from (the original) Bedford. Unfortunately it shuts quite early so we did not get long here. Fortunately it was a stop off between Boston and NY and not a special trip. If you are driving along the 195 it’s a simple detour to visit. There are some interesting exhibits and a lot of history. Its also worth having a walk around this part of town to see the old style buildings. The museum nearby is also interesting but expensive.
Andy SmithAndy Smith
00
This museum has a lot to offer for its viewers. It's gallery hosts a large collection of whaling related information and artwork. There are life sized whale models, as well as a miniature whaling boat. One of the museum hosts was a Captain in the past and he was kind enough to explain to us a lot of information. Has Japanese, Azorean, and many more whaling related pieces. As well as a section dedicated to slave labor and African American and Native contributions.
Nathaly M.Nathaly M.
00
Nearby Attractions Of New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park
New Bedford Whaling Museum
New Bedford Whaling Museum
Zeiterion Performing Arts Center
Mass Escape
Fast Phone Tablet Computer Fix
The Barre
Rotch-Jones-Duff House and Garden Museum
New Bedford Art Museum
New Bedford Port Society: Seamen’s Bethel and Mariner’s Home
New Bedford Museum of Glass

New Bedford Whaling Museum
4.8
(793)
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New Bedford Whaling Museum
4.8
(698)
Click for details

Zeiterion Performing Arts Center
4.7
(399)
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Mass Escape
5.0
(237)
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Nearby Restaurants Of New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park
The Black Whale
No Problemo
Fathoms Waterfront Bar & Grille
The Vault Performing Arts Center &Pub
Tia Maria's European Café
dNB Craft Kitchen
Ming Sushi
The Baker - New Bedford
Merrill's on the Waterfront
Quahog Republic Whaler's Tavern

The Black Whale
4.6
(1.3K)
Click for details

No Problemo
4.6
(715)
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Fathoms Waterfront Bar & Grille
4.4
(681)
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The Vault Performing Arts Center &Pub
4.2
(512)
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Basic Info
Address
33 William St, New Bedford, MA 02740
Map
Phone
(508) 996-4095
Call
Website
nps.gov
Visit
Reviews
Overview
4.7
(1K reviews)
Ratings & Description
cultural
outdoor
family friendly
accessibility
Description
New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park is a United States National Historical Park in New Bedford, Massachusetts, and is maintained by the National Park Service. The park commemorates the heritage of the world's preeminent whaling port during the nineteenth century.
attractions: New Bedford Whaling Museum, New Bedford Whaling Museum, Zeiterion Performing Arts Center, Mass Escape, Fast Phone Tablet Computer Fix, The Barre, Rotch-Jones-Duff House and Garden Museum, New Bedford Art Museum, New Bedford Port Society: Seamen’s Bethel and Mariner’s Home, New Bedford Museum of Glass, restaurants: The Black Whale, No Problemo, Fathoms Waterfront Bar & Grille, The Vault Performing Arts Center &Pub, Tia Maria's European Café, dNB Craft Kitchen, Ming Sushi, The Baker - New Bedford, Merrill's on the Waterfront, Quahog Republic Whaler's Tavern

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