New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park

New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park commemorates the heritage of the world's preeminent whaling port during the 19th century. A variety of cultural landscapes, historic buildings, museum collections, and archives preserve this history and collectively recount the stories of a remarkable era. Whaling, a leading 19th century enterprise, contributed to America's economic and political vitality.

New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park was created in 1996. The park encompasses 34 acres spread over 13 city blocks and includes a visitor center, the New Bedford Whaling Museum,the Seamen's Bethel, the schooner Ernestina, and the Rotch-Jones-Duff House and Garden Museum.

The park's enabling legislation also established a legislative connection with the Inupiat Heritage Center in Barrow, Alaska, to commemorate the more than 2,000 whaling voyages from New Bedford to the Western Arctic.

33 William Street
New Bedford, MA 02740
508-996-4095 - Visitor Information
508-996-4469 - Headquarters

By Plane
New Bedford Regional Airport - (508) 991-6160

By Car
From Boston
* Route 93 South {13 miles}. Hwy. forks in Braintree; stay right. Sign reads: "93 South, Dedham-Providence." {3 miles}.
* Exit 4: Route 24 South. This is a left lane exit {24 miles}.
* Exit 12: Route 140 South {19 miles}.
* Exit 2E: Interstate 195 East. {1.3 miles}.
* Exit 15: Downtown - Route 18 South {1.1 miles}.
* TURN RIGHT at lights onto Elm Street. Public parking garage two blocks on right.

From Cape Cod
* Route 6 West
* Route 25
* Route I-195 West
* Exit 15: Downtown - Route 18 South
* TURN RIGHT at lights onto Elm Street. Public parking garage two blocks on right.

From Providence
* Route I-95
* Route I-195 East
* Exit 15: Downtown - Route 18 South
* TURN RIGHT at lights onto Elm Street. Public parking garage two blocks on right.

By Plane
Bus service is available from Boston and Providence via American Eagle Motor Coach. Local bus service is provided by the Southeast Regional Transportation Authority (SRTA).

Phone Numbers:
American Eagle (508) 993-5040
SERTA - (508) 999-5211

Getting Around
The best way to see the park is by foot.

The summers are mild while the winters can be cold with wind, ice, and snow. Normal temperature in January is 30.6 F and in July 73.5 F. Please wear comfortable walking shoes, and dress according to the weather.

Here are some of the activities that are offered at Mount Rainier National Park.

• Educational Programs

Recommended Activities
Plan to spend a full day at New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park. Start your visit at the National Park Service visitor center where a park ranger or volunteer can help you plan your day. There are several self-guided walking maps available. The National Park Service Map and Guide for New Bedford Whaling NHP can be downloaded from this website using Adobe Acrobat Reader. Be sure to visit the New Bedford Whaling Museum, the Seamen's Bethel, the Rotch-Jones-Duff House and Garden Museum, the Wharfinger Fish Auction Building (Waterfront Visitor Center) and see a working waterfront, the Schooner Ernestina (if it is not at sea), and other attractions in the area.

National Park Service Walking Tours
Daily walking tours of historic New Bedford are offered during the summer months. During other times of the year walking tours may be available on weekends. Check at the Visitor Center for times of these tours. The park also operates a bookstore located in the Visitor Center. Eastern National, a non-profit cooperating association that returns an annual profit directly to the park, is responsible for book sales in the park.