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.

 Directions 

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

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.

Public Transportation - Bus service is available from Boston and Providence via American Eagle Motor Coach and Peter Pan Trailways. Local bus service