Trips Places Foods Stories Newsletters
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...

No search results found for
“”

Make sure words are spelled correctly.

Try searching for a travel destination.

Places near me Random place

Popular Destinations

  • Paris
  • London
  • New York
  • Berlin
  • Rome
  • Los Angeles
Trips Places Foods Stories Newsletters
Sign In Join
All the United States Massachusetts New Bedford

The Atlas Obscura Guide To New Bedford

7 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in New Bedford, Massachusetts

Updated July 14, 2025
Email
Attractions
Map
Leaderboards
Stories
Hotel Deals

Unusual Attractions in New Bedford

Fetal whale skeleton

New Bedford, Massachusetts

The Oozing Whale Skeleton of New Bedford

For 20 years, this whale skeleton has been slowly dripping oil on the floor of the museum where it hangs.
Fort Taber, granite fort (usually closed, but during reenactments, open to the public).

New Bedford, Massachusetts

Fort Taber Park

Historic seaside park featuring explorable, abandoned military structures.
‘Seaflower’ in 2019.

New Bedford, Massachusetts

'Seaflower'

The sea urchin sculpture is an unusual commemoration of a New England town's seafaring history.
Places

Discover your next amazing Atlas Place.

Get more unusual and extraordinary places each week with the Atlas Obscura Places newsletter.

Your newsletter subscriptions with us are subject to Atlas Obscura's Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

New Bedford Fire Museum

New Bedford, Massachusetts

New Bedford Fire Museum

This museum dedicated to local history is housed in the state's oldest surviving fire station.
Seaman’s Bethel

New Bedford, Massachusetts

Seamen's Bethel

Built to bless whalers before their voyages, this Massachusetts church now features a ship-shaped pulpit.

New Bedford, Massachusetts

The Lagoda

The New Bedford Whaling Museum in Massachusetts displays what it calls the world's largest ship model.

New Bedford, Massachusetts

Schooner Ernestina-Morrissey

This historic vessel on display in Massachusetts made a dozen scientific expeditions into the Arctic.
Are we missing something unusual?
Add it!
In partnership with KAYAK

Plan Your Trip

In partnership with GetYourGuide

Unforgettable Experiences Nearby

Explore New Bedford, Massachusetts

Ships 2
Museums 2
Whales 2
Massachusetts 2
Animals 1
Sculptures 1
Literature 1
Sacred Spaces 1
19th Century 1
Whale Bones 1
Fishing 1
Public Art 1
Sailors 1
Landmarks 1
Churches 1
Statues 1
Art 1

New Bedford Leaderboard

Places Added

  1. IJVin
    2
  2. inksplatter
    1
  3. thefool
    1
  4. crystallubinsky
    1
Join the Ranks!
Add an unusual place to New Bedford.

Places Edited

  1. ickaimp
    2
  2. Ragnar of Ballard
    2
  3. thefool
    1
  4. bradshawbob19
    1
  5. IJVin
    1
Join the Ranks!
Improve the Atlas with edits and photos.

Places Visited

  1. bradshawbob19
    7
  2. leslannette62
    7
  3. nikisb
    6
  4. IJVin
    5
  5. Julia77
    5
Join the Ranks!
Visit a place in New Bedford.

Recent New Bedford Activity

  • rebekazoe

    has been to 'Seaflower'

  • rebekazoe

    wants to go to 'Seaflower'

  • glitch159

    wants to go to Schooner Ernestina-Morrissey

  • peterbaldwin87

    has been to The Oozing Whale Skeleton of New Bedford

  • aubriemurphy315

    wants to go to The Oozing Whale Skeleton of New Bedford

Stories About New Bedford

Podcast: New Bedford Whaling Museum

For 20 years, a whale skeleton has been slowly dripping oil on the floor of the Massachusetts museum where it hangs.
by The Podcast Team
December 13, 2023
Aerial image of Vietnam, displaying the picturesque rice terraces, characterized by their layered, verdant fields.
Atlas Obscura Membership

Become an Atlas Obscura Member


Join our community of curious explorers.

Become a Member

Get Our Email Newsletter

Follow Us

Facebook YouTube TikTok Instagram Pinterest RSS Feed

Get the app

Download the App
Download on the Apple App Store Get it on Google Play
  • All Places
  • Latest Places
  • Most Popular
  • Places to Eat
  • Random
  • Nearby
  • Add a Place
  • Stories
  • Food & Drink
  • Itineraries
  • Lists
  • Video
  • Podcast
  • Newsletters
  • All Trips
  • Wildlife & Nature
  • FAQ
  • Membership
  • Feedback & Ideas
  • Community Guidelines
  • Product Blog
  • Unique Gifts
  • Work With Us
  • About
  • FAQ
  • Advertise With Us
  • Advertising Guidelines
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Terms of Use
Atlas Obscura

© 2025 Atlas Obscura. All Rights Reserved.