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The Atlas Obscura Guide To New Bedford

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

Updated November 18, 2019

Unusual Attractions in New Bedford

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.

New Bedford, Massachusetts

'Seaflower'

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

New Bedford, Massachusetts

New Bedford Fire Museum

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

New Bedford, Massachusetts

Seamen's Bethel

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

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Fairhaven, Massachusetts

Captain Joshua Slocum Monument

A monument to the first person to sail around the world solo, nowhere close to where he was born, set sail, or landed.

1 mile from New Bedford

Fairhaven, Massachusetts

Fairhaven High School

A castle on a hill once named "the most beautiful high school in Massachusetts."

1 mile from New Bedford

Fairhaven, Massachusetts

Millicent Library

Some big-name visitors have patronized this small-town library named for an oil man's daughter.

1 mile from New Bedford

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