This day trip took us to New Bedford to visit the New Bedford Whaling Museum. It is the world’s premier institution exploring the history, art, and science of the global whaling industry. It features five full-size whale skeletons including a blue whale, and a half-scale model of the whaling ship Lagoda, along with over 750,000 items pertaining to the whaling industry. It is located in the heart of the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, which commemorates the heritage of the world’s pre-eminent whaling port during the nineteenth century.

Address: 18 Johnny Cake Hill, New Bedford. Open: Mon–Sun, 9am–5pm. Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Years Day. Tickets are available online and on site. Advance purchase is not required. Museum only: Adult $24; Senior (65+) $22; Youth $14. Metered street parking is available throughout downtown. The Elm Street Garage is located at 51 Elm St., two blocks from the museum. For more information: www.whalingmuseum.org