Looking for an unexpected way to have fun and learn something this weekend? You should take a trip to this incredible museum right on the water.

The New Bedford Whaling Museum focuses on teaching guests about the whaling history of Massachusetts in ways that are fun and fascinating for all ages. Even if you don’t think you’re particularly interested in life on the sea, this museum will change your mind.

If you’re even a little bit interested in whales or seafaring, the New Bedford Whaling Museum will blow you away.
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This museum is huge – it occupies an entire city block and is packed with everything from explorable ships to actual whales.
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The museum has a four whale skeletons on display. The largest is suspended from the ceiling and has a rather bizarre habit.
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Incredibly, this skeleton has been dripping oil for almost 20 years!
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KOBO (King of the Blue Ocean) is one of only four blue whales on display in the world.
The 66-foot-long whale’s bones are so rich with natural oils that guests are warned to watch for drips.
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KOBO’s size means that he’ll likely be dripping for many more years.
You can also check out the skeletons of a giant humpback whale named Quasimodo, a fetal right whale and its mother.
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Kids and adults can climb aboard an indoor half-scale model of a 1916 whaling ship. It’s the largest model in the world!
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The displays here include everything from handwritten journals of whalers...
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...to amazing knots...
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...to fascinating scrimshaw and even forks used for cannibalism!
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Kids can have a great time playing with the interactive displays.
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The museum also has plenty of items relating to more recent sea exploration.
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Plus, the view from here is pretty incredible.
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The New Bedford Whaling Museum is an unexpectedly fun way to learn about Massachusetts history.
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You can find the New Bedford Whaling Museum at 18 Johnny Cake Hill, New Bedford, Mass. Click here to check out their website for current opening times and events.

For more amazing musems in Massachusetts, take a look at our list of the best here.

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