Boston launches its « Massachusetts Whale Trail »

The Massachusetts Whale Trail is a new tourist attraction linking the various museums and heritage sites of this New England state to its maritime history. This is the first collaboration between several tourist destinations in Massachusetts, from Provincetown to Pittsfield.

Telling the history of the area and its connection to whales, the Massachusetts Whale Trail includes nearly 40 stops along the coast as well as a literary extension linking sites in the Berkshires, west of Massachusetts.

The Massachussets Whale Trail connects nearly 40 different regions as well as sites and experiences related to this marine mammal. There are currently 11 whale breeds off the coast of Massachussets.

Massachussets Whale Trail partner sites include historic monuments such as Old Whaling Church in New Bedford, whale-watching tours from Provincetown to Newburyport, museums such as the Nantucket Historical Association Whaling Museum, and educational activities such as the SEACE Marine Discovery Center in Provincetown. Beyond the coast, west of Massachusetts, sites along the Melville Trail are highlighted for their connection with Herman Melville’s famous novel: Moby Dick.

Regional partners include Massachusetts Regional Tourism Boards, as well as local tourism offices for cities from New Bedford to Salem.

In addition to traditional attractions, visitors are encouraged to learn about the influence of whales on art and gastronomy, through visits to galleries such as the Focus Gallery in Chatham and breweries such as the Moby Dick Brewing Company in New Bedford.

« The Massachusetts Whale Trail is a fun and engaging way to showcase our relationship with these beautiful ocean giants, » said Tina Malott, director of marketing and public relations for the New Bedford Whaling Museum. The past, present and future of our region are intimately linked to the sea and whales. That is why the New Bedford Whaling Museum is dedicated to explaining the interaction between humans and whales throughout history and to presenting the world of whales today.