The best camping near New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park

This city was once the whaling capital of the world in the early and mid-1800s. This 34-acre site includes four museums, 13 city blocks and a varied cast of characters.

The museums delve into New Bedford's rich whaling history. Although it's a relic of the past, whaling was a vast industry here. Imagine tall ships coming into port laden with blubber and whale meat. Whale oil was used to light lamps. Other portions became perfume. Of course, those practices are unheard of today.

Inside the New Bedford Whaling Museum sits the largest model ship in existence. It's half-scale, but it still looks pretty big. The Lagoda is 89 feet long and it dominates the main gallery of the museum. The ship looks ready to sail.

Abolitionist Frederick Douglass found his voice here after he became a free man. Paul Cuffe was a darn good sea captain. In his heyday, he was probably the wealthiest African-American in the country.

Start at the visitor's center to pick up a map for your tour. A 20-minute video orients you to the area. Then, it's time to hit the cobblestone streets to take in some history.