The Nantucket Whaling Museum is one of the most iconic museums in New England. You can visit it year-round to learn about the history of this small island town. The museum offers a variety of guided tours, special events, and unique programs for children and adults alike.
To help you get the most out of your trip to the Nantucket Whaling Museum, we've compiled a list of the crucial things you should consider doing.
Timely Online Ticket Purchase
Buy your tickets in advance. Be sure to check out all that's available before arriving on the island. The Nantucket Whaling Museum offers several ticket packages, including discounts for families and seniors.
Single exhibit packages include one or two exhibits, depending on which package is selected. Memberships allow full access throughout the entire year at no additional cost. General admission tickets give access to only one exhibit. The family package admission grants entry into all exhibits plus extra perks like behind-the-scenes tours or discounted whale watch tickets.
If you're a student or teacher, you can get free admission by bringing proof. If you are with family, consider purchasing the Family Fun 4-Pack. One ticket gets four people into the island's attractions, including the whaling museum.
Know the Free/Discounted Days
There are two types of days at the Nantucket Whaling Museum: free and discounted. Each month has a different set of free and discounted days, which change yearly. The museum's website updates this information every spring, so you can plan your visit accordingly.
Discounted rates are only available for self-guided tours. The discounts vary from $1 to $5 per person depending on the package purchased, with prices starting at $20 for a family of four. However, if you purchase your tickets online in advance, you can save up to 50%, which is a great way to save money when traveling with children.
Book Accommodation On Time
If you're planning a trip to Nantucket, book your accommodations as soon as possible. This is because the best deals tend to go quickly.
Booking ahead of time can help you save money in two ways: by obtaining discounts and avoiding last-minute hotel rates that are higher than those available during peak season months.
You'll also want to consider what type of lodging suits your needs best. Do you want a luxury resort? A small bed-and-breakfast? A family-run inn? Deciding your priorities beforehand makes it easier to find exactly what you're looking for.
Among the best accommodation options are
Nantucket rentals. They are available all over the island and are suitable for everyone. Whether traveling alone or with family, you are guaranteed to find an excellent package for you. This affordable accommodation option provides first-rate amenities that will make your stay cozy and unforgettable.
Opt for Guided Tours and Programs
Guided tours are great opportunities to learn more about the museum and its collections. The docents are passionate experts on Nantucket's whaling history and enjoy sharing their knowledge with visitors.
And if you're interested in volunteering at the museum, guided tours are an ideal way to get to know the facility better so you can find out if you'd be a good fit for one of its many volunteer programs.
Feel Free to Ask Questions
The Nantucket Whaling Museum is a treasure trove of information. However, you may find yourself in need of further explanation on specific topics or issues that you encounter while there. If this happens, don't hesitate to ask. The staff at the museum is accommodating and friendly, and they will be happy to answer any questions you have. They also have an online database filled with facts about whaling history and culture that anyone with internet access can find.
Other visitors can also be an excellent source for answers. If someone nearby asks a question that sounds like something you'd like answered, politely ask them if they wouldn't mind repeating what they just said so that it's clear to everyone around them and to themselves.
If none of these options work out for whatever reason, your guide would be willing to share their vast knowledge of whaling history.
Avoid Your Phone and Other Distractions
Leave your phone and other devices in your bag or locker while you're inside the museum. The last thing you want is to have someone else's phone go off while trying to listen to a presentation.
If you need help focusing on what's happening before you, try putting together a scavenger hunt list with things you want to see and do during your visit. For example, if one of the exhibits has an old harpoon gun that looks like it could still be used today, write "
Harpoon gun" on your list as something that would be cool for pictures with friends later on. This will help keep you focused on what needs to be done rather than getting distracted by everything else.
Get Yourself Something at the Gift Store
The gift store at the museum is a great place to shop for unique Nantucket Whaling Museum souvenirs and gifts. There are many items to choose from, including t-shirts and hats, jewelry, whale-related items, books, and more. The gift shop is on the museum's first floor, next to where you check in and near other services like restrooms and lockers.
The gift shop is open during museum hours. There are also additional hours on the weekends. The Nantucket Whaling Museum gift store accepts cash, credit cards, and traveler's checks.
Conclusion
The Whaling Museum is a great place to start if you're planning a trip to Nantucket. The exhibits are very well organized and cover an impressive amount of ground in just one visit. You'll learn about how whaling was done hundreds of years ago and how Nantucket's economy has changed over time.
We hope this article helps you get more out of your next trip to the Nantucket Whaling Museum.
