New Bedford Fire Museum
Step back in time at the New Bedford Fire Museum, housed in an 1867 fire station. Explore antique trucks & gear!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Museum is open & air-conditioned
New Bedford Fire Museum
Best Time
Museum is open & air-conditioned
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time at the New Bedford Fire Museum, housed in an 1867 fire station. Explore antique trucks & gear!
"An absolute gem in the city - the kids love the kids size fire pipe and the adults loved the history!"
🎯 Summer Hours are Key
Open Mon-Sat, 1-4 PM during summer. Check dates as it closes after Labor Day!
💰 Budget-Friendly Fun
Kids $1 (7+), under 6 free. Great value for families!
Quick Facts
Rating
4.7 · 27 reviews
Type
Museum
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Antique Fire Trucks
Main Exhibit Hall
Climb aboard and imagine driving historic fire engines from the 1800s to the 1970s. Ring the bells and sound the sirens!
Firefighter Gear Dress-Up
Interactive Zone
Don authentic firefighter uniforms, hats, and boots. A hit with kids and adults alike for a fun photo opportunity.
Historic Fire Station Architecture
Old Station No. 4
Explore one of Massachusetts' oldest fire stations, built in 1867. Admire the architecture and the history within its walls.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Summer Fun & Seasonal Hours
Affordable Family Adventure
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Summer Hours are Key
Open Mon-Sat, 1-4 PM during summer. Check dates as it closes after Labor Day!
💰 Budget-Friendly Fun
Kids $1 (7+), under 6 free. Great value for families!
📸 Dress-Up for Photos
Try on uniforms & hats for fun pics! Kids love the gear.
🚒 Hands-On Truck Experience
Sit in antique trucks, ring bells, and honk horns. Kids adore this!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Summer Hours are Key
Open Mon-Sat, 1-4 PM during summer. Check dates as it closes after Labor Day!
💰 Budget-Friendly Fun
Kids $1 (7+), under 6 free. Great value for families!
📸 Dress-Up for Photos
Try on uniforms & hats for fun pics! Kids love the gear.
🚒 Hands-On Truck Experience
Sit in antique trucks, ring bells, and honk horns. Kids adore this!
❄️ Winter Visits by Appt.
Need to book ahead for winter tours. Call to arrange.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the New Bedford Fire Museum as a delightful and affordable gem, especially for families. The hands-on exhibits, antique fire trucks, and friendly retired firefighter volunteers create an engaging and memorable experience. While primarily a summer attraction, its historical significance and interactive nature make it a standout destination.
"What an amazing place. Everyone was super friendly and encouraged my son to climb up on the trucks and ring the bells and showed him how to use the sirens. There were uniforms, hats, and other types of gear to try on, a kid friendly fire pole, and a bunch toys to play with."
Raelyn & Roy Cloutier-Howe
"This place was awesome, a great place for any firefighter or fire buff who loves fire service history. Also very hands on for kids to make it a great trip for a family as well. A great staff on hand will be glad to help you out, had 7 retired rigs dating from 1800's-1970's. I highly suggest this if your plan on visiting New Bedford or are just driving through. Admission was $3.00.
Hours of Operation:
Mon-Saturday 9am-4pm until Labor Day.
Winter is by appointment only."
Jon Tenca
"An absolute gem in the city- the kids love the kids size fire pipe they can slide down and the fire gear they can put on (which I remember loving when I was a kid too) and the adults loved the history, the cool architecture of the old fire house, and the remarkable dedication of NBFD seen there. 100% recommend."
Riley Mandell
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The New Bedford Fire Museum is located at 508 Hathaway Road, New Bedford, MA. It's easily accessible by car, and parking is generally available nearby. Public transportation options may be limited, so driving is often the most convenient method for visitors.
Yes, parking is typically available near the museum. Visitors often find street parking or designated spots close to the historic fire station.
If you're driving into New Bedford, navigating to the museum is straightforward. For those relying on public transport, check local bus routes, though direct service to the museum might require a short walk.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is very affordable! It's typically $1 for kids aged 7 and up, and free for children under 6. Adults usually pay a small fee, around $3.00.
During the summer season (typically through Labor Day), the museum is open Monday through Saturday from 1 PM to 4 PM. Outside of this period, visits are by appointment only.
For summer visits, advance booking is usually not required. However, if you plan to visit during the off-season (winter), you must book your visit by appointment.
Absolutely! The museum is designed to be engaging for all ages, with interactive exhibits for children and historical displays for adults.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Kids can climb on antique fire trucks, ring bells, try on firefighter gear, and slide down a kid-friendly fire pole. There are also toys and interactive opportunities.
Yes, the museum is packed with historical artifacts, photos, and retired fire engines dating from the 1800s to the 1970s. You can learn about the history of firefighting in New Bedford.
Yes, visitors, especially children, are encouraged to try on authentic firefighter hats, boots, and coats. It's a popular activity for memorable photos.
The museum is housed in Old Station No. 4, one of Massachusetts' oldest fire stations, built in 1867. The architecture of the historic firehouse is a highlight for many visitors.
The museum is very family-friendly, offering hands-on experiences like sitting in fire trucks and dressing up. The addition of air conditioning also enhances comfort for family visits.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the New Bedford Fire Museum. It's a great place to capture fun moments, especially with kids trying on gear or sitting in the antique trucks.
The antique fire trucks, the dress-up station with uniforms, and the historic fire station interior offer excellent photo opportunities. Don't forget to capture the kids' excitement! 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit