New Bedford's central commercial waterfront pier, owned by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and managed for the state by MassDevelopment. It's primarily working port infrastructure serving Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard, and Cuttyhunk ferries, commercial fishing, and cargo. Today public access is limited to a pedestrian walkway alongside the road rather than open park space; redevelopment plans call for adding public park area but that hasn't been built yet.
What to expect
Accessibility
A pedestrian walkway crosses JFK Memorial Highway/MacArthur Drive to reach the pier area from downtown.
Managed by
MassDevelopment
unconfirmed · WebsiteCommon questions
Is State Pier a public park?
Not really, at least not yet. It's New Bedford's working commercial waterfront, home to ferries, fishing boats, and cargo operations, and public access is limited to a pedestrian walkway. Redevelopment proposals call for adding public park space and a welcome center on the pier's south side, but that hadn't been built.
Is there an entry fee at State Pier?
No, entry is free.
Is State Pier wheelchair accessible?
A pedestrian walkway crosses JFK Memorial Highway/MacArthur Drive to reach the pier area from downtown.
What rules should I know at State Pier?
This is an active commercial port with ferry, fishing, and cargo operations; general public access is limited to the pedestrian walkway, not the working pier surfaces.