Pete Marotta
Explore a storied former New Bedford nursery turned vibrant park and South Coast horticultural gem.
The late Allen C. Haskell, a lifelong New Bedford resident and famed horticulturist, assembled these six acres—the site of a traditional New England-style common, beautiful historic gardens, and one of the oldest homes in the city—over more than 30 years. Today, it’s a public park and unlikely botanical respite, blooming in the heart of New Bedford.
Stroll along meandering paths, explore the greenhouses and historic brick buildings, and linger by the beds planted with local favorites as well as exotic rarities. A medley of trees—Japanese maples, six varieties of boxwood, and several specimen trees—loom over artfully landscaped grounds.
FREE to all.
Hours – open sunrise to sunset
787 Shawmut Avenue
New Bedford, MA 02746
E-mail: infoACHaskell@thetrustees.org
Get directions on Google Maps.
From Rt. 24 South, take Exit 12 for Rt. 140 South toward New Bedford. Follow for 17 mi. At Exit 3 for Hathaway Rd., take the ramp right. Turn left on Hathaway Rd., then, after 0.4 mi., turn right onto Shawmut Ave. The park is on your right.
Plants are available for purchase only during spring and fall plant sales.
Please note that all buildings, greenhouses, and restrooms are closed to the public except during special events.
Currently Haskell Public Gardens does not allow weddings, elopements, ceremonies, or parties.
Free trail map distributed from bulletin board in the parking area. Please understand that supplies periodically run out.
We recommend that you take a photo of the map on your phone so you can refer to it during your visit, or download a trail map before you head out.
Discover the revitalized public gardens and historic houses at two special places on the North Shore – Long Hill, in Beverly, and Stevens-Coolidge House & Gardens, in North Andover.
Allen Clifton Haskell symbolized the best of New Bedford – grit, determination, ingenuity and an outward vision that once brought New Bedford whalers to every corner of the globe and later won international acclaim for Haskell as everyone from European royalty to local do-it-yourself gardeners made pilgrimages to his fabled Shawmut Avenue nursery described as “heaven on earth.”
