Harborwalk is a two-mile trail that encircles the city’s historic waterfront and offers views of the islands, wharfs, and boats. The trail starts at the National Park Service Visitor Center on State Street, which is close to the Old State House. The trail makes its way to the Boston Tea Party Ship and Museum. There are also other interesting historic buildings and sights that remind you of maritime Boston.[1]
Boston Children’s Museum The Boston Children’s Museum located across the Fort Point Channel on Museum Wharf is known as “the country’s best museum for kids.” Children are guaranteed to be entertained by the exhibits, displays, and special events that take place regularly. Toddlers are particularly fond of the slide down platforms at Plays-pace, while older kids enjoy the futuristic sculpture where they can climb from platform to platform like monkeys. Teens like the Clubhouse where they can test out the latest dance steps. Other museum features include a two-story Japanese house, an Indian wigwam, a country street, and a TV studio with monitors and other equipment.[2]
New England Aquarium The New England Aquarium is located off Atlantic Avenue at Central Wharf. This four-story ocean coral reef glass tank is full of sea creatures, including sharks, and turtles and some 600 other species. There are sea lion and dolphin shows everyday on the Discovery. The exhibit known as “Wired for Sound” demonstrates how noisy the ocean can be. You can hop onto whale-watching cruises from the wharf and head to Stellwagen Bank, a prime location for viewing East Coast’s whale habitats.[3]
Computer Museum The Computer Museum, located at Museum Wharf, boasts interactive computer displays and state-of-the-art technology. You can write music, play games, or create art. There is also a computer that can carry on a “conversation”.[4]
Boston Tea Party Ship and Museum The Boston Tea Party Ship and Museum near South Station at Congress Street Bridge is one of the highlights of the Harborwalk. The museum features guides in period costumes relating the history of the Boston Tea Party, an event that took place in 1773. Also featured is a full-scale replica of the British brigantine Beaver as well as artifacts such as a tea chest that actually tossed into the water that night.[5]
References: Bond, Richard. The Insider’s Guide to New England. Edison: Hunter Publishing, Inc., 1992. ISBN: 1556504551.
[1] Bond, 39 [2] Id. [3] Id. [4] Id. at 39-40 [5] Id. at 40 |