New ‘Whale Trail’ traces mammal’s influence on Massachusetts

BOSTON – Done Boston’s Freedom Trail? Now you can tackle a new adventure: the Massachusetts Whale Trail.

The state Office of Travel and Tourism says a map debuting Monday will include locations along the coastline and inland with noteworthy connections to the majestic marine mammals.

Officials say whale-related points of interest stretch from Provincetown on the tip of Cape Cod to Pittsfield in the Berkshires of western Massachusetts. They’ll include nearly 40 museums, historic sites, education centres and other attractions that help tell the story of Massachusetts through its connection to whales.

Coastal sites such as the former whaling centre of New Bedford are well-known. But the Whale Trail also will highlight inland locales mentioned in Herman Melville’s classic, “Moby-Dick.”

Organizers say whale watches and other attractions draw 800,000 visitors a year.