Gloucester Fisherman’s Memorial

Also known as “The Man at the Wheel”, the Fishermen’s Memorial is a symbol of nautical Gloucester, and one of its most famous sights. Poised overlooking the Western Harbor, next to Pavilion Beach, the landmark is close enough to downtown that it’s easy to stop by if exploring the area. It’s also accompanied by bronze plaques that pay tribute to all the local fishermen who have lost their lives in this perilous line of work.

Gloucester’s Fisherman’s Memorial is located on the Gloucester HarborWalk, a historic trail that comprises 42 of the seaside city’s most notable landmarks. It’s worth setting aside a day to continue your sightseeing with a stroll along the trail. To learn more about the stories behind the sights, download the free HarborWalk app.

• The Gloucester Fisherman’s Memorial is free to see and you do not need to book tickets.

• As this is a place of remembrance, be respectful of other visitors, and mindful when you take photos.

• The bronze statue is located outdoors without any covering, so dress appropriately for the day’s forecast.

The Gloucester Fishermen’s Memorial is located on Western Avenue in Gloucester, just west of Pavilion Beach. It’s less than 15 minutes on foot from Gloucester train station, the city’s main transit hub. Local buses, taxis, and rideshare services also serve the area.

The Gloucester Fishermen’s Memorial can be visited 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. However, the best time to visit is during a clear, dry day, so you can linger at the monument, read the plaques, and admire views over the water. Note that it is sometimes particularly crowded on weekends and during the summer months.

As a companion to the Fishermen’s Memorial, the Gloucester Fishermen’s Wives Memorial pays tribute to the families who suffered when sailing ships were lost at sea. Depicting a woman holding a baby and accompanied by a young child looking out at the water, the bronze statue is another site of moving remembrance, which is just a 5-minute walk away.