Public | Art Through History Bike Tour | Where Art Tells History
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About the Activity
Pedal through the charming streets of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, where art and history meet at every turn. This guided art and sculpture bike tour brings local stories to life as we explore the city’s vibrant collection of public sculptures and historical landmarks. From the iconic waterfront statues at Prescott Park to hidden neighborhood gems at Little Harbor, each stop reveals how artists have captured the spirit and heritage of Portsmouth’s storied seaport. Along the way, we will share insights into the art, people, events, and creative forces that shaped our city—making this tour as enriching as it is scenic. Perfect for art lovers, history buffs, and curious explorers alike, this tour offers a unique way to experience the Seacoast’s past through its public art. Arrive 30 minutes prior to your start time. E-Bikes on our site.2 hours 15 minutes
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Availability and Prices
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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Travelers
Adult : 1
Inclusions & Exclusions
Expert Guide
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Tips and Gratuities
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Travel Itinerary
- Maximum 8 travellers in this tour.
Locations in the itinerary
1
New Hampshire State Historic Marker #194 - Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion
NH Rt. 1-A & Little Harbor Rd, Portsmouth, United States, 03801We'll travel down this beautiful country road with protected land on both sides of the street and stop at the Wentworth Coolidge Mansion. At this most beautiful historic landmark, we'll see the back channel and you'll hear stories of the royal governor Benning Wentworth, the Boston Braman Coolidge and Little Harbor`s history. 10 minutes • Admission Ticket FreeView Location2
Wentworth-Gardner House
50 Mechanic St, , Portsmouth, United States, 03801-4624Three generations of Wentworth's ruled the area until the revolution. One of the richest families in colonial New Hampshire. 5 minutes • Admission Ticket FreeView Location3
Portsmouth
Portsmouth, United StatesArthur Astor Carey (1857-1923) purchased forty acres of the original Benning Wentworth farm in 1887, soon enlarging his holdings to 119 acres in partnership with his brother. In 1887-8, on the portion of his land that bordered the tidal Sagamore Creek, Carey constructed the summer home that would become known as Creek Farm.
Carey chose the Boston architect Alexander Wadsworth Longfellow (1854-1934) to design his home. Longfellow was a Harvard acquaintance of Carey’s and of J. Templeman Coolidge III (1856-1945), who led a group of prominent Bostonians in establishing summer homes near Sagamore Creek. Arthur Astor Carey was an important figure in the summer colony that coalesced near Sagamore Creek during the 1880s. That colony evolved to include artists, sculptors, musicians, architects, and historians. Carey himself displayed a multitude of interests, ranging from archaeology and astronomy through art and music to sailing and fine horses.10 minutes • Admission Ticket FreeView Location4
Prescott Park
105 Marcy St, Next To Portsmouth Harbor, Portsmouth, United States, 03801-4616The Prescott sisters, Josie and Mary, are directly responsible for the creation of what is now known as Prescott Park. Josie and Mary were public school teachers and lived in Portsmouth all of their lives. When their older brother, Charles Prescott, died he left the two sisters a sizable inheritance. Josie and Mary loved their city and long desired to see the waterfront section along what is now Marcy Street beautified and made accessible to all. In the last will and testament of Josie Prescott a private trust fund of $500,000 was set up just for this purpose. This trust's sole purpose was to purchase land parcels along the Piscataqua River from lower State Street to Pickering and Gates Street and to make this land into a public park. In 1954 with much of the land purchase accomplished this private trust and associated land were turned over to the City of Portsmouth to be administered and maintained for perpetuity. The Prescott Trust Fund, now a city trust fund, is responsible.10 minutes • Admission Ticket FreeView Location5
Four Tree Island
Peirce Island Rd, Portsmouth, United States, 03801An abstract depiction of a female figure wearing a flowing dress crouching forward on her proper left leg. Her proper right leg is extended backward with her foot raised in the air. The female figure holds an infant to her front proper left side cradled in her proper left hand. The infant's cheek is pressed against the female figure's cheek. The female figure's proper right hand clutches her proper right breast. The sculpture is placed atop a rough granite boulder with two benches placed against it. Installed Nov. 1975
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free6
Portsmouth
Portsmouth, United StatesThe Liberty Pole
A symbol of citizen engagement in times of war and peace! The tall flag pole to the east of Puddle Dock and at the entrance to Prescott Park’s public gardens is so much a part of the landscape, it might get overlooked. On January 9, 1766, what we now know as the Liberty Pole was raised by the Sons of Liberty in protest of the Stamp Act. Nine years before the beginning of the American Revolution, the Liberty Pole was a rallying point for opposition to the Stamp Act. 8 minutes • Admission Ticket FreeView Location7
Endeavor" (rendering below) the sculpture selected for the Legacy project is intended to frame that educational component and accent the opportunity afforded by the existing benches and pathways to contemplate the riverfront setting. Just a short walk from downtown the sculpture garden is designed to attract Seacoast visitors and members of the community, providing the perfect location for quiet reflection, a family picnic or educational programs on the historic port’s maritime history.
The Mortal Sea," which details the long history of cod fishing on the Seacoast, the sculpture depicts a school of swimming codfish, each 24- to 48-inches long, crafted like a boat using laminated wood, marine epoxy and silver boat enamel. Suspended from the ceiling of the kiosk, about 10-feet off the ground, the fish move in the breeze.10 minutes • Admission Ticket FreeView Location
8
Major General Fitz John Porter Statue
Pleasant St, Haven Park, Portsmouth, United States, 03820The court-martial of Fitz John Porter (November 25, 1862 – January 22, 1863) was a major event of the American Civil War. Major General Fitz John Porter was found guilty of disobeying a lawful order and misconduct in front of the enemy, and was removed from command based on internal political machinations of the Union Army. The court-martial was later found to be unjust and overturned, and Porter was reinstated in the United States Army.
Once on his death bed, General Porter began working with sculptor James E. Kelly to create a monument that reflected how he viewed his legacy. The statue stands today, at Haven Park in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. It is graced by metal tablets at the base, which attempt to convey the error of Porter's court-martiaL.8 minutes • Admission Ticket FreeView LocationMeeting and Pickup
Starting point
1
Meet at the John Paul Jones House Historic House GardenView Location
End point
1
Meet at the John Paul Jones House Historic House GardenView Location
Pickup details
Customers must make their own way to and meet at the start point- Travelers CANNOT choose a custom pickup or meeting location.
Additional Information
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Language And Guide
Tour Guide Available In
- English
Ticket Details
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- One per booking
Ticket Redemption
No redemption point. This is a direct entry ticketCancellation & Refunds
Cancellable up to 24 hours before the travel date (local supplier time) for a full refund. A 100% cancellation penalty applies for cancellations submitted less than 24 hours before the start time.- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Suplier may cancel the activity on account of bad weather conditions.
- Suplier may cancel the activity due to too few participants.
- Cancel at least 1 day before activity starts in America/New_York time to receive 100% refund.
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No reviews found!Operated by PortCity Bike ToursCreated on 25 Aug 2019Created on 28 May 2025
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