Fall River MassachusettsATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Fall River, Massachusetts.
1. Lizzie Borden House
INFAMOUS MURDER MYSTERY SITE
The Lizzie Borden House is a historical bed and breakfast providing insight into a notorious murder mystery that occurred in 1892. Visitors can take tours of the antique-filled rooms or even opt for overnight stays with an optional ghost hunt. The experience is complemented by a hearty breakfast and the chance to learn about one of America's most famous unsolved crimes.
2. Battleship Cove
WORLD WAR II NAVAL MUSEUM
Battleship Cove is home to the world's largest collection of World War II naval vessels, including the USS Massachusetts. Visitors can take interior tours of gun turrets and engine rooms while exploring the extensive battleship displays. The museum offers an immersive historical experience with dedicated World War II exhibits that bring maritime history to life.
3. Oak Grove Cemetery
HISTORIC BORDEN FAMILY RESTING PLACE
Oak Grove Cemetery serves as the final resting place for the Borden family, made famous by the unsolved double murder in 1892. The cemetery features Victorian-era funerary art and architecture that reflects the city's rich history. Visitors often come to see Lizzie Borden's grave and reflect on the mysterious case that continues to captivate the public's imagination.
4. Fall River Historical Society
CITY'S CULTURAL HERITAGE REPOSITORY
The Fall River Historical Society preserves and showcases the rich cultural heritage of this historic textile mill city. Housed in a beautiful Victorian mansion, the museum features exhibits on local history, including an extensive collection related to the Lizzie Borden case. Visitors can explore period rooms filled with antiques and artifacts that tell the story of Fall River's industrial past and social history.
5. Heritage State Park
WATERFRONT HISTORICAL PARK
Fall River Heritage State Park offers beautiful views of the Taunton River and the impressive collection of naval vessels at Battleship Cove. The park features walking paths, green spaces, and interpretive displays that tell the story of Fall River's maritime and industrial history. Visitors can enjoy the waterfront setting while learning about the city's development as a major textile manufacturing center in the 19th century.
6. Maplecroft
LIZZIE BORDEN'S LATER RESIDENCE
Maplecroft is the elegant mansion where Lizzie Borden lived for over 30 years after her acquittal in the infamous murder trial. The Victorian home represents Borden's attempt to establish a respectable life in Fall River society following the scandal. Tours of this historic property offer insight into Lizzie's later life and the continued intrigue surrounding one of America's most notorious figures.
7. Lafayette-Durfee House
REVOLUTIONARY WAR ERA HOME
The Lafayette-Durfee House is a restored colonial home dating back to the Revolutionary War period. The historic house museum offers visitors a glimpse into 18th-century New England life with period furnishings and artifacts. Named for the Durfee family who owned it and General Lafayette who allegedly visited, the house serves as an educational resource about early American history in the region.
8. Children's Museum of Greater Fall River
INTERACTIVE LEARNING FOR KIDS
The Children's Museum of Greater Fall River provides interactive exhibits and hands-on learning experiences designed specifically for young visitors. The museum focuses on making education fun through play-based activities covering science, arts, culture, and history. Families can spend hours exploring the various themed areas that stimulate curiosity and creativity in children of all ages.
9. Children's Aquarium and Exploration Center
MARINE LIFE DISCOVERY CENTER
The Children's Aquarium and Exploration Center of Greater Fall River offers an educational journey through marine ecosystems and aquatic life. Interactive exhibits allow children to touch certain sea creatures and learn about ocean conservation. The center combines entertainment with environmental education to inspire young minds about the importance of protecting our water resources.
10. Borden Flats Lighthouse
HISTORIC MARITIME BEACON
Borden Flats Lighthouse is a historic cast-iron lighthouse standing in Mount Hope Bay at the mouth of the Taunton River. Built in 1881, this distinctive red and white structure continues to serve as an active navigational aid while also being available for tours and overnight stays. The lighthouse offers spectacular views of the surrounding waters and Fall River's waterfront, providing visitors with a unique maritime experience.
11. Fall River City Hall
UNIQUE INTERSTATE HIGHWAY LOCATION
Fall River City Hall is the only city hall in the United States located over an interstate highway, positioned directly above Interstate 195. The grand Beaux-Arts style building, constructed in 1886, features impressive architectural details including a magnificent clock tower. Visitors can admire both the unique setting and the historic interior that reflects the city's prosperous industrial past.
12. Newport Mansions
GILDED AGE ARCHITECTURAL MARVELS
The Newport Mansions are a collection of opulent historic homes that showcase the extravagant wealth of America's Gilded Age. Located just a short drive from Fall River, these palatial summer cottages were built by the nation's richest families including the Vanderbilts and Astors. Visitors can tour multiple properties featuring breathtaking architecture, lavish interiors, and meticulously maintained gardens overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
13. New Bedford Whaling Museum
MARITIME WHALING HISTORY
The New Bedford Whaling Museum houses the world's largest collection of whaling artifacts and exhibits chronicling America's historic whaling industry. Located in nearby New Bedford, the museum features impressive whale skeletons, scrimshaw art, and a half-scale model of a whaling ship. Visitors can learn about the maritime heritage that made New Bedford the whaling capital of the world in the 19th century.
14. Horseneck Beach State Reservation
SCENIC COASTAL RECREATION AREA
Horseneck Beach State Reservation offers two miles of beautiful sandy shoreline along Buzzards Bay, just a short drive from Fall River. The popular summer destination features swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and windsurfing opportunities in a picturesque natural setting. Nature lovers can also explore the adjacent salt marshes and tidal flats that serve as important habitats for diverse wildlife and migratory birds.
15. Narrows Center for the Arts
MUSIC AND VISUAL ARTS
The Narrows Center for the Arts is a vibrant cultural venue housed in a renovated textile mill overlooking Mount Hope Bay. The center hosts live music performances featuring renowned artists across various genres from folk and blues to rock and jazz. Visitors can also enjoy rotating art exhibitions in the gallery space that showcases work by local and regional visual artists.