Uniquely situated on the Massachusetts and Rhode Island border, surrounded by rivers, bays, and ponds, Fall River is a coastal town an hour south of Boston. The tenth largest city in Massachusetts, Fall River is known for its textile history, historical sites, beautiful shorelines, and Portuguese heritage. As a small, laid-back urban area, Fall River is full of sites and nature to explore, family-friendly activities, and delectable eateries.
While it’s not known as a popular tourist destination, there is plenty for visitors to do and see. Further, in addition to its close proximity to Boston, it’s only 30 minutes to Providence, RI, and nearby other coastal towns like Newport, New Bedford, and Martha’s Vineyard.
5 Things to Do in Fall River, Massachusetts
The Lizzie Borden House
For true crime and history fanatics alike, The Lizzie Borden House is a must-visit when in Fall River, Massachusetts. The historic bed and breakfast attracts many tourists who are itching to learn about the infamous, unsolved double murder that took place in the house over 100 years ago. Take a tour to learn about its history and hauntings, go ghost hunting on a guided tour, or, if you’re brave enough, stay in the room where it all went down, preserved to look as it did way back then. The Lizzie Borden House also hosts events throughout the year, such as story times, reenactments, and more.
The Fall River Historical Society
As a town rich in history and culture, when visiting Fall River, it only makes sense to delve into its past at The Fall River Historical Society. This museum has preserved much of the unique city’s history for locals and visitors alike to learn about. Alongside a diverse set of collections, from art and photographs to furniture, maritime, and local history, is The Lizzie Borden Collection, showcasing documents and artifacts from her life and trial. As one of the most famous unsolved murders, this is a must-visit for true crime fans and those in town to see the Lizzie Borden House. With nearly a dozen collections of source material as well as photos, textiles, and the alleged murder weapon, maybe you could be the one to finally solve the double murder.
Battleship Cove
Settled in 1670 and incorporated in 1803, history runs deep in Fall River, Massachusetts. Aside from its infamous local crimes and rich textile history, the coastal town is home to Battleship Cove: the largest collection of historic naval ships in the world. This collection includes the USS Massachusetts, USS Joseph P. Kennedy Jr., USS Lionfish, PT-617, and PT-796, as well as aircrafts, memorials, exhibits, and the maritime museum. Whether alone or with family or friends, you can easily spend a full day exploring Battleship Cove.
Portugalia Marketplace
An absolute must-visit and one-of-a-kind spot in Fall River is the Portugalia Marketplace. Fall River is known for its rich Portuguese history and heritage, and 30 years ago, a local family opened up a 20,000-square-foot market featuring thousands of cultural items, from food and beverages to art, clothing, and home goods. In fact, it is the leading provider of Portuguese specialty items in the whole country. Peruse the aisles and get a taste of Portuguese lifestyle and cuisine; get inspired and gather ingredients for your own Portuguese meal.
Explore Nature in Fall River, Massachusetts
Fall River is full of natural beauty, from its various coastlines to its luscious greenery. Between historic and true crime exploration, take a break for some fresh air in one of the many local parks. Explore the Quequechan River Rail Trail, an old railbed, and pass through various parks and outdoor spaces. To really take a break from the bustle of real life, head to Copicut Woods, which is full of hiking trails and a great place to spot local wildlife. Other local parks and outdoor spaces in Fall River include Fall River Heritage State Park (at Battleship Cove), Kennedy Park, Oak Grove Cemetery, and North Park.
