Fall River, Massachusetts, is a city rich in history, culture, and architectural beauty. From historic battleships to grand churches and scenic parks, the city offers a variety of landmarks that showcase its industrial past, immigrant influences, and maritime heritage. Whether you’re interested in exploring military history, taking in waterfront views, or visiting cultural sites, Fall River, MA, has plenty to offer.
Battleship Cove
Battleship Cove is one of the most iconic landmarks in Fall River, home to the world’s largest collection of historic naval ships. This museum allows visitors to step aboard the USS Massachusetts, a World War II battleship, and several other vessels, including a submarine, a destroyer, and PT boats.
Walking through these massive ships provides a hands-on experience of what life was like for sailors during wartime. Visitors can explore the gun decks, engine rooms, and living quarters while learning about the battles these ships fought. The museum also features exhibits on naval history, making it a must-visit for military history enthusiasts.
Lizzie Borden House
The Lizzie Borden House is one of Fall River’s most infamous landmarks. This Victorian home is where Abby and Andrew Borden were brutally murdered in 1892. Lizzie, their daughter, was accused of the crime, and although she was acquitted, the case remains one of the most debated unsolved mysteries in American history.
Today, the house is a museum and a bed and breakfast. Guided tours walk visitors through the crime scene, offering details on the investigation, trial, and theories surrounding the case. The house offers ghost tours and overnight stays for those looking for a more eerie experience.
Fall River Heritage State Park
Located along the Taunton River, Fall River Heritage State Park provides a peaceful retreat with stunning waterfront views. The park features a boardwalk, picnic areas, and walking paths, making it a popular spot for locals and visitors.
The park is also home to seasonal festivals and outdoor events, drawing crowds for concerts, cultural celebrations, and historical re-enactments. The open green spaces and riverfront setting make it a great place for a relaxing afternoon.
The Lafayette-Durfee House
The Lafayette-Durfee House is a hidden gem that gives visitors a glimpse into colonial life. Built in the 1750s, this house belonged to Joseph Durfee, a Revolutionary War officer. It has been carefully restored to reflect the 18th century, with period furniture, artifacts, and exhibits detailing Fall River’s role in the American Revolution.
The museum hosts guided tours and living history events, where visitors can see demonstrations of traditional crafts, cooking, and daily life during the colonial era. It is one of the few remaining homes from this period, making it an invaluable part of Fall River’s history.
Kennedy Park
Designed by the landscape architect behind Central Park, Frederick Law Olmsted, Kennedy Park is one of the largest and most scenic green spaces in Fall River. Originally called South Park, it was later renamed in honor of President John F. Kennedy.
The park features large open fields, walking trails, and a playground, making it a favorite gathering place for families. Throughout the year, it hosts events such as the Great Feast of the Holy Ghost, a Portuguese festival that brings thousands of people together for food, music, and celebrations.
The Quequechan River Rail Trail
The Quequechan River Rail Trail follows the path of the historic Quequechan River, once the driving force behind Fall River’s textile mills. This paved walking and biking trail connects different parts of the city, offering views of the river, waterfalls, and old mill buildings.
Efforts to restore sections of the river and create green spaces around it have made the rail trail a popular recreational spot. Whether you’re looking for a morning jog or a quiet place to enjoy nature, the trail provides a scenic and peaceful escape.
The Fall River Historical Society
For those interested in learning more about the city’s history, the Fall River Historical Society is the perfect place to visit. Housed in a grand 19th-century mansion, the museum features exhibits on the textile industry, immigration, and prominent local figures.
One of the highlights is the collection of artifacts related to the Lizzie Borden case, including original documents, photographs, and personal belongings of those involved. The museum also hosts seasonal exhibits and educational programs that explore different aspects of Fall River’s past.
Saint Anne’s Church
One of the most stunning architectural landmarks in Fall River, Saint Anne’s Church is a breathtaking example of Romanesque Revival design. Built in the early 1900s, the church features intricate stained-glass windows, towering spires, and detailed stonework.
For over a century, Saint Anne’s has been a spiritual and cultural center for the city’s French-Canadian community. Although regular church services were discontinued, restoration efforts are underway to preserve this historic landmark for future generations.
The Marine Museum at Fall River
Fall River’s location along Mount Hope Bay has made it an important center for maritime history. The Mariner Museum at Fall River highlights the city’s connection to the sea with exhibits on shipbuilding, whaling, and the famous Fall River Line steamships that once carried passengers between Boston and New York.
The museum’s collection includes ship models, navigational instruments, and photographs documenting Fall River’s long-standing maritime traditions. It’s a must-see for those interested in nautical history.
B.M.C. Durfee High School Clock Tower
A recognizable feature of Fall River’s skyline, the B.M.C. Durfee High School Clock Tower is a symbol of the city’s educational and architectural history. Once part of the old Durfee High School, the Gothic-style clock tower was preserved after the school relocated.
The tower remains one of Fall River’s most photographed landmarks and serves as a reminder of the city’s commitment to preserving its historical structures.
The Narrows Center for the Arts
For those who appreciate music and visual arts, the Narrows Center for the Arts hosts live performances from local and national musicians, often featuring folk, blues, and rock artists.
The gallery space showcases rotating exhibits from contemporary artists, offering a mix of traditional and modern works. The Narrows Center is integral to Fall River’s cultural scene, bringing together artists, musicians, and the community.
Oak Grove Cemetery
Oak Grove Cemetery is a historic burial ground and an architectural landmark. Many of Fall River’s most notable residents, including Lizzie Borden, are buried here. The cemetery features elaborate stonework, Gothic-style mausoleums, and winding pathways that make it a peaceful place for reflection.
Visitors interested in history often walk through the cemetery to see the final resting places of Fall River’s influential figures and admire the detailed craftmanship of the gravestones.
Get a Free Consultation Today
If you or someone you care about has been involved in an accident or injured in Fall River, MA, we can help you at Boston Injury Law Group.
We work on a contingency fee basis, so you won’t pay anything unless we win your case. We also offer free consultations, enabling you to discuss your case without taking any risks.
Call (617) 454-4874 today for immediate assistance in Fall River, MA.
