Looking for the best and fun things to do in Fall River, MA?
Fall River is a city in Bristol County, Massachusetts, United States. This city is located at the Taunton River, along the eastern shore, between Providence and Boston.
Fall River is the eighth most prominent city in Massachusetts, and the 2020 United States Census revealed that Fall River has a population of 94 000.
During the 19th Century, Fall River became known for textile manufacturing and was also the leading textile manufacturing center in the United States. The historical city was incorporated as a town in 1803.
Fall River is a great place to enjoy many outdoor events centered on history, as there are many significant historical sites and places to visit.
Are you planning an exploration of Fall River? Here are the top things to do in Fall River, MA.
Things to Do in Fall River, MA
1. Battleship Cove
Battleship Cove
Battleship Cove is a non-profit memorial and museum featuring National Historic Landmarks and Official Veteran Memorials on both state and national levels. The monument and museum aim to preserve the military heritage of the United States and the New England region.
At the museum, you will find exhibits showcasing the sacrifices of great military personnel along with their aircraft, battleships, guns, missiles, and other great tools or equipment used to serve the country. There are also five historical landmarks at the memorial, be sure to check them out before leaving.
These historical exhibits and memorabilia have been preserved by Battleship Cove since 1965 and have drawn so many visitors, veterans, and families to Fall River. Exploring Battleship Cove is one of Fall River’s top things to do.
Address: 5 Water St, Fall River, MA 02721-1540
2. Lizzie Borden House
Lizzie Borden House
Lizzie Borden House is America’s most haunted house, and since 1892 till date, the murder that took place in that house is yet to be solved. Explore the mystery house with your friends and family when visiting Fall River.
The Lizzie Borden house offers ghost tours, ghost hunts, and historic house tours. The haunted house also serves as a museum and inn for locals and visitors. You can choose to have breakfast, lunch, or dinner at the inn when you visit the haunted house.
While exploring the haunted house, you will notice the interior and furnishings are still intact, the building is well preserved, giving you a picture of the murder and life in the 1800s. You will also find exciting artifacts from the murder; get ready to be thrilled when you visit this house.
A tour around Lizzie Borden House is one of the best things to do in Fall River, Massachusetts.
Address: 230 2nd St, Fall River, MA 02721-2006
3. Fall River Historical Society Museum
Fall River Historical Society Museum
Looking for what to do in Fall River, MA? Visit the Fall River Historical Society Museum.
The Fall River Historical Society Museum is one of the museums in Fall River that details the history and development of the old city. At the museum, there are historical garments, accessories, furniture, artworks, and manuscripts that detail the history of Fall River.
The museum building stands out in its French Second Empire-inspired design; the building itself is also of historical importance as it was formerly an Underground Railroad station. Fall River Historical Society Museum preserves the city’s history, including events, people, and the area.
Fall River Historical Society Museum opens yearly in April and closes in December. Guided tours are also available in the museum from Monday to Friday from 10 am, 11 am, 1 pm, and 2 pm. While for the museum shopping, the stores are available on weekdays from 9 am to 3 pm.
Enjoy exploring the museum and learning about Falls River with your family or friends when visiting the Fall River Historical Society Museum. Touring the historical museum is among the fun things to do in Fall River.
Address: 451 Rock St, Fall River, MA 02720-3398
4. Maplecroft Mansion
Maplecroft Mansion
Maplecroft Mansion was where Borden lived and died after she was acquitted of the case; explore the area and tour the incredible mansion. The mansion is haunted and has borne supernatural experiences.
The Maplecroft mansion was designed in a Queen Anne Victorian style, making it look exquisite, standing out from other houses in the area. The beautiful mansion has about seven bedrooms and three bathrooms, and the place is well polished with an interior that will leave you amazed.
Tour the building together with your friends and family as you learn more about the mystery of the murder case. A visit to the Maplecroft Mansion is also a fun thing to do in Fall River.
Address: 306 French St, Fall River, MA 02720-5442
5. Children’s Museum of Greater Fall River
Give your kids a worthwhile experience of fun and learning at the Children’s Museum of Greater Fall River, Massachusetts.
Children’s Museum of Greater Fall River is a great environment that enables your kids to learn and love learning. Your kids are taught things that promote values, strengthen family and social bonds, and initiate big ideas at the museum.
The museum also helps to inculcate social responsibility in your kids through topics about community, family, and creativity. The museum is open to both parents and kids to have fun together as a family.
While at the museum, you will find exciting themed exhibits like Dinosaurs Room, Outer Space, violet music room, etc. A visit to the Children’s Museum of Greater Fall River with your kids is one of Fall River’s top things to do.
Address: 441 N Main Street, Fall River, MA 02720-2407
6. Canned Heat Craft Beer
Canned Heat Craft Beer offers top-notch handcraft beers to locals and visitors in Fall River. There are many beer flavors at the small pub to taste and enjoy. Have a good time trying out these flavors while you chat with friends.
The environment of the pub is relaxed and enticing, the music is impressive, and the people around are friendly as well. The handcraft beers are affordable, so try out as many as you want; the Canned Heat Craft Beer staff are friendly and welcoming.
An evening hangout with friends at the Canned Heat Craft Beer is one of the best things to do in Fall River, Massachusetts.
Address: 52 Ferry St, Fall River, MA 02721-1106
7. Fall River Heritage State Park
Fall River Heritage State Park
Visit the Fall River Heritage State Park to pay respect to fallen heroes of America’s most significant battles and events.
The community heritage park is dedicated to remembering who put their lives on the line in the course of duty and service to America. The park is an amazing park with memorials filled with flowers and American flags from well-wishers.
In Fall River Heritage State Park, there is a World War 2 memorial in the Veteran Memorial Plaza. Be sure to visit the memorial and learn more about the veterans who fought for their beloved country during the Second World War.
Aside from paying respect to past veterans, Fall River Heritage State Park is also a great spot to take an evening stroll with your partner or loved ones. Strolling through the park with your partner or family is Fall River’s best thing to do.
Address: Davol St., Fall River, MA 02720
8. Maritime Museum
Maritime Museum
The Maritime Museum is one of the top international attractions in Fall River, Massachusetts. The museum is known for having the world’s largest Titanic exhibit on display, along with other unique maritime artifacts and exhibitions in the museum.
The Maritime Museum is a historical and nautical museum founded in 1968; the museum has a seating capacity of 150 persons and 225 persons standing capacity. The nautical museum also uses the latest museum technology like interactive display, exhibit design, and programming.
When you go to the main gallery, you will find an exhibition titled “Sails, Paddles & Screws: The History of Maritime Travel and Culture.” In this gallery, you will find exhibits on The Portuguese Experience, the famous Fall River Line and RMS Titanic, Warships, Technological advances in Sea Travel, and many more.
A visit to the Maritime Museum is one of Fall River, Massachusetts’s top things to do.
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9. Lafayette Durfee House
Lafayette Durfee House
A tour around the Lafayette Durfee House is one of Fall River’s best things to do.
Col Joseph Durfee was a powerful military man who led the Fall River militia during the War for Independence; during this period, Durfee was frequently visited by Marquis de Lafayette. Hence the joining of their names to form the Lafayette Durfee House.
At the house, you will find on displays items like clothing, furniture, weaponry, medical and surgical instruments, and other exciting things from the 18the century.
In addition, the house’s interior fully represents houses from the 18th century with its large fireplace and high rooftops.
Lafayette Durfee House opens in April and closes for the year in October; take your family and friends to see the historic house as admission is free from April to October; however, the admission fee applies in November and December for people above the age of 12.
This makes what to do in Fall River for some fun, quite a perfect addition to your bucket list of fun things to do in Fall River, MA.
Address: 94 Cherry St, Fall River, MA 02720-2317
10. The Little Theatre of Fall River
The Little Theatre of Fall River
The theatre also aims to encourage the theatrical talent of individuals and develop local artists/performers in Fall River. The theatre offers excellent stage plays, comedy, musicals, pantomime, and other exciting activities.
Watching local artists and performers from The Little Theatre of Fall River is one of the fun things to enjoy in Fall River, Massachusetts.
Address: 340 Prospect St, Fall River, MA 02720-5206
11. Sailshade Studios
Sail shade Studios is an ecstatic historic studio with lots of multimedia and multi-decade artworks and exhibits by outstanding artists. One of the most breath-taking artworks in the studio is an 87ft. The solo exhibition titled, Blending Science and Art.
The studio occupies about 15 000 feet and has an extensive collection of artworks by Susan Mohl, and there is also a 1988 Boston Globe exhibit at the studio. Touch, feel, and look at the beautiful artworks ranging from glass arts, fabrics, paintings, and other great pieces you would love.
While you explore, check out the workspace of Susan Mohl Powers’s bright, it is a beautiful site. Susan will also be at the studio to tell you many stories about her artworks and what inspired her. The Sailshade studio is truly a must-visit in Fall River.
Observing beautiful art pieces at Sailshade Studio is one of the best things to do in Fall River, MA.
Address: 425 Pleasant St Appointment highly recommended; you won’t be disappointed if you make one., Fall River, MA 02721-3027
12. Charles Braga, Jr. Bridge
Charles Braga, Jr. Bridge
The historical Charles Braga, Jr. Bridge is an 840-feet steel bridge that connects Fall River and Somerset. The famous bridge holds historical significance to both cities in Massachusetts.
Charles Braga, Jr. Bridge stands as a testament to the progress of Massachusetts and Bristol County.
Not only is the old bridge of historical significance, but it is also a sight to behold, surrounded by the beauty of nature. The bridge gives a scenic view of the Taunton River and adds more beauty to it, be sure to go with your camera while you explore the bridge.
The bridge was named after Charles M. Braga Jr., an American sailor who died during the Pearl Harbor attack in 1941.
Address: Interstate 195 Crossing Taunton River, Fall River, MA 02720
13. Copicut Woods
Copicut Woods
Copicut Woods is a gateway to the South-eastern Massachusetts Bio-reserve, about 13,600-acre. The Copicut woods features upland forests, wetlands and waterways, and an abandoned farm settlement.
When you visit the Copicut woods, you will find a 150 years old scenic cart path lined with stone walls, walk on miller lane and watch the beautiful birds and animals you can sight. Take along your camera and other essentials for this beautiful woods tour.
The Copicut woods is one of the most extensive protected lands in the state, and the land preserves unique and diverse species of plants like various trees of the woods such as the white pine-oak forest and the Atlantic white cedar swamps.
A visit to Copicut woods is one of Fall River, Massachusetts’s top things to do.
Address: Indian Town Road, Fall River, MA 02790
14. Troy City Brewing
Troy City Brewing was opened in 2006 by Keith Carvalho, a man who was passionate about homebrew beer. The homebrewed beers served at Troy City Brewing are brewed in small batches with fresh local ingredients making the beer fresh and unique.
The brewery opens from Wednesday to Sunday at different times; from Wednesday to Friday, it opens from 3:30 pm to 9 pm. While on Saturday and Sunday, the brewery opens by noon. Troy city Brewing is also a certified independent Craft brewer, so walk-in with your friends and enjoy the night.
This makes what to do in Fall River, for beer lovers, a recommended addition to your bucket list of things to do in Fall River, MA, for fun.
Address: 16 Anawan St, Fall River, MA 02721-1554
15. Oak Grove Cemetery
Oak Grove Cemetery
Would you love to take a Gothic theme picture while in Fall River? If yes, then the Oak Grove Cemetery is the perfect location for that picture.
The Oak Grove Cemetery is a historic site in Fall River, and it is also the final resting place of Lizzie Borden and other prominent people in Fall River. The cemetery is of historical significance in Fall River; it was built in 1855 and has undergone some renovations.
The old cemetery covers 120 acres, and it is part of the National Register of historical places as it serves as a Civil War Monument in the United States. Take a tour around the cemetery and snap beautiful gothic-themed photographs when visiting the Oak Grove Cemetery.
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16. The Cove Restaurant & Marina
The Cove Restaurant & Marina
The Cove Restaurant & Marina is fancy in Fall River with a great selection of delicious meals and drinks. The restaurant offers tasty kinds of Seafood and other attractive meal options to enjoy when you visit.
Enjoy fantastic meals and excellent customer service at the beautiful restaurant, be sure also to try out their Seafood special as it is one of the top meals on their menu. You can also order raw oysters, smoked salmon, Italian dishes, baked scallops, and vegetarian dishes.
Having a dinner date at the Cove Restaurant and Marina is one of Fall River, Massachusetts’s top things to do. While you eat and have fun, enjoy the stunning view of the Taunton River
The restaurant opens daily by 9 am and is located at 392 Davol St., Fall River, Massachusetts.
17. Kennedy Park Inclusion Playground
Kennedy Park Inclusion Playground
Frederick Law Olmsted designed the, and he also designed Central Park in New York City. The inclusion playground has lots of playground equipment for all children to enjoy, play and have fun together.
At the park, you will find a partially fenced playground with slides, mini monkey bars, an ice skating rink for kids to ride bikes, a seesaw, and a wooden field portion along the bay. The park also offers an amazing view of Mount Hope Bay.
A fun play day at the Kennedy Park Inclusion Playground with your kids is one of the top things to do in Fall River, Massachusetts.
Address: 300 Bradford Ave, Fall River, MA 02721-1058
18. Borden Flats Lighthouse
Borden Flats Lighthouse
The lighthouse served travelers through Taunton River to Providence, Newport, Boston, New York City, and beyond from Fall River.
The lighthouse is one of the top attractions in Fall River, Massachusetts. It attracts visitors from all over the world for overnight stays or day tours. James Nick Korstad renovated the building, and through his effort, the lighthouse became one of the outstanding lighthouse rehabilitation successes in all of North America.
The light was first named Quequechan Light, which is coined out of the Quequechan River, the river on which the town of Fall River was built. “Quequechan” is a Native American word meaning- “Falling Waters.” Take your family or friends for an overnight stay on the famous Borden Flats Lighthouse for an adventurous night.
Address: Mount Hope Bay Pickup point at the marina at 1 Ferry St, Somerset, MA, Fall River, MA 02721
19. Narrows Centre for the Arts
Narrows Centre for the Arts features two visual art galleries, a performance theatre, visual artist studios, and rental space for classes, events, and meetings. The center offers live performances and art exhibitions of amazing literary and artistic works.
The center for arts was established in 1995 to promote visual and performing arts in Massachusetts. The Narrows Centre for the Arts is a top event location in Fall River, and it is situated inside the Battleship Cove area of Fall River.
Explore and enjoy the Narrows Centre for the Arts while watching engaging live performances and exploring the amazing galleries’ unique artworks.
The Narrows Center for the Arts is run as a non-profit organization in Fall River; while planning your visit to the center for the arts, you can bring along your food and drinks. A visit to the Narrows Centre for the Arts is among the fun things to do in Fall River, Massachusetts.
Address: 16 Anawan St, Fall River, MA 02721-1554
20. Portugalia Marketplace
Portugalia Marketplace
Portugalia Marketplace offers the best fresh foods with the latest food preservation and processing technology. You will find fresh fruits and vegetables, specialty groceries, meats, cheese, and Seafoo in the market.
At the Portugalia Marketplace, different stalls specialize in different products, and the marketplace is well organized that you do not have to walk all around searching for a particular item. For your alcoholic beverages, visit Castas & Trigo, and for fresh snacks, walk into Ponto de Encontro.
Portugalia Marketplace is a great place to meet different chefs, buy groceries, and learn new cooking methods.
Address: 489 Bedford St, Fall River, MA 02720-4803
21. Scottie’s Pub
Scotties Pub is a great place to hang out with friends or family while watching Fall River’s various sports shows and actions. Scottie’s pub offers excellent food, drinks, and the perfect environment for a late-night chill with friends or family.
Enjoy the best of craft beers at Scottie’s Pub from over 80 craft beers sold at the pub, and these craft beers were gotten from local breweries who are skilled in craft beer making. Their meals are also excellent and delicious, with several delicacies to choose.
The pub is in a two-story sports bar that runs pay-per-view sports where you can watch trendy games with your friends or family, so do not miss any of your top games while in Fall River; head on to Scotties Pub and get entertained.
Address: 202 Pleasant St, Fall River, MA 02721-3002
22. Tony’s Bakery
Enjoy well-baked muffins, bread, cakes, pies, and other snacks when visiting Tony’s Bakery in Fall River, Massachusetts.
Tony’s Bakery offers a variety of bread and muffins; visit the Bakery and make your selection; you can also ask an attendant Bakery for help choosing the best type of bread, muffin, or snacks at the Bakery.
The Bakery has a unique recipe and signature taste in its foods; this makes them stand out among other bakeries in Fall River; their Bolo Levados and Portuguese bread are worth a try when you visit Tony’s Bakery.
Be sure to buy some sweet muffins for your loved ones while visiting The Bakery. Shopping and tasting pieces of bread or muffins at Tony’s Bakery is one of the top things to do in Fall River, Massachusetts.
Address: 196 Columbia St, Fall River, MA 02721-1357
23. Trader Jan’s Archery Pro-Shop
Trader Jan’s Archery Pro-Shop
Trader Jan’s Archery Pro-Shop is a one-stop store for your necessary archery tools. Get your shooting gloves; peep sights; mechanical releases; strings silencers; side, back, bow quivers; arm guards; cedar arrows, and carbon arrows at the archery pro-shop.
Trader Jan’s Archery Pro-Shop features an indoor archery range, a 3D video shooting range, and custom-made bows and arrows. Start your archery journey when you visit Trader Jan’s Archery Pro-Shop in Fall River, as they offer archery classes for everyone.
The archery pro-shop is a family-owned business that started in 1991; Trader Jan’s Archery Pro-Shop has provided essential archery equipment to locals and visitors in the area. The archery pro shop also has different shooting ranges for beginners and professionals.
Learning how to shoot or enhancing your shooting skills at Trader Jan’s Archery Pro-Shop is one of the fun things to do in Fall River.
Address: 288 Plymouth Ave, Fall River, MA 02721-4226
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Plan your trip to Fall River
Fall River is a city with lots of outdoor activities to enjoy with your friends or family. Explore the miniature city, visiting the museums, malls, historical sites, pubs, parks, restaurants, and other fun areas it presents.
Visit the Battleship cove, Maritime Museum, Sailshade Studios, Fall River Historical Society Park, Copicot Woods, Borden Flats Lighthouse, Children’s Museum of Greater Fall River, and many more exciting places to explore the Fall River.
Start planning an adventurous trip to Fall River, pin this guide to aid with your bucket list.
Have a fun trip!