Fall River Adventures: Battleship Cove, Family History, and Riverside Walks

Fall River is a city rich with history—from naval heroes to infamous legends—and it made for an incredible stop on our Walk 351 journey. With a little bit of adventure, a family connection, and some good old-fashioned meandering, it turned out to be a day packed with fun, learning, and a few surprises.

Exploring the Mighty Ships of Battleship Cove

Our day began at Battleship Cove, one of the premier naval museums in the United States and home to the world’s largest collection of historic naval ships.

We boarded the USS Massachusetts, affectionately known as “Big Mamie”. Commissioned in 1942, the ship served with distinction in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters during World War II. The size of Big Mamie truly impressed us—especially the boys, who marveled at how big she really is as we explored, and got lost, navigating the various levels of the ship. At one point, they took advantage of the opportunity to lay down on the cots sailors once slept on, testing out just how snug life aboard a battleship could be.

Next up was the USS Joseph P. Kennedy Jr., a Gearing-class destroyer named for the elder brother of President John F. Kennedy, who was killed during a secret mission in World War II. The ship served during the Cold War era, including the Cuban Missile Crisis. Wandering through its narrow hallways and peeking into the ship’s systems and quarters gave a real feel for life aboard a destroyer.

We finished our ship tour with a dive into the USS Lionfish, a World War II-era submarine. It’s incredible how cramped and compact everything was aboard the sub, with barely enough room to turn around. I managed to whack my head at one point, so be sure to pay attention as you move about if you go.

Each ship offered a glimpse into a different chapter of American naval history, and exploring them firsthand made for an unforgettable experience.

And gave her mother forty whacks...

After our nautical adventures, we decided to swing by another famous (or perhaps infamous) Fall River landmark—the Lizzie Borden House.

Lizzie Borden, known for the 1892 axe murders that captured national attention, also happens to be a distant cousin of ours—my 7th cousin 5x removed, through my maternal grandmother’s line. While we didn’t go inside for the official tour this time, it was still fascinating (and a little eerie) to stand outside and take in the historic home from the sidewalk. The street crossing sign nearby, featuring a silhouette of a hatchet-wielding Lizzie, definitely gave me a chuckle.

Barrett's Waterfront Bounty

Hungry from our morning adventures, we grabbed lunch at Barrett’s Waterfront, located right along the Taunton River. The food was delicious—good-sized portions, friendly service, and a comfortable atmosphere to relax and recharge. It was a great choice for a casual but hearty lunch right by the water. The clam strips were absolutely fantastic.

Riverfront Stroll Through Bicentennial Park

With the rain clouds from earlier in the morning long gone, we capped off our visit with a peaceful walk along the Taunton River at Bicentennial Park. The riverfront path is lined with memorials, including a World War II Memorial and a Vietnam Veterans Wall, offering a place for quiet reflection. The views of the river were beautiful, and it was a perfect way to wind down our day in Fall River, burn off any remaining excess energy in the boys, and get ready for the drive home.

Final Thoughts

Our day in Fall River had everything we love about exploring Massachusetts—hands-on history, connections to our family’s past, good food, and time outdoors. From climbing aboard Big Mamie to standing outside the Lizzie Borden House, it was a trip filled with stories, experiences, and memories we won’t soon forget.

Stay tuned for our next town visit as we continue our journey through Massachusetts!

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