The Foundation for a Thriving Community
The area in and around Fall River’s Lower Highlands Historic District merges the city’s rich foundation with some newer additions to be excited about.
Your thirst for history will be quenched here, with the Lafayette-Durfee House serving as a living study of the American Revolution. Its roots dating back nearly 200 years, the Fall River Public Library provides an array of educational services to the community. Children and adults alike will be delighted while exploring at the Children’s Museum of Greater Fall River and Old Colony & Fall River Railroad Museum on N Main Street.
Bordering the Waterfront Cultural District, this region is both a hub of modern enjoyment and a source of optimism for Fall River’s future. The coming years are expected to bring a significant reconstruction of a section of Route 79 in Fall River to create improved public access and add dynamic businesses and activities around the Waterfront. The city is also planning to add a water taxi in Summer 2024.
![AMC_Viva FR_Thriving Community Image Cropped](https://www.vivafallriver.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/AMC_Viva-FR_Thriving-Community-Image-Cropped.jpg)
Stops 10, 11 & 12
![Map Graphic](https://www.vivafallriver.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Viva-Fall-River-Landing-Page-5-Map-Graphic-AMC.jpg)
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Lots to Learn in “The Scholarship City”
Recreation & Reflection
Fall River’s riverside boardwalk extends from Bicentennial Park to Battleship Cove and provides ample space for picnics, events, and leisure activities. The area includes the newly renovated Senator Thomas Norton City Pier, which was opened in 2022. A scenic landscape on the shores of the Taunton River, Bicentennial Park honors those who have fought for our country. It includes a WWII-era Iwo Jima tribute statue, Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Wall, and Gulf War/Global War on Terror memorial honoring local casualties of wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. The park also features tennis courts and a public boat ramp.
Laughs & Learning
The Children’s Museum of Greater Fall River provides children with a fun and educational environment, with exhibits and colorful decorations and murals spanning four floors. Located at 441 North Main Street, the museum has occupied the former Bristol County Superior Courthouse building since 2011. Located in the basement, the Old Colony & Fall River Railroad Museum contains a meticulously preserved collection of model trains and memorabilia from Fall River’s past as a major transportation outlet.
Trial & Triumph
Experience centuries of Fall River history firsthand at the Lafayette-Durfee House, located at 94 Cherry Street and built before 1750. The house once belonged to Colonel Joseph Durfee, who earned fame by fighting in the American Revolution and leading the Fall River Militia against Great Britain in “The Battle of Fall River” in 1778. It hosted Marquis de Lafayette during his many visits to the area during the Revolutionary War. Today the house has been restored as a living tribute to the era, complete with period clothing, furniture, and other memorabilia.
Academic & Awe-Inspiring
Originally founded in 1861, the Fall River Public Library has been at its current home at 104 North Main Street since 1899. Featuring sculpted granite walls and vaulted ceilings, the building underwent a major renovation in 2003 and continues to impress. The library includes an art collection of paintings and murals, many of which are from local artists past and present. New to the library in 2024 is Fall River’s first-ever Bookmobile, allowing direct community outreach and holding 2,000-3,000 books.
Eat + Drink
• Al Mac’s Diner
• Barrett’s Waterfront
• The Cove Restaurant & Marina
• Duke’s Bakery
• Mesa 21
• Yogurt City
To Do
– View the architecture and permanent art gallery
• Fall River Water Taxi (coming Summer 2024)
• Senator Thomas Norton City Pier
Explore More
TROLLEY STOPS
1
2-3
4-5
6-7
8-9
10-11-12
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