If you live in Massachusetts or are driving through, you have to chance to visit two of the scariest spots in the United States– The Lizzie Borden House and Salem. Read on for the best haunted places in Massachusetts.
The Lizzie Borden House, Fall River
230 Second Street
Lizzie Borden was accused of massacring her parents with an ax over 150 years ago. Her house still stands in Fall River, Massachusetts, and is open for tours. Lizzie was found not guilty of the murders, but many people doubt her innocence. Do you have an opinion? You will after your visit to the Lizzie Borden House.
How can you See Inside the Lizzie Borden House?
Take the Lizzie Borden House Tour
Every hour on the hour 364 days a year, you can take a one-hour very informative guided tour of the Greek Revival-style house in the middle of Fall River. The house is real, but the furniture is recreated. On the tour, you will see all the above-ground rooms, including the rooms in which Lizzie’s parents were murdered. You will learn about the family, Lizzie, and the details of the murder and trial.
Many believe the house to be haunted, if not by Abby and Andrew Borden, perhaps by the three children murdered by their mother just next door. The toys on the third floor are rumored to move around.
They also hold special events, such a night and paranormal tours.
Did you know the Lizzie Borden House is now a bed and breakfast? Are you brave enough to spend the night in the guest room where Abbey Borden was murdered? Book a room at the Lizzy Borden House now. (This is an affiliate link which means I may get a commission if you book through it, at no additional cost to you.)
Do you Need to Book Tickets Ahead of your Visit?
Visit the Lizzie Borden website where you can buy tickets. You usually can also purchase tickets on the same day, except around Halloween and August 4 (murder anniversary day).
Where Can I Park When Visiting the Lizzie Borden House?
There are a few parking spots behind the house. Nearby is where the ticket office is. If the small lot is full, there is metered parking on the street. Be sure to bring quarters.
Other Lizzie Borden Sites in Fall River
Maplecroft House
After Lizzie was found not guilty, she inherited a fair amount of money. She moved up on the hill, the ritzy part of town. The owner of Lizzie Borden Bed and Breakfast now owns the property at 306 French Street, although it is not yet open to tour. It is less than a ten-minute drive from her original house and has street parking.
Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption
The only other person home when the murders happened was Lizzie’s maid Bridget. She went to church just a few doors from the house. It is still a functioning church.
Central Congregational Church
The Borden’s home parish is no longer a church, but the building still stands at 100 Rock Street.
Oak Grove Cemetery
You can find the whole family’s graves at the Oak Grove Cemetary 765 Prospect Street. The stone arch in front of the cemetery is quite beautiful. Turn left (or park and walk enjoying the cemetery) following the arrows on the ground to the gravesites. There is a large, family memorial, as well as individual graves under the tree right next to it.
You may be confused not to see Lizzie’s name there. This is because she felt ostracized after the accusations against her and changed her name to Lizbeth.
Other Things to Do in Fall River?
- Fall River Historical Society
- Battleship Cove
- JJ’s Coney Island Hot Dogs for hot weiners, cheeseburgers, coffee milk, and Syrian meat pies.
Salem, Massachusetts
Salem is infamous for the witch trials, which erroneously doomed 20 people to execution due to mass hysteria in the 1600s. It is about 90 miles away from Fall River.
Read my article about A Day Trip to Salem, MA, to plan your trip to Salem, Massachusetts.
Exploring these two haunted places in Massachusetts is perfect for any time of the year, but especially in the fall. Read on for more of New England’s Best Fall Activities and Easy New England Fall Day Trips.
