History Awaits! Explore the Past with Interzone Travel on the Fall River/New Bedford Line

The Fall River/New Bedford Commuter Rail Line isn’t just your ticket to visit scenic stops on the South Coast; it’s also your opportunity to step back in time and explore the rich history of the region, from President John F. Kennedy’s legacy at the JFK Presidential Library in Boston to touring the military ships at Battleship Cove in Fall River. 

Whether you are a college student looking for something unique to do on your weekends or a family hoping to make history come alive, the Fall River/New Bedford Line is a great place to start your adventure. Remember, thanks to the $10 Unlimited Weekend Pass, there is no need to limit your stops or fun, so you can spend the day hopping between station zones at no extra cost! 

Make a day or weekend of your exploration of the South Shore as you travel from the JFK Presidential Library, past Quincy Center, where you could visit the Adams Crypt at United First Parish Church, or journey through our military past at Battleship Cove in Fall River. All along the way, jump on or off to tour museums or visit historic landmarks. 

The Fall River/New Bedford Line begins in Boston at South Station and extends south from Boston, passing through Taunton before splitting into two distinct branches at East Taunton. One branch serves Fall River (Fall River/New Bedford Line), and the other serves New Bedford.

JFK/UMass Station: Uncover the Life of the 35th President 

Located in a 10-acre park on the tip of Columbia Point in Boston, you will find the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum (1.1 mi), which is just a short rideshare trip from the JFK/UMass Station. The library overlooks Boston Harbor and the City of Boston, which JFK adored. The museum stands as a tribute to the 35th president and portrays the life, leadership, and legacy of President Kennedy. 

Tour the historical museum, research in the presidential library, or enjoy a sunny day on the waterfront as you uncover the life of one of America’s most popular presidents and historical leaders. 

Quincy Center: Explore the Church of Presidents

Quincy, Massachusetts, may be a diverse, historical, coastal city just south of Boston offering an easy commute for Boston’s workforce, but it is also significant for its historical contributions to the region. 

Known as the “City of Presidents,” Quincy is home to not one but two past presidents: John Adams and John Quincy Adams. It was also the home to John Hancock, the President of the Continental Congress and the first person to sign the Declaration of Independence, as well as Abigail Adams, President Adams’ wife, a prolific political writer and staunch advocate for women’s rights and education. 

The Adams Family Crypt at United First Parish Church (.4 mi) is the final resting place of Presidents John Adams and John Quincy Adams, and First Ladies Abigail and Louisa Catherine Adams. The historic church was built from Quincy granite in 1828 and allows visitors to view their memorial tablets, the baptismal record of President John Adams and sit in the pew of President John Quincy Adams.

Visit the location of John Hancock’s birth at the Quincy Historical Society & Museum (.2 mi), formerly known as Adams Academy, a preparatory school for boys endowed by President John Adams. Before heading off to the next stop on your historic adventure, stop at one of the unique coffee shops within walking distance of the Quincy Center Station, including Coffee Break Cafe (.9 mi), or Craig’s Cafe (.5 mi).

Fall River Depot: Battleships, History, and Haunting Tales

Further south on the Fall River/New Bedford Commuter Rail Line, you’ll find a destination for history lovers who enjoy exploring significant naval history at Battleship Cove and diving into local lore at the Lizzie Borden House.

Military history enthusiasts will want to spend all day at Battleship Cove (1.4 mi), a short rideshare from Fall River Depot Station. Once there, you will have access to the marine museum and war memorial, including the world’s largest collection of WWII naval vessels. The site boasts five National Historic Landmarks, including the battleship USS Massachusetts (“Big Mamie”), a submarine, a destroyer, and PT boats, offering tours, educational programs, and overnight Nautical Nights camping.

Historians and true crime fans alike may enjoy visiting the infamous Lizzie Borden House (1.5 mi), just a short rideshare from Fall River Depot Station. There, you can learn about the tale of Lizzie Borden, the enduring American true-crime story centered on the brutal 1892 hatchet murders of her father and stepmother in Fall River, Massachusetts. Despite Lizzie being the prime suspect and facing a sensationalized 1893 trial, she was acquitted, leaving the case a famous cold case. 

Before heading back toward Boston, take the opportunity to visit Fall River’s diverse dining options, including Portuguese, American, and seafood cuisine, which are within a short ride or walk of the Fall River Depot. Some options include BarCa Restaurant & Bar (1.5 mi), Douro Steakhouse (1.2 mi), and The Cove Restaurant & Marina (1.9 mi). Other close options include bakeries, cafes, and taverns, such as the Tipsy Toboggan (1.5 mi).

New Bedford: Coastal Getaways and Cultural Treasures

Located on beautiful Buzzard’s Bay, New Bedford is known as a city rich in culture and the nation’s most valuable commercial fishing port. Once the world’s premier whaling port, New Bedford is now home to museums and landmarks honoring that rich history. 

Spend the day in New Bedford touring the many cultural treasures of the region, just a short rideshare drive from the New Bedford Commuter Rail Station, including the New Bedford Whaling Museum (3.4 mi), New Bedford Art Museum (3 mi), or The New Bedford Museum of Glass (3.1 mi). At each destination, visitors have the opportunity to learn more about the history and culture of the South Shore from glassmakers’ art from the 17th, 18th and 19th Centuries to the history of whaling in an international seaport. There is so much to learn and explore! While visiting New Bedford, we encourage you to shop and dine, as the region offers a wide variety of unique establishments. 

The Fall River/New Bedford Commuter Rail Line is your ultimate ticket to exploring the South Shore’s rich history, from presidential legacies in Boston to naval history in Fall River and coastal culture in New Bedford. Grab your $10 Unlimited Weekend Pass and start hopping between these historic and cultural stops for an unforgettable adventure.