Battleship Cove
Battleship Cove
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Home to five National Historic Landmarks and Official Veteran Memorials on both state and national levels, Battleship Cove has been providing the preservation of both the military heritage of the New England region and that of the United States since 1965. A non-profit memorial and museum located in Fall River, Massachusetts, veterans, families, schools, Scouts, and interested visitors from around the world have walked the decks of these historic vessels and viewed the legendary aircraft on display. Day visits, overnight camping experiences, and special events allow the public to immerse themselves in the exploration of the historic entities on exhibit and see for themselves the sacrifices made by both the military personnel who served on these amazing ships and aircraft and those who supported their construction See battleship USS Massachusetts BB59, destroyer USS Joseph P. Kennedy Jr DD850, submarine USS Lionfish SS298, PT Boats 617 and 796.
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
786 reviews
Excellent
519
Very good
203
Average
49
Poor
9
Terrible
6
Zephyr_Travel
Fredericksburg, VA3,037 contributions
Jul 2022
Great 3/4 of a day visit with family & young kids. A hangar with PT boats, and the majority of three docked ships were opening for touring. Tickets were 25 per adult and 15 per kid 4 or older. Admissions is for two days, as it takes significant time to see all of the open ship sections. If you like history or naval vessels, the cost is worth it. The battleship alone can take a couple of hours to fully tour. Beyond regular signage, their were several sections with short videos or audio clips. The highlight was climbing into the 16 inch deck deck control station on the main entrance level of the battleship. The submarine vessel was accessible, but their were many damaged sections. A couple of areas on the battleship were also under restoration, but it didn't diminish general ship access. One ship was blocked off from visiting. The museum store had ice book options and a good selection of kid toys.
Written July 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Janis H
Sacramento, California, United States39 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
Remarkable experience that allows exploration throughout most of each ship. The admission cost is definitely worth the visit and you really can understand the history of each vessel. We traversed so much and could envision being on the crew. You should be ready to be agile as some of the passages are in tight quarters. The staff were friendly and very caring about maintaining these relics. Too bad MA government or federal government don’t provide funding to keep these historical treasures maintained as they only get funds from ticket sales and donations
Written July 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FarAway195750
3 contributions
Sep 2021 • Couples
As a former sailor this brought back memories,I was able to show my girlfriend and tell her things about ships only A former sailor would know,there is alot to see they have an impressive amount of hardware, unfortunately it also requires a ton of resources to maintain and some things are in desperate need of care and painting. I wish they didn't paint over the original compartment tags I would have loved to have read what the originally were.I wanted to stay overnight but unfortunately it's for families and groups only. But it was a good value 2 days and they do the best they can with resources they have. (Personally I'd rather see the federal government take some of my tax dollars to keep historic places like this maintained rather than sending that money overseas for nothing that's my personal opinion on it. ) Overall this was a great pleasure to visit!!!
Written October 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
raj0302
Swansboro, NC960 contributions
Sep 2022
If my review is useful, please give me a "helpful" vote.
1.. USS Massachusetts (battleship). I booked my entry (2-day Kilroy pass) two weeks prior to my visit. I drove 8 hours only to find out that the Battleship Massachusetts was closed for maintenance. This ship was the primary purpose for my visit. This fact was posted on their website the day of my visit by not when I booked my entry. Having previously served as a tour guide on another museum ship, I can tell you that this is unacceptable and reflects poorly on the staff! Closings for maintenance should be planed, scheduled and communicated to the public well in advance.
2. USS Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. (destroyer). This ship is in good condition but there is no tour route delineated; this is very "JV". Additionally, informative placards are lacking; example: there is what appears to be a "box launcher" on the upper decks but there is nothing to tell visitors what it is.
3. USS Lionfish (submarine). This boat is in good condition and there were a good deal of informative placards.
4. PT Boat. This is in an indoor structure; the PT boat is very well outfitted and in excellent condition. This exhibit is very well put together.
5. It bothers me to post a negative review but I always research my travel/vacations very well and this was somewhat of a waste. To get an idea of how well I prepare, check out my other reviews to see how well I compose my reviews after the fact.
6. Conclusion. My tour of the USS Salem (heavy cruiser) in Quincy was very enjoyable. I was able to get a guided tour that was very comprehensive and it was well worth the admission fee and the 3-hour tour.
1.. USS Massachusetts (battleship). I booked my entry (2-day Kilroy pass) two weeks prior to my visit. I drove 8 hours only to find out that the Battleship Massachusetts was closed for maintenance. This ship was the primary purpose for my visit. This fact was posted on their website the day of my visit by not when I booked my entry. Having previously served as a tour guide on another museum ship, I can tell you that this is unacceptable and reflects poorly on the staff! Closings for maintenance should be planed, scheduled and communicated to the public well in advance.
2. USS Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. (destroyer). This ship is in good condition but there is no tour route delineated; this is very "JV". Additionally, informative placards are lacking; example: there is what appears to be a "box launcher" on the upper decks but there is nothing to tell visitors what it is.
3. USS Lionfish (submarine). This boat is in good condition and there were a good deal of informative placards.
4. PT Boat. This is in an indoor structure; the PT boat is very well outfitted and in excellent condition. This exhibit is very well put together.
5. It bothers me to post a negative review but I always research my travel/vacations very well and this was somewhat of a waste. To get an idea of how well I prepare, check out my other reviews to see how well I compose my reviews after the fact.
6. Conclusion. My tour of the USS Salem (heavy cruiser) in Quincy was very enjoyable. I was able to get a guided tour that was very comprehensive and it was well worth the admission fee and the 3-hour tour.
Written November 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Something Tookish
Cheyenne, WY3,059 contributions
Oct 2021
Flew out to specifically visit the site. They have not only WWII ships but a cold war ship and Vietnam era airships.They are working hard to maintain these ships so work is always going on. A truly unique item is the East German missile ship. It took me about 4 hours to really tour all the ships they have. Highly recommend this if history is you interest.
Written October 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheMouseketeers
Seaford9 contributions
Sep 2020
Because we live three hours away, we didn't have enough time to really exam the USS Massachusetts. We toured the smaller ships first and then went back to the car for lunch. After lunch, we toured the Massachusetts and my 29 year old son couldn't get enough of it. He walked ahead of us and with each room he'd go into, all we'd hear from him was WOW! Yes, he LOVES battleships and the Massachusetts didn't disappoint. We have been to the USS New Jersey in New Jersey and the USS Wisconsin in Virginia several times so we're very familiar with battleships. Since my husband and I are in our late 60's, our legs and knees did start to ache (Lol!) by the time we left the ship. Climbing over the doorways got more difficult as the day went on but we all enjoyed our day at Battleship Cove and felt it was well worth the three hour trip each way. We just wish we had more time! I felt the gift shop had reasonable prices but it could use a few more t-shirt choices.
(Who was with you? Could only answer Family (teens). There was no option for just Family.)
(Who was with you? Could only answer Family (teens). There was no option for just Family.)
Written October 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bertram S
Wyoming, MI813 contributions
Jul 2022
This is an amazing museum. It has 5 ships from World War II era. They were beautifully preserved. Three of them were available for touring through. One, the Kennedy, takes about 30 minutes to walk through. Be prepared for lots of staircases that seem more like ladders. The submarine, the Lionfish, was very interesting and enlightening. But be prepared: the halls are very narrow and I had to double over in order to make big steps through the hatches. The Massachusetts is a huge ship. It had 15 battle encounters in 1944 and 1945, and not a single crew member was killed. There are 4 tours you can follow – we did the outside tour first and then went inside to explore. Follow the arrows only loosely; the tours are not well marked. There are even more ladders on this ship since there are many more decks. There are many very interesting exhibits throughout the ship – some are better marked than others. It’s very easy to get lost in the bowels of this ship – there’s so much in it to see!
Written August 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jd2870
Union, NJ18 contributions
Aug 2020
Stopped here for the opening leg of last summer's road trip through NE. Came here a few times as kid and now brought my own (9, 7 & 4). Lots and lots to see between all the ships and the shore exhibits (unfortunately the PT boat exhibit was closed at the time we visited). We had a blast. Plan on spending the better part of the day touring everything. Be aware that you will be doing a lot of walking and climbing up ladders and through hatchways. There will also probably be something undergoing maintenance (something unavoidable in the preservation game).
Written July 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bob P
North Tonawanda, NY89 contributions
Dec 2022
We planned on visiting Battleship Cove for months and the opportunity opened up on the day before Christmas and we were pleased they were both opened and ready for visitors. Overall, the staff was very welcoming, and the displays were outstanding. The ships were in great shape if one can remember that the Battleship USS Massachusetts battleship had over 6,000 sailors working on her while in service. Overall, BZ (well done in naval parlance) to the staff and directors!
Written December 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christy C
Mechanicsville, MD122 contributions
Jul 2022 • Family
This wasn’t a planned stopped on our travels but we saw the ships in the harbor, did a quick Google search, bought tickets and stopped in. Super easy !
We really enjoyed the ships and sub. Tons of history and information. Our kids thought it was really cool!
Our only complaint it was was SO hot. Some fans would have been nice and we probably would have stayed longer.
Definitely recommend stopping and checking this out
We really enjoyed the ships and sub. Tons of history and information. Our kids thought it was really cool!
Our only complaint it was was SO hot. Some fans would have been nice and we probably would have stayed longer.
Definitely recommend stopping and checking this out
Written July 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Beth T
Vienna, Austria2 contributions
How long do people typically spend there?
visitor77127
Marlborough, MA72 contributions
about 2 hours
how much does it cost
how much does it cost too get into battleship cove
how much does it cost
Dave P
Fall River, MA40 contributions
25 adult
15 kids
12 veterans
Rainelle T
Sagamore Beach, MA42 contributions
is there a AAA rate
jwelhwel
United States545 contributions
I do not believe they had any discounts - maybe for senior citizens.
is there a family discount on veterns day for veterns
Robin (So far 45,000 readers!)
Ventura, CA112 contributions
I've not heard of any discounts at all but if cost is an issue I would contact them and see if they will give a discounted entry for a veteran and his family. I would be shocked if they said no!
sima42
Indianapolis, IN28 contributions
can i purchase tickets there?
Robin (So far 45,000 readers!)
Ventura, CA112 contributions
Yes! You board the ship and purchase just before getting on the ship... huge ship cannot imagine any issues with too crowding or such. I would call ahead to the carousel if that is an interest... pretty , 1920's beautiful restored horses, but often closed...
The are in general has been updated and restaurants, upscale (and not) abound... fun area now... Enjoy!
DianeD06
acushnet
is it closed with rain
Robin (So far 45,000 readers!)
Ventura, CA112 contributions
I am guessing no.... but cannot say for certain... the area is nice and plenty of restaurants to go to if you find the ship closed... it is a Battleship, I can't imagine a little rain will stop it... someone said the visit is "mostly inside" but I think it is more 50/50.
Is there accommodations for people using a CPAP?
Travelingover50
Sandwich, MA1,092 contributions
Can this device be carried as a small back pack? I had no difficulties moving around inside the ships, or going up and down steep ladders, and through narrow passages with my back pack purse! However.. if you have difficulty breathing... only you know if you can master the steep ladders going up and down on the ships. They are several levels deep and you are allowed to explore at will! You can always call them for better information... but, I found the store and museum staffed with very young people and I’m not sure they can answer this question adequately either? It’s a fantastic area, with tons to do and see! I hope this helps!
Battleship Cove (Fall River) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Battleship Cove
- Battleship Cove is open:
- Fri - Sun 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Hotels near Battleship Cove:
- (0.62 mi) Lizzie Borden House
- (6.24 mi) William's Grant Inn
- (3.22 mi) Hampton Inn Fall River/Westport
- (0.83 mi) Taylor's Pharmacy Guesthouse
- (0.86 mi) 1873 House Bed and Breakfast
- Restaurants near Battleship Cove:
- (0.19 mi) Booondocks Bar and Grill
- (0.31 mi) The Cove Restaurant & Marina
- (0.49 mi) Sagres Restaurant
- (1.07 mi) Patti's Pierogis
- (0.47 mi) Tipsy Toboggan
- Attractions near Battleship Cove:
- (0.22 mi) Narrows Center for the Arts
- (0.62 mi) Lizzie Borden House
- (0.33 mi) Lafayette Durfee House
- (0.78 mi) Oak Grove Cemetery
- (0.63 mi) Fall River Historical Society
Battleship Cove Information
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Very Good Reviews | 204 |
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