Discover the haunted Lizzie Borden House in Fall River, MA. Complete guide including location, reviews, tours, overnight stays, and paranormal experiences at America’s most notorious crime scene.
Introduction: Where History and Mystery Collide
“Lizzie Borden took an axe and gave her mother forty whacks. When she saw what she had done, she gave her father forty-one.”
This chilling nursery rhyme has echoed through American folklore for over 130 years, keeping alive one of the nation’s most notorious unsolved murders. But the Lizzie Borden House is far more than just a dark chapter in history—it’s a living, breathing destination where visitors can step back into 1892 and experience the mystery firsthand.
Whether you’re a true crime enthusiast, paranormal investigator, or history buff, the Lizzie Borden House offers an unforgettable journey into America’s haunted past.
Quick Facts at a Glance
📍 Location: 230 Second Street, Fall River, MA 02721
💰 Tour Prices: $30-37 for house tours | Ghost tours and hunts vary by season
🛏️ Overnight Stays: $200-350+ per room (depending on season)
⏰ Hours: Daily 10 AM – Midnight
📅 Best Time to Book: 2-6 months advance for overnight stays | October books fastest
🚗 Parking: Free lot behind the house
👻 Haunted Rating: Considered one of America’s most haunted locations
🎟️ Most Popular: John Morse Room (Abby’s murder room) | Ghost Hunts | October stays
Where Is the Lizzie Borden House?
The historic Lizzie Borden House is located at 230 Second Street, Fall River, Massachusetts, 02721. Situated in Bristol County near the Rhode Island state line, Fall River sits approximately 60 miles south of Boston and 15 miles from Providence, Rhode Island.
Getting There:
- From Boston: Take I-93 South to Route 24 South (approximately 1 hour)
- From Providence: Take I-195 East to Route 24 South (approximately 30 minutes)
- Parking: Free parking is available in a small lot behind the house
- GPS Coordinates: 41°41’56″N 71°09’22″W
The house sits on a quiet residential street, its unassuming green clapboard exterior belying the dark history within its walls. Today, the property operates as both a museum and bed-and-breakfast, welcoming visitors daily from 10 AM to midnight.
The Murders That Shocked America
On the sweltering morning of August 4, 1892, the tranquility of Fall River was shattered by a brutal double homicide that would captivate the nation for generations.
What Happened That Day
Andrew Borden, a wealthy businessman and bank president, returned home from his morning errands around 10:45 AM. Feeling tired, he lay down on the sofa in the sitting room for a nap. Upstairs, his wife Abby had already been dead for over an hour, brutally murdered while making up a guest bedroom. She had been struck approximately 19 times with a hatchet-like weapon.
Around 11:10 AM, Andrew Borden was attacked as he slept, receiving 11 devastating blows to the head. The violence of the attacks, combined with the close quarters of the home, suggested a crime of intense passion.
The Prime Suspect
Lizzie Borden, Andrew’s 32-year-old daughter, discovered her father’s body and called for help. She immediately became the primary suspect, yet the case against her was largely circumstantial:
Evidence pointing to Lizzie:
- She was home during both murders
- She had a strained relationship with her stepmother
- She burned a dress shortly after the murders
- Her testimony contained inconsistencies
Evidence in her favor:
- No blood-stained clothing was found
- No murder weapon was definitively identified
- She showed no signs of the blood spatter such violent murders would create
- The family maid, Bridget Sullivan, corroborated parts of her story
After a sensational trial that gripped the nation, an all-male jury acquitted Lizzie Borden in June 1893. She lived the rest of her life in Fall River, moving to a mansion she named “Maplecroft” in the wealthier part of town. Despite her acquittal, suspicion followed her until her death in 1927.
To this day, the murders remain officially unsolved.
The House: Then and Now
Life in the Borden Home
Andrew Borden was known for his frugality despite his considerable wealth. The house reflected this penny-pinching lifestyle in ways that embarrassed his daughters:
- No indoor plumbing (they used chamber pots and a basement privy)
- No electricity (despite it being available in Fall River)
- No gas lighting (they used oil lamps)
- Modest furnishings in a middle-class neighborhood
For Lizzie and her sister Emma, who longed for the social standing their father’s wealth should have afforded them, living in such conditions was a source of constant frustration.
Transformation into a Museum
The house changed hands several times after the murders before Martha McGinn’s grandparents purchased it on August 4, 1948—exactly 56 years after the killings. In 1996, Martha and her husband Ronald Evans transformed the property into a bed-and-breakfast and museum.
In 2021, Lance Zaal of US Ghost Adventures purchased the house for $2 million with the goal of preserving its history while expanding its offerings. Today, the house has been meticulously restored to reflect its 1892 appearance, complete with period-appropriate furnishings, reproductions, and original hardware.
Modern amenities like bathrooms have been added for guest comfort, but the house maintains its authenticity through careful attention to historical detail.
Lizzie Borden House Reviews: What Visitors Are Saying
The Lizzie Borden House consistently receives high ratings from visitors, with most praising the immersive historical experience and knowledgeable staff.
TripAdvisor Reviews (4.5/5 Stars)
Positive Experiences:
“Larry, our tour guide, was a wonderful storyteller and made the experience a memorable one. We definitely recommend it!” – Recent Visitor
“We stayed in the Abby and Andrew Borden Suite. Our room was lovely, the beds and linens very comfy. The tour with guide Megan Alves was the absolute highlight of our visit. Megan is a fantastic storyteller and every guest on the tour was engaged and enthralled.” – Overnight Guest
“For my 2024 Halloween visit, the extended Basement Tour was worth every penny. The house tour lasted 60 minutes and was incredibly informative. Parking was free, and the gift shop had great merchandise.” – Solo Traveler
Yelp Reviews (4.5/5 Stars)
“We stayed in the murdered Father and Step-Mother’s room and participated in the tour, séance, personal medium reading, and authentic breakfast—all of it was top notch and great fun. Even if you don’t get spooked, the commemorative shots and the orbs caught on night vision make it worthwhile!” – Couple’s Getaway
Common Themes in Reviews:
Strengths:
- Knowledgeable and entertaining tour guides
- Meticulous attention to historical detail
- Comfortable overnight accommodations
- Engaging ghost hunt experiences
- Authentic breakfast featuring period-appropriate foods
Areas for Improvement:
- Tours can be interrupted during peak times
- Some guests found certain liberties taken with historical facts
- The most popular rooms (especially Abby’s murder room) book months in advance
What to Expect: Tours and Experiences
The Lizzie Borden House offers multiple ways to experience its haunted history, each providing unique insights into the murders and the paranormal activity reported at the location.
1. Historic House Tour (90 Minutes)
When: Daily, 10 AM – 4 PM
Price: Approximately $30 (plus $7 for extended basement tour)
What’s Included:
- Access to all rooms in the house
- Detailed history of the Borden family
- Crime scene reconstruction
- Photographs and evidence from the trial
- Stories of paranormal encounters
This is the only tour that takes you through every room, including the guest bedroom where Abby Borden was murdered. Tour guides walk you through the events of August 4, 1892, explaining the family’s daily routines and the shocking discoveries made that day.
The basement extension includes viewing the area where a broken hatchet was discovered and learning about the investigation that followed.
2. Ghost Tour (60-90 Minutes)
When: Nightly
Price: Varies by season
What’s Included:
- Outdoor walking tour of haunted Fall River
- Stories of the town’s dark history
- Exclusive first-floor tour of the Lizzie Borden House
- Tales of paranormal activity in the area
This evening tour explores Fall River’s haunted landscape beyond just the Borden murders, revealing a town steeped in tragedy, mysterious deaths, and unexplained phenomena.
3. Ghost Hunt (2 Hours)
When: Evening hours (often follows the Ghost Tour)
Price: Varies by season
What’s Included:
- Ghost hunting equipment (EMF meters, spirit boxes, motion sensors)
- First-floor and basement access
- Small group investigation (typically 13 people or fewer)
- Instruction on using paranormal investigation tools
Participants split into groups to investigate different areas of the house with lights dimmed. Many guests report genuine paranormal experiences during these hunts, including:
- EMF meter spikes indicating electromagnetic activity
- Spirit box communications
- Motion sensors detecting unexplained movement
- Orbs captured in photographs
- Temperature drops in specific locations
Spending the Night: Overnight Accommodations
For the truly brave, staying overnight at the Lizzie Borden House offers an intimate encounter with history—and possibly something more.
Available Rooms
Lizzie & Emma Suite (2nd Floor)
- Two rooms: Emma’s room (full bed) and Lizzie’s room (queen bed)
- Accommodates up to 4 guests
- Shares bathroom with John Morse Room
- These were the actual bedrooms where the sisters lived
Andrew & Abby Borden Suite (2nd Floor)
- Two rooms: Andrew’s bedroom (queen) and Abby’s former sewing room (full)
- Accommodates up to 4 guests
- Private bathroom
- Guests often leave coins for Andrew’s spirit (he was known as frugal)
John Morse Room (2nd Floor)
- The murder room where Abby Borden was killed
- Full-size bed
- Accommodates up to 3 guests
- The most requested (and most haunted) room
- Shares bathroom with Lizzie & Emma Suite
Bridget Sullivan Room (3rd Floor)
- Named for the Borden’s maid, who was present during the murders
- Full-size bed
- Shared bathroom with other 3rd floor rooms
- Reported as one of the most haunted areas
Additional Third Floor Rooms:
- Hosea Knowlton Room (named for Lizzie’s defense lawyer)
- William Moody Room (named for the District Attorney)
Overnight Package Includes:
- Room accommodation with period furnishings
- Optional breakfast ($20 per person) featuring pancakes, eggs, bacon, oatmeal, and fruit—a modern take on what the Bordens ate
- Access to common areas (first floor and basement) for late-night exploring
- Side entrance code for coming and going
- Free Wi-Fi
House Rules:
- Minimum age 7 years for overnight stays
- No alcohol permitted
- Quiet time begins at 11 PM
- No smoking or vaping
- No pets allowed
- Guests must vacate rooms 10 AM-5 PM for daily tours (multi-night stays)
Booking Tips:
- Reserve 2-6 months in advance for popular rooms
- October books up especially fast
- Third-floor rooms are generally easier to book
- Bundle with ghost tours and hunts for the full experience
The Paranormal Activity: Is It Really Haunted?
Since opening as a bed-and-breakfast in 1996, the Lizzie Borden House has earned a reputation as one of America’s most haunted locations. Guests, staff, and paranormal investigators have reported countless unexplained phenomena. Much like Eastern State Penitentiary, another notoriously haunted American landmark, the violent history of this location seems to have left an indelible paranormal imprint.
Common Paranormal Experiences
Visual Apparitions:
- Shadow figures moving through rooms
- Full-bodied apparitions of women in Victorian-era clothing
- Faces appearing in windows
- Objects moving on their own (photographs, furniture, doors)
Auditory Phenomena:
- Footsteps on the stairs when no one is there
- Women crying or sobbing
- Children giggling
- Knocking sounds from inside walls
- Furniture dragging across floors
Physical Sensations:
- Cold spots in specific locations
- Feeling of being watched
- Sudden temperature drops
- Touch sensations (hair being pulled, taps on shoulders)
- Feelings of unease or dread in certain rooms
Equipment Anomalies:
- EMF meter spikes with no electrical source
- Spirit box communications responding to questions
- Motion sensors detecting movement in empty rooms
- Orbs captured in photographs and video
- Electronic devices malfunctioning or draining batteries
Documented Experiences
In 2022, guests Vicky and Emily captured video footage of a closet door unlatching and slowly opening on its own just as the lights went out. The footage shows the door handle turning and the door swinging open with no visible cause.
Another guest reported feeling a “flame moving along her back” while sitting in bed in the John Morse Room. Her companion’s shampoo bottle was repeatedly knocked over despite being placed on a flat surface.
During ghost hunts, multiple EMF meters held by different participants often light up simultaneously, suggesting a concentrated energy source moving through the room.
Skeptical Perspective
It’s worth noting that paranormal investigator Joe Nickell has questioned some claims, suggesting that effects involving Ouija boards, dowsing rods, and table-tipping may be explained by the ideomotor effect—unconscious muscle movements rather than spiritual activity.
However, many documented experiences—like the closet door video and simultaneous equipment readings—remain more difficult to explain conventionally.
Planning Your Visit: Practical Information
Hours of Operation
- Daily: 10 AM – Midnight
- Tours run throughout the day and evening
- Gift shop hours: Check website for current schedule
Pricing
- House Tour: ~$30
- Extended Basement Tour: Additional $7
- Ghost Tour: Varies by season
- Ghost Hunt: Varies by season
- Overnight Stay: $200-350+ depending on room and season
- Breakfast Add-On: $20 per person
What to Bring
For Tours:
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Camera or smartphone
- Note-taking materials if interested in the history
- Light jacket (house can be cool)
For Ghost Hunts:
- Fully charged phone/camera batteries
- Ghost hunting apps (GhostTube, VOX) downloaded in advance
- Open mind and courage!
For Overnight Stays:
- Personal toiletries
- Comfortable clothing
- Flashlight for late-night exploring
- Ghost hunting equipment (if you have your own)
Nearby Attractions in Fall River
- Battleship Cove (world’s largest naval ship museum)
- Fall River Heritage State Park
- Oak Grove Cemetery (where the Bordens are buried)
- Lizzie Borden Café (adjacent property)
- Marine Museum at Fall River
- Portugalia Portuguese marketplace
Explore More Haunted Locations: If you’re fascinated by haunted sites, you might also enjoy reading about other spine-chilling destinations:
- Is Eastern State Penitentiary Haunted? – Discover the ghostly tales from America’s most haunted prison
- The Haunting of Miami City Cemetery – Explore paranormal activity in this historic cemetery
- Kuldhara: India’s Spookiest Abandoned Village – Uncover the mysterious curse of this deserted village
Dining Recommendations
Fall River offers excellent Portuguese cuisine reflecting its immigrant heritage. Ask staff for current recommendations near the house.
YouTube Videos: Virtual Tours and Experiences
Experience the Lizzie Borden House before you visit through these recommended video tours:
Recommended YouTube Content:
“Overnight at the Lizzie Borden House” – First-person accounts of staying in the murder room with paranormal experiences
“BuzzFeed Unsolved: The Lizzie Borden Murders” – Ryan Bergara and Shane Madej’s entertaining investigation
Official Virtual Tour
The Lizzie Borden House offers a narrated video tour through the Junket app, allowing you to explore from home or enhance your on-site visit with detailed historical commentary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! The house operates as a bed-and-breakfast with six available rooms, including the actual room where Abby Borden was murdered. Rooms include period-appropriate furnishings, modern bathrooms, and access to common areas for late-night exploring. Reservations should be made 2-6 months in advance, especially for October stays.
The Lizzie Borden House is located at 230 Second Street, Fall River, Massachusetts, 02721. It’s approximately 60 miles south of Boston and 15 miles from Providence, Rhode Island. Free parking is available in a small lot behind the house.
Lizzie Borden was acquitted of the murders by a jury in 1893. While she was the primary suspect, the evidence was circumstantial and no blood-stained clothing or murder weapon was conclusively tied to her. The case remains officially unsolved. Many theories exist, including potential involvement by others in the household.
The standard house tour costs approximately $30 per person and lasts 90 minutes. An extended basement tour adds $7. Ghost tours and ghost hunts are priced separately and vary by season. Overnight stays range from $200-350+ depending on the room and time of year.
Since 1996, thousands of visitors have reported paranormal experiences including apparitions, unexplained sounds, cold spots, and interactions with ghost hunting equipment. Video evidence exists of objects moving without explanation. While skeptics offer alternative explanations for some phenomena, many experiences remain unexplained.
Children are welcome on tours. However, for overnight stays, guests must be at least 7 years old. Given the violent nature of the murders and potentially frightening paranormal content, parents should use discretion based on their child’s maturity level.
October is the most atmospheric but also the busiest time, requiring reservations months in advance. Late spring through early fall offers comfortable weather and good availability. Winter visits provide a more intimate experience with fewer crowds. Ghost hunts and overnight stays are available year-round.
While various hatchets and axes are displayed as examples of what might have been used, no murder weapon was ever definitively identified. The broken hatchet found in the basement is discussed during tours, but the actual murder weapon remains unknown.
After her acquittal, Lizzie purchased a mansion at 7 French Street in Fall River’s wealthy “Hill” neighborhood, which she named “Maplecroft.” She changed her name to “Lizbeth” and lived there until her death on June 1, 1927, at age 66. She never married and largely lived as a recluse, though she hosted occasional parties. Like many who witnessed or experienced trauma, her story became part of local legend—similar to how abandoned places like Kuldhara village in India carry the weight of their tragic histories for generations.
Absolutely! Most visitors take the 90-minute house tour without staying overnight. Tours run daily from 10 AM to 4 PM. Ghost tours and ghost hunts are also available in the evening for those who want a paranormal experience without an overnight commitment.
Tips for Your Visit
For History Enthusiasts:
- Take the extended basement tour to see where evidence was found
- Ask guides about the trial testimony and contradictions
- Visit Oak Grove Cemetery afterward to see the Borden family graves
- Read up on the case beforehand to appreciate subtle details
For Paranormal Investigators:
- Book a ghost hunt rather than just a tour for hands-on experience
- Bring extra batteries (they drain quickly)
- Download ghost hunting apps before arrival
- Visit at night when activity is reportedly higher
- Remain respectful—this is a murder site
For Overnight Guests:
- Request a third-floor room if it’s your first stay (less intense)
- Bring a flashlight for basement exploring
- Don’t be afraid to change rooms if you’re genuinely frightened (staff understands)
- Document your experience with photos and video
- Participate in the evening tours before settling in
Photography Tips:
- Interior lighting can be dim—adjust camera settings accordingly
- Take burst photos to capture potential orbs
- Use video recording during ghost hunts
- Photograph Victorian-era details and period furnishings
- Be respectful of other guests and their privacy
External Resources and Further Reading
External Sources
Historical Context
- Famous Trials – Lizzie Borden Trial Transcripts
- Smithsonian Magazine – “Why Lizzie Borden Was Found Not Guilty”
- Fall River Herald News – Historical Coverage
Reviews and Booking
- TripAdvisor – Current Guest Reviews
- Yelp – Visitor Experiences
- Booking.com / Trip.com – Accommodation Reservations
Disclaimers
Affiliation: This article is NOT affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the official Lizzie Borden House, lizzie-borden.com, US Ghost Adventures, or any related entities. We are an independent informational resource.
Information Accuracy: All information is for general purposes only. Pricing, hours, and availability may change without notice. Please verify current details with the official Lizzie Borden House before planning your visit.
External Links: This article contains links to external websites. We are not responsible for the content or accuracy of these third-party sites.
Last Updated: October 2025 | For official information and bookings, visit lizzie-borden.com
