Looking for a unique family adventure to do this weekend?

Check out the Nautical Nights maritime camping program offered at Battleship Cove.

It’s great for children of all ages and they cater to everything from single parents to entire scout troops. I was extremely impressed with their website when I was looking for more information on the several different types of programs and exhibits they offered at the park.

For the overnight camping all you need to do is bring your own sleeping bags and teddy bears. After checking in and stowing your gear you can explore all of the exhibits in Heritage State Park has to offer including the National Destroyermen's Museum, the Battleship Cove Fleet, a Victorian Pavilion and the Fall River Carousel.

The carousel is a filly restored "Golden Age" 1920 wooden carousel rescued in 1991 from Lincoln Park upon it’s closing. But be aware that the carousel rides and pricing are a separate event and fee from the overnight camping package at the cove.

The fleet consists of 4 different full size ships and naval destroyers, PT Boats, a submarine, a World War II Japanese Motorboat, 3 Helicopters (Cobra, Huey, & Anti-sub) , a T28 Trainer Plane, and a Landing Craft similar to the type used in delivering troops to the shores during the invasion of Normandy.

Children can climb on the 40MM mounts and crank the hand wheels on the main deck‘s guns. They are also allowed to walk around to investigate the cannons, crawl into the turrets, climb through the doors, walk through the hallways, and walk up the ladders, pretty much exploring everywhere that’s open to the public. For once there is an interactive place where children can learn about history and you don’t have to say “Don’t Touch That!” all the time. Because touching and exploring and climbing through all of the different vessels is an encouraged activity.

As listed on the web site, for the price of the overnight package you get:

1. Two days’ park admission with overnight lodging on board the USS Massachusetts.
2. Full dinner, breakfast, and a box lunch served in the battleship’s Officers’ Wardroom.
3. Feature films shown on board the USS Massachusetts.
4. A rotating schedule of knot-tying and Morse code classes, flag-folding presentations, story-telling, and historical re-enactments.
5. A 16-page souvenir guide with a pull-out map of the USS Massachusetts.
6. Admission to the Marine Museum.
7. Access to exhibits within the hull of the USS Massachusetts including:

• BB59 Memorial Room and Freedom Shrine
• Crewmembers' Hall
• National PT Boat Archives
• Radio Rooms I, II, and III
• Engine Room
• Main Battery Plot
• Gedunk (soda fountain)
• Main Galley
• Sick Bay
• Pearl Harbor and D-Day Invasion Rooms
• YAGR (Radar Picket Ships)
• Exhibit Girl Scouts: Courageous & Strong
• Medal of Honor display
• Model Aircraft Exhibit
• Ordnance Exhibit
• Knot Know-How

To get current pricing, availability, and to book your stay, you have to contact the group sales manager (See info. Listed below). At the time of this posting (Summer 2007) overnight stays were advertised to begin for as little as $40.00, but no other up front prices are shown.

Paula Hague
Battleship Cove
P.O. Box 111
Fall River, MA 02722-0111

p: (508) 678-1100, ext. 101
f: (508) 674-5597
paulah@battleshipcove.org