You may know South Bend as the home of Notre Dame, but did you know there are 5 other colleges in town too? Sound Bend is the true definition of a “college town.” It has all the fun hangouts and independent businesses that usually flourish in that environment.
Introduction
Notre Dame is a tourist attraction in and of itself, but South Bend has a lot more to offer. .Where else can you go whitewater rafting right through town! If you’ve ever wanted to feel like you’re in a romantic holiday movie, go to Howard park for ice skating and hot chocolate around the fire.
You could easily spend more than a weekend taking in all the attractions of South Bend. Sometimes, you find a destination that you just keep going back to because it’s easy, fun and there is always something you haven’t explored yet. Madison, Wisconsin is like that for my family. We’ve been back many times over the years and it’s always a success. Every time we’re planning a weekend getaway, it makes the short list of destinations. I can’t wait to see if I feel the same about South Bend.
Trip Length: 2-3 days
Distance from Chicago: 1 Hour 45 Minutes
Travel “Flavors”: Thrill-Seeking, Culture, Romance, Architecture
Itinerary Suggestions
Destination Specific Attractions
East Race Waterway – whitewater rafting in the middle of a city? It may sound weird, but it’s true. The East Race Waterway is a class 2 white water rafting course.
Basilica of the Sacred Heart – this beautiful Gothic Revival church on the Notre Dame campus dates back to the late 1800’s. Even the non-religious will be able to appreciate the architectural detail and the 116 stained glass windows made in France.
Notre Dame Tour – Take a tour of this well-known campus to see all the highlights (including the previously mentioned basilica).
Studebaker National Museum – The Studebaker museum houses the largest collection of presidential carriages (including the one Lincoln used on the night of his assassination) in addition to it’s collections of Studebakers. If you have a drone, you’ll also want to stop by Bendix Woods Park to see Studebaker spelled out with trees..
The History Museum and Oliver Mansion – The History Museum focuses on local and Indiana history and includes the Kidsfirst Children’s Museum. It is also home to the Oliver Mansion, the former home of 19th Century industrialist J.D. Oliver. The 38 room mansion is built in the Romanesque Queen Anne style. It features an epic library which still houses the Oliver family’s book collection!
South Bend Museum of Art – the museum has 5 galleries with a wide variety of art.
River Lights Plaza – the river lights are a cool art installation of various lights that you can interact with to get them to change colors. Sadly, a portion of the exhibition is currently in storage due to construction. It will be returned some time in 2021.
South Bend Chocolate Company – Satisfy your sweet tooth and take a factory tour to learn more about the chocolate making process and this local chocolatier.
Parks and Gardens
Potawatomi Park – Potawatomi Park houses two significant South Bend attractions, the Potawatomi Zoo and Potawatomi Conservatories. The zoo is Indiana’s oldest zoo and has 23 acres of exhibits. It’s a must if you have any red panda lovers in your group. Enjoy a warmer climate all year long at the Muessel-Ellison Conservatory (featuring tropical plants) and the Arizona Desert Dome.
Howard Park – visit Howard Park for some festive ice skating, complete with a fire pit. South Bend Chocolate Company is onsite to serve up hot chocolate too!
Shiojiri Niwa Garden – this Japanese garden is in nearby Mishiwaka. It symbolizes the relationship with Mishiwaka’s sister city, Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture, Japan.
Rum Village Park – if you’re looking to enjoy some time outdoors, stop by the Rum Village Park. You can learn at the nature center, satisfy your inner thrill-seeker at the Edge Adventure Aerial Park and let the furry members of your family run free at the dog park.
Military Honor Park and Museum– there are exhibits on all branches of the military both indoors and outdoors. Outdoor exhibits include military vehicles and memorials.
Food and Lodging
The Garage Arcade Bar – Any gamers in your group? They will love the free-play arcade with classic and modern arcade games at The Garage Arcade Bar.
Morris Inn Notre Dame – For a unique lodging experience check out the Morris Inn, a beautiful, boutique hotel on Notre Dame’s campus.
Travel Accessory
I’m a huge fan of the product and gift lists you see floating around the internet because I usually find some new-to-me product for myself, a friend or family member. I’d like to offer you the same inspiration by highlighting a travel accessory in each post.
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An older version of this bag is one of my prized travel accessories. It’s the perfect size to fit under an airline seat. Plus, the the material is durable and dirt resistant so you don’t have to worry about it being on the floor. There are plenty of pockets for storing important small items and it’s expandable so you’ll have room to for your souvenirs. Over time, I realized that it’s also a great as an overnight bag and I often empty it out to use as a day bag on our trips. You have to keep those all=important snacks somewhere!
Final Thoughts
Those are just the highlights that stood out to me. For more information, check out the Visit South Bend Mishawaka website. If you use my trip suggestions or if you’ve visited any of these locations in the past, please provide your reviews in the comments. Did I miss something? Please add other itinerary suggestions in the comments, especially if they are off the beaten path. Happy vacationing!