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St Joseph
St Joseph River Lights
St Joseph ND Leprecaun MC
St Joseph Morris Inn Lobby
St Joseph Farmers Market
Buildings in Downtown New Carlisle
St Joseph Family
St Joseph East Race Boat
St Joseph Dog Days
St Joseph Dining the vine
Family at Potato Creek State Park
South Bend
Home > Places to Go > South Bend Mishawaka

Things to do in South Bend

South Bend Mishawaka is a destination for making memories. Adventure seekers can white water raft through downtown. Fans of food can experience international cuisine with fresh ingredients in every bite and wet their whistle with a local brew. A sports fanatic will be able to catch a game in a ballpark that serves to entertain every fan, or tour a stadium where the roar of the crowd from games past still reverberate off the bleachers. Local museums tell the story of The Bend’s past while new attractions like an interactive river light display build towards its future.

There is no need to hop on a plane to find fun and adventure. South Bend Mishawaka’s ideal location in the Midwest provides an easy drive from major cities such as Chicago, Indianapolis, Detroit and Columbus. Your weekend getaway is just around The Bend.

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South Bend

More traditional than trendy

There is nothing better than quality time with family and friends, and you’ll get plenty of that in South Bend. Visit the University of Notre Dame where the school’s beauty greets you the moment you enter campus and are welcomed by the Golden Dome. In the summer, cool off as you battle rapids on the only urban white water rafting course in North America at the East Race Waterway. Music lovers can attend concerts of best-selling artists at the Morris Performing Arts Center or listen to local musicians perform on Sunday evenings at the Chris Wilson Pavilion at Potawatomi Park, one of the many area parks.  Baseball fans can visit Four Winds Field to see the South Bend Cubs – the kids will love all the activities available at this award-winning ballpark.

In between visiting Indiana’s first zoo, the Potawatomi Zoo, and taking a look at the world’s largest collection of U.S. Presidential Carriages at the Studebaker National Museum, indulge your taste buds with some good eats and cold drinks in downtown South Bend. Sit down for a candle lit dinner or enjoy a slice of pizza before you wash down your meal with a cold beverage at one of South Bend’s brew pubs. Afterwards, satisfy your sweet tooth with dessert at a number of local establishments.

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Mishawaka

Unexpected exploration

There are plenty of outdoor experiences to be had in Mishawaka. See the city from a unique perspective and discover the many Mishawaka parks as you stroll along The Riverwalk. Take the kids for a picnic at Central Park where they can play in the splash pad and climb the jungle gym. The Shiojiri Niwa Japanese Garden is where the Far East meets Indiana’s Cool North. This authentic Japanese “strolling garden” features lush plant life, beautiful bridges, and a teahouse pavilion making it a popular site for summer weddings. There are so many things to do in Mishawaka!

Shop till you drop at one of the largest retail centers in the Midwest, get hands-on with interactive exhibits at the Hannah Lindahl Children’s Museum, or dine at one of the numerous familiar restaurants in town. Kick up your feet and relax at the Mishawaka’s premiere bed and breakfast, Beiger Mansion Inn.

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New Carlisle

More than just a small town

New Carlisle is small town America at its finest, and dedicated residents have worked hard to preserve its historic legacy. A stroll through downtown offers a look at lovingly maintained historic buildings that are home to a collection of unique shops and more restaurants than you’d expect to find in a small town.

Take a trip back in time at the beautifully restored The Inn at the Old Republic. This 1861 Italian mansion now serves as a bed and breakfast and offers the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. The Old Republic was even featured in the 1989 film, Prancer. During your stay, journey through the county parks in New Carlisle, Bendix Woods and Spicer Lake, for some added outdoor adventure. Don’t miss schnitzel, strudel and more at Moser’s Austrian Café, one of Midwest Living’s stops on the South Bend Foodie Trail.

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North Liberty

Kayaking at Potato Creek State Park

Searching for a break from the daily grind of city life? You’ll find it in North Liberty. Trade in the hustle and bustle of a big city for a peaceful walk along one of the trails at Potato Creek State Park where the only sounds you will hear are the birds chirping among the trees and the water splashing on the shore at the 327-acre Worster Lake.

Potato Creek is an exceptional retreat. Take your bike out for a spin, or rent a canoe, paddleboat, or kayak and head out on to the lake. Have a family picnic, go fishing for bass, or simply lay out on the sand and enjoy the beach. Spend the afternoon at the park or camp out overnight and fall asleep underneath the stars.

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