Things to do in South Bend

Notre Dame

A vibrant and legendary campus

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.  Visitors delight in discovering the university’s Golden Dome, classic Gothic architecture, and expansive quadrangles on walking tours, either on their own or with a student guide.

Start your visit at the Eck Visitors Center, which provides a look at Notre Dame’s history and offers guided campus tours. It’s also home to the legendary Hammes Bookstore, filled with Notre Dame paraphernalia.  Play a round of golf on one of two campus courses or view iconic masterpieces at  the Snite Museum of Art with more than 23,000 works.

Attend a Mass at the ornate and inspiring Basilica of the Sacred Heart and tour the famous church. The Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes is the place to pray and find peace and solace.

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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.  There is so much more than just Notre Dame. 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 and then catch the river lights.

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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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