Located along the St. Joseph River in beautiful Michiana, Mishawaka is a hub of modern entertainment that doesn’t sacrifice the natural beauty of the area or the community living in it. If you’re looking to escape the bustle of city living without forsaking its comforts, a visit to the Princess City is exactly what you need.

Check out some of our favorite things to do while visiting Mishawaka before scheduling your own trip!

Dining

Vinyl Tap & Table

Mishawaka’s favorite burger and wings can be found at Vinyl Tap & Table! Homegrown Mishawaka chefs are preparing a selection of pub favorites at 117 S. Main St, and you’re invited to try. Stop in to sample everything from fresh pork rinds to truffle burgers.

Pasquale Rulli’s Pizza

With 50 years under its belt serving the Mishawaka area, Pasquale Rulli’s Pizza on Division St. is a hometown favorite for a reason. Pasquale Rulli’s keeps the family in family dining by getting to know every customer thanks to its no-delivery, no-reservation policy. Come in to have great pizza, pasta, and conversation the next time you’re in town!

Sun King Brewery

One of the newer additions to Mishawaka’s dining scene, Sun King Brewing has brought its experience as the second-largest brewer in Indiana to 235 Ironworks Drive. With a menu of seasonal beers and edible support from Biebs & Ash Smashburgers, Sun King Brewing’s Mishawaka location is a must-visit whenever you visit the city.

Saltgrass Steak House

When it comes to country dining, Saltgrass Steak House delivers on every front. The steak house has all your favorites – seafood, salads, soups, and, of course, steaks – ready to eat at your preferred specifications after being cooked on an open flame. The climate-controlled patio also ensures that your meal is always eaten with a view. Stop by 5126 N. Main Street to see for yourself!

Jesus Latin Grill

Looking for Latin for your next dinner? Jesus Latin Grill & Tequila Bar brings the best of Latin America right to your plate with its combination of North and South American meal options. Begin your night in Argentina with some empanadas, travel to Brazil for picanha, and end the night in Mexico with Oaxacan lamb birria tacos. Travel the western hemisphere without leaving 122 N. Hill Street!

Evil Czech

Grab your drinking horn and head on down to 3703 N. Main Street for a visit to Evil Czech Brewery! Evil Czech’s menu runs the gamut from your favorite comfort food to one-of-a-kind dishes you won’t find outside its walls. Combine that with an always-growing drink menu, and you’ve got a home away from home you can always come back to.

Sights

Mishawaka Riverwalk

The Mishawaka Riverwalk is a stop every nature lover needs to make when visiting the city. Over two miles of trails against the St. Joseph River with beautiful landscaping, lighting, and bridges connecting both sides of the river, the Riverwalk has quickly become a fixture of downtown Mishawaka for good reason. See for yourself when you head to town!

Shiojiri Garden

Shiojiri Garden in Merrifield Park is a little slice of Japan in the middle of Mishawaka. Take a relaxing stroll through the perfectly tailored garden to forget the day’s worries for a little while. The garden is a physical reminder of Mishawaka’s Sister City status with Shiojiri in Japan, making a visit to 1000 E. Mishawaka Ave. a commitment to connection.

Ironworks Plaza

The City of Mishawaka’s favorite outdoor venue is the sprawling Ironworks Plaza located in the heart of the city. Ironworks Plaza has something for everyone: ice skating, bumper cars, a beer garden, dining, concerts, and more! Ironworks Plaza is a year-round hub of fun in the Princess City.

St. Joseph River

The St. Joseph River is the defining ecological feature in Mishawaka. The 210-mile river offers plenty to do on and along the water. Grab the fishing rod, tow out the kayak, or just bust out the walking shoes for a stroll along the St. Joseph River!

Activities

Mishawaka Market

Mishawaka is all about community, and nowhere is that more apparent than at the Mishawaka Market. Hosted in Ironworks Plaza during the summer, the Mishawaka Market sees 70+ local vendors bring their wares to the community. From fresh produce to crafts and artisan goods, the Mishawaka Market captures the connection and helping-your-neighbor attitude that makes up the spirit of Mishawaka.

Ice skating at the plaza

When the weather starts to drop and the snow starts to fall, the ice rink at Ironworks Plaza opens to the public! The Ironworks Ice Rink is for all levels, with a traditional rink for those looking for a classic experience, as well as a ribbon to spice up the experience. Complete the night with one of the Parks Department’s themed nights, and you’ve got a winter wonderland in the Princess City.

Summer days at Merrifield Park

Merrifield Park at 1000 E. Mishawaka Ave. has a fun collection of outdoor equipment to round out any summer day. Sports fields, playgrounds, a pool, and a connection to the Riverwalk all encourage healthy fun in the sun. If the dog days of summer are wearing you down, check out Merrifield Park and spend some time outdoors!

Weekend at the Res

Ready to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life? The Mishawaka Res is a nature center covering 23 acres with a variety of lodges and cabins available for rent and open trails for a quick escape to the natural world. Get in touch with the green beauty of Michiana and find peace at the Res!

Events

Mishawaka Winterfest

Mishawaka Parks Department’s Winterfest is the city’s kickoff to the winter season, and it’s always a blast! Winterfest helps build holiday cheer with a lighted parade, ice skating, live performances, and a visit from Santa Claus himself. When December hits the city, be on the lookout for details on Winterfest!

Mishawaka Summer Concert Series

What’s better than a concert in the park? A free concert featuring family-friendly acts throughout parks in Mishawaka! The Mishawaka Summer Concert Series brings local talent to the Battell Park Bandshell, the Ball Band Biergarten, and Central Park all through the summer. Close off your summer days with a performance from some of your new favorite artists every week!

Table or Treat at the Riverwalk

Thrills, chills, and more await you at the Mishawaka Riverwalk when Halloween creeps into the city. Local businesses gather for the city’s annual Table or Treat event, handing out candy to all the ghosts, ghouls, and goblins that dare to apparate for this family-friendly and spooktacularly fun Halloween event!

Independence Day

Independence Day in Mishawaka is a celebration like none you’ve seen before. Honor our country’s history with a day full of fun – inflatable bounce houses, live music, games, food trucks, and more! Conclude the night with the city’s annual fireworks show, lighting up the sky in a standout tribute to patriotism.

High Schools

The Princess City is served by a variety of public and private schools that not only offer top-tier education but also a ton of extracurricular activities to support. From basketball and football to robotics and musicals, Mishawaka’s schools are always ready to provide entertainment for the evening. Take a look at our Schools page to see what we cover!

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