City in the Spotlight: South Bend

As the seat of St. Joseph County, South Bend is a hub of activity for Michiana residents, travellers, and visitors. With a bevy of fun activities and easy access to Chicago and beyond thanks to the South Shore Line, a trip to the Metropolis of Northern Indiana is never dull.

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

Dining

Café Navarre

South Bend’s dining scene is known for its atmospheric venues, delicious food, and connection to the community. Café Navarre on N Michigan St. brings all three elements to the forefront for a meal unlike any other. Located in a historic downtown building with a menu featuring fine dining dishes sure to sate your hunger, you can’t go wrong with a trip to South Bend’s favorite Italian café. 

South Bend Chocolate Company

Where the Region has Albanese, Michiana has the South Bend Chocolate Company. With locations throughout the city, including the Chocolate Café and Outlet Store on Lincolnway, the South Bend Chocolate Company can satisfy any sweet tooth with its array of assorted chocolates, caramels, and crunches. Swing by and say hi the next time you’re in town!

Peggs

Nothing can start your day quite like a home-cooked meal at Peggs. Founded by South Bend native Peg Dalton to deliver the best breakfast and lunch to her hometown, Peggs has become a South Bend staple and a must visit on every trip to the city. With a menu featuring all your breakfast favorites and service that makes you feel like part of the community, making a stop at 127 S. Michigan St. should always be on the itinerary.

Crooked Ewe

Right along the St. Joseph River is Crooked Ewe, one of South Bend’s premier breweries. Crooked Ewe offers a plethora of food and drinks for diners of all ages, from the boldest of the bold to the mildest of the mild. Whether you’re looking to grab a beer after work or taking the whole family out for a night on the river, Crooked Ewe has what you need. Stop in at 1047 Lincolnway to see for yourself.

Fiddler’s Hearth

Fiddler’s Hearth brings a healthy dose of Celtic culture to downtown South Bend with a menu featuring a collection of Irish, Scottish, and Welsh delights. In addition to your meal, enjoy live performances of traditional music from Ireland, Appalachia, and more. Grab your tartan and head out to 127 N Main St. for a taste of Celtic magic.

Sights

Howard Park

South Bend’s Howard Park has been a community hub for ages as the oldest park in the city. With an ADA-compliant playground, multiple event venues, a one-of-a-kind ice trail, walks along the St. Joseph River, splash fountains, and more, a trip to Howard Park has something for the whole family to enjoy. From hot summer days to chill winter evenings, you’ll have plenty of reasons to get outdoors for some fun at Howard Park.

University of Notre Dame

The home of the Fighting Irish always has something for the community! From sports to lectures to art exhibits and more, the University of Notre Dame is one of the most popular destinations in the South Bend area. With a sprawling campus filled with beautiful architecture, even a walk around the university can be a highlight of your day.

South Bend Murals

South Bend has a vibrant, active public arts community that makes the city feel more alive and ever-changing. Many of the most visible projects in the art scene are downtown South Bend’s murals. Take a walk through downtown South Bend to see the colorful sights gracing South Bend’s walls. Snap a pic or just enjoy the view on your trip!

St. Joseph River

Running through South Bend is the lifeblood of the city: the St. Joseph River. This natural landmark has been tied to South Bend’s history since the very beginning, and it still attracts business and visitors every day. From fishing and kayaking to light shows and riverwalks, the St. Joseph River has remained a core part of South Bend’s identity.

Things to do

Studebaker Museum

Studebaker helped turn South Bend into a regional powerhouse by bringing production, jobs, and progress to the city, and the Studebaker National Museum helps to keep that legacy alive. With a collection of Studebaker vehicles, as well as other important relics like Abraham Lincoln’s carriage, spark your imagination and relive South Bend’s history with a day trip to the museum.

Indiana Dinosaur Museum

If you’ve got an interest in dinosaurs or some interactive science fun, the Indiana Dinosaur Museum is the perfect place for you! Participate in a fossil dig, check out life-size dinosaur skeletons, and learn more on guided tours as you travel back to the past to a land before time.

Raclin Murphy Museum of Art

The Raclin Murphy Museum of Art at the University of Notre Dame collects and displays works of art from around the world, making it a global journey every visit. Open Tuesday through Sunday with free admission, the Raclin Murphy Museum of Art is the perfect place for a quiet afternoon of contemplation, a study of different artistic traditions, or a jolt of creativity that inspires you to create something of your own.

Four Winds Field

South Bend is home to the South Bend Cubs, the minor league counterpart to the Chicago Cubs. A game at Four Winds Field under the sun with a hotdog in one hand and a cold drink in the other is always a good time. Whether you’re a baseball aficionado or a summer fanatic looking to enjoy the South Bend community, Four Winds Field is the place to be.

Four Winds South Bend

The Four Winds Casinos’ South Bend location has become a city staple thanks to its world-class entertainment, dining, and gaming experience. A trip to the South Bend location can begin with a relaxing trip to the Cedar Spa followed by dinner at the Copper Rock Steakhouse with a bit of time for gaming before your A-list entertainment takes the stage at the Ribbon Town Conference and Event Center. When it’s all over and you’re ready for bed, just check into one of the luxurious suites! The party never has to end when you visit Four Winds Casinos.

Events

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

The City of South Bend turns green every March 17 for St. Patrick’s Day! The whole city comes together for the festivities—from whiskey tastings and beer gardens to the annual parade through downtown. If you’re looking to taste a bit of Irish culture, South Bend is the place to be for the holiday!

4th of July 

The summers in South Bend are always packed with fun, and that’s doubly true on the 4th of July! With parades, fireworks, concerts, and more to help you celebrate our country, you’ll never want for something to do when Independence Day comes to the Bend!

Art Beat

South Bend’s art scene doesn’t stay alive without a little help! The annual Art Beat festival calls on artists from throughout Michiana to gather downtown for a day of art in all forms! Dance, painting, music, poetry, cooking—it can all be seen during Art Beat as you walk from booth to booth. Take in the sights and sounds or make them yourself when the festival comes around!

Four Winds events

There’s always happening at the Four Winds Casinos’ South Bend location. Whether it’s a pool party in the summer, acrobats at Christmas, or a concert from world-class rockers, a trip to Four Winds is never wasted. Make sure to check out the full list of entertainment as well as current promotions before planning your visit!

Notre Dame games

The University of Notre Dame’s sports teams are some of the best in the state, with the Fighting Irish always being a team to watch. Whether you’re just looking to spend an afternoon or already have your season tickets purchased, you know you’re in for a treat when Notre Dame takes the field.

High schools

The City of South Bend 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, South Bend’s schools are always ready to provide entertainment for the evening. Take a look at our Schools page to see what we cover!

Did we miss your favorite part of South Bend? Share it with us and to help us make our guide the best in Michiana!