Location: South Bend
Top Things to do in South Bend
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10 Nature & Parks in South Bend That You Shouldn't Miss
The 150-year-old University of Notre Dame is South Bend's biggest tourist draw, and for good reason. Though it's not easy to land seats at the 80,000-plus-capacity Notre Dame Stadium for a "Fighting Irish" football game, you'll find plenty of attractions on the beautiful, expansive campus. Highlights include numerous works of art, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart and the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes, a replica of the famous shrine. Football fans will also want to visit the College Football Hall of Fame, which features interesting perspectives on the game and inductee videos. Whether or not you remember the Studebaker automobile, which saw its demise in the early sixties, you're sure to enjoy the Studebaker National Museum, featuring more than 75 vehicles drawn from the history of the company, beginning with horse-drawn carriages. South Bend has several fine museums, including the South Bend Regional Museum of Art and the Northern Indiana Center for History, a complex of four museums. Don't leave without trying truffles or fudge from the South Bend Chocolate Company.
Restaurants in South Bend
1. Seitz Park
2. East Race Waterway
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 61 reviews
Reviewed By 1KOB - South Bend, United States
This experience is unforgettable! No where else offers this experience in their downtown - whitewater rafting within a couple of blocks of a local food co-op, hotels, coffee shops, and fine dining. A fun way to take a break from the everyday, team up, get a little wet, and see South Bend from a new perspective. PLUS: affordable, fun, and easy to access.
3. Potawatomi Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 255 reviews
Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Potawatomi Zoo is home to more than 400 animals and exceeds the standards for Zoos in animal care and quality of life, conservation, and education programs. Potawatomi Zoo is the oldest zoo in Indiana and since its humble origin as a duck pond, it has become a hub of fun and educational activity in the Michiana region. The 2019 Zoo Season is March 29-December 1.
Reviewed By X2121YLrosem
What a hidden gem this place is! Wanted to take the grandkids to the zoo, but wanted to avoid large crowds. Since I have a membership to a local zoo, I looked up reciprocal zoos nearby and saw this one. Located in a neighborhood in South Bend, it features a lion, two different leopard species, a white rhino And more smaller animals. The enclosures are small, but well maintained with toys and other stimuli to keep the animals occupied. Very affordable, masks and social distancing in place. Can’t wait to take out of state grands when they come to visut!
4. Century Center Convention Center
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 22 reviews
Be sure to check out the new interactive River Lights on the Saint Joseph River! We know every event is unique, that's why the Century Center Convention Center is designed to be as versatile as it is attractive. No matter what configuration your event requires, our 75,000 sq. ft. of flexible space can comfortably accommodate your needs, and will definitely ensure an exceptional experience.
5. Rum Village Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 20 reviews
Reviewed By JMMiller236
Really nice disc golf course- great view of downtown from ridge, especially in autumn with the fall foliage in full color.
6. Howard Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By ChrisL872 - Niles, United States
We went with children to Howard Park for ice skating and were stunned by the entire facility. Everything from the skating area to the innovative playground to the indoor facilities is top notch. The skating area is very well designed with a loop as well as a circle of ice off the main circuit. There are assistive "push chairs" for novice skaters and a staff who is ever present and professional One of our party suffered a very bloody lip and the staff was right there to handle the situation. The indoor part of the facility is also well designed with changing area (street shoes for skates), cubbies, lockers and rest rooms. We would highly recommend this for an entertaining two or three hours for any age.
7. St. Patrick's County Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By jd4545456
A beautiful place to visit. We enjoy walking the trails. We have see eagles,fox,deer ,owls, osprey among other woodland creatures. We take our dogs walking most times. There is a very nice payground for the kids. Many pavillions to rent for get togethers.
8. Notre Dame Sculpture Garden
9. Boehm Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
10. Clay Township Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By ChrisL872 - Niles, United States
This is a well run park. It is clean and very well maintained. There is a wide variety of areas for sporting and leisure activities ranging from extensive playground equipment to softball diamonds, soccer fields and disk golf. A circular paved drive is ideal for walking or jogging and there are many shaded areas for simply relaxing. A hiking path along the St. Joe River leads from the park to the Darden Bridge area. There are also picnic areas and a shelter, but reservations may be needed for the pavilion. Parking area in front is handy and is used by quite a few dog walkers. All in all, an impressive small park for which Clay Township should be proud.
