Location: South Bend
Top Things to do in South Bend
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Top 10 Free Things to do in South Bend, Indiana (IN)
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. University of Notre Dame
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,045 reviews
Renowned for its rich athletic tradition, the university is a beautiful place to visit, with such religious attractions as the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes, the park-like setting of its huge stadium and the abundant artwork.
Reviewed By 408tracyp - Charlotte, United States
What a beautiful campus to explore - all ages If in the area please go and visit , so much to see and do From basketball , ???? trophy display, court, football arena, the Golden dome ...and of Course Touch Down Jesus !
2. Basilica of the Sacred Heart
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 675 reviews
Reviewed By A6261TZrobertm - Darby, United States
I have visited this Basilica many times and it is a beautiful place of worship. Always go there after a Notre Dame Home football game on an annual trip for Catholic Mass Beautiful interior and Statuary.
3. The Exchange Whiskey Bar
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 12 reviews
4. Just Goods
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 12 reviews
Indiana's oldest sustainable living general store. Locally owned and operated since 2003. We offer fair labor and earth-friendly socks, home decor, lunch gear, baby gear, toys, housewares, candles and gifts. South Bend souvenirs and post cards.
5. Grotto of Our Lady Lourdes
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 330 reviews
Reviewed By 196donaldz - South Bend, United States
Lit a candle here yesterday while my dad was undergoing surgery. Have loved this place more than any other since I was a student there many years ago. Will always hold a special place in my heart, weather in the peaceful calm of summer, or the quiet of a snowy winter evening.
6. Hammes Notre Dame Bookstore
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 12 reviews
7. South Bend Farmer's Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 65 reviews
Reviewed By 659gallyp - San Diego, United States
Start off with breakfast at the Cafe and then afterwards shop at the farmers market and get fresh veggies, bread , pies and coffee and teas and handmade crafts & jewelry
8. Purple Porch Co-op
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17 reviews
Purple Porch Co-op is a food co-op in the East Bank of Downtown South Bend. We are a small grocery store that features local and organic foods - including fresh produce, dry goods, bulk foods dairy and meats (and more!). We also have a cafe ("Cafe Max") that offers made-from-scratch soups, salad, sandwiches, baked goods, hot coffee, etc - all with local and/or organic ingredients. Stop by on a Wednesday evening 5-7pm where you'll find our farmers market with producers that offer all local foods. A great opportunity to meet with the farmers and learn about how they grew/produced the food you're about to eat. While we are Member-owners supported, we are very much open to all.
9. River Lights Plaza
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 41 reviews
Reviewed By JMMiller236
In the early evening there is a beautiful walk around river just south of Colfax bridge. The river is illuminated in a variety of colors and the effect is very impressive.
