20 Fascinating Things To Do In South Bend, Indiana

1. Visit The Potawatomi Zoo

The Potawatomi Zoo is one of the oldest running zoos in Indiana. It started as a duck pond and has become a hub of fun and interactive activities in the Michiana region.

This zoo boasts over four hundred animals that are well taken care of, quality, and in good conversation. Observe and learn about the animals seven days a week.

Moreover, the South Bend Zoo staff are compassionate, hard-working, and kind, ensuring ways to evolve your zoo experience in wonderful ways. If you are visiting during prime rush hours, do purchase tickets beforehand online to avoid more wait time.

2. Stop By The Notre Dame Stadium

The stadium is among the leading attractions that a visitor to South Bend Indiana needs to visit. This sporting arena is part of the University of Notre Dame constructed in 1930.

Even if one does not have an interest in football, particularly following Notre Dame, seeing the stadium is highly advised. It is simple but quite splendid with no bad sight lines. If you get the opportunity to see a game, take full advantage of it.

The view of the Touchdown Jesus from the stadium is amazing. Moreover, the Golden Dome, the Gotto, and the Basilica are not to-be-missed highlights as well.

3. Watch Entertainment Shows At The Morris Performing Arts Center

Many people prefer this center located in Northwest Indiana for live entertainment. You will be amazed by the number of concerts, symphonies, dances, comedies, family shows, and many South Bend events that take place here.

The center is also home to the South Bend Symphony Orchestra and Broadway Theatre League. With a seating capacity of 2,564, this place constantly gets ranked among the best venues for watching entertainment.

Steep seats provide a good view of the stage. The inside is beautifully constructed with multiple concessions and bathrooms.

4. Explore The Studebaker National Museum

Studebaker National Museum is a nice museum with neat cars and the world's largest collection of Presidential Carriages. It offers a nifty experience, like stepping into a time capsule.

Here you will learn how the renowned Studebaker Corporation transformed from being one of the first wagon makers to framing the cars of the contemporary world. They are the only company that could do this successfully.

The museum is divided into three floors with a great display of the products built during the 114 years in business. After paying a small extra amount, you can visit this museum and the National History Museum as part of the same visit.

5. Spend A Relaxing Time At The Basilica of the Sacred Heart

If you are visiting Notre Dame University, take some time to visit this Basilica. It has a spiritual ambiance with great beauty. The neo-gothic architecture with the gorgeous painted murals and stained glass windows, a grand pipe organ, and traditional mass rituals are the highlights of this place.

Other highlights include the Corinthian columns and symbolic incense. Many students from the campus visit this place in search of solitude and prayers.

Parking can be troublesome but once you get through, you get a free pass to visit the church for an hour. You do not need a reservation but try to visit during weekdays.

6. Witness The Baseball Match At Four Winds Field

One of the best venues in all of South Bend to watch baseball games. This field is the home ground of the South Bend Cubs. They are the minor league team associated with the Chicago Cubs.

People commend the place for its facilities, as well as, the involvement of the community. Everyone is welcome, from families who want to play a round to clients attending tournaments.

It also serves as the venue for community programs, and there is a Synagogue in this stadium that is also operational as a gift shop and occasional place of worship.

7. Indulge In Outdoor Activities At Warren Dunes State Park

Warren Dunes State Park is a nice park that is located not so far from South Bend. Its giant sand hills tower high above Lake Michigan with majestic dunes dominating the landscape.

The three miles of sand beach frontage and six miles of nature trails are available for hiking. Some of the activities that many people consider enjoying include dune climbing and swimming.

Further, there are some campgrounds for those who would like to spend their night in the park. This place is well-loved by bird watchers and families because of the beautiful scenery and the opportunity to observe different birds. You might also want to explore these things to do in Lake Michigan.

8. Shop At The South Bend Farmer's Market

The market is an open-air social place where people go to buy their fresh foods, breads, and other basket items. The place has many options of vendors, and many like the Polish Bakery and the Italian Deli lot.

Besides the welcoming ambiance, others can savor the tasty food at the market cafe and the brunch. Despite being known for convenience, many people appreciate the community atmosphere.

This makes it preferable to visit at the weekend with children and for cuisine lovers. Local culture is at its best here!

9. Practice Rafting and Kayaking At East Race Waterways

If you are in doubt as to what to do in South Bend, then spend some fun time watching the kayakers go down the river. These waterways are one of the first man-made whitewater courses in North America, started in 1984.

The East Race diversion is just south of the Century Center. You can adjust the rapids according to your experience levels. The noise levels rise high since the flooded water furiously rushes throughout the raceway.

This is one of the best ways to spend your summer weekend in South Bend. The rides are exciting and it's fairly cheap. You get the best kayaking training in all over the United States.

10. Take Your Kids To The Howard Park

Howard Park is an ideal place for children of all ages. There are numerous play structures to play with and climb on. They also have a splash pad, which is often liked by small kids.

Because the park is situated right in the middle of downtown, do expect some crowd. However, don't let this factor stop you from visiting, as there is a lot of room in the park for everyone to enjoy.

There are also places to bike or walk around the river and watch the colorful river lights at night. It is a very popular attraction in the evening and from there you can walk to other drinking joints and restaurants in South Bend.

11. Try Your Luck At Four Winds Casino South Bend

This place is right around the corner from Indianapolis. When you get there, you will be shocked by the classic designs, approximately five restaurants, and a massive space for amusement.

The gaming floor features a 55,000 square foot with approximately 1,600 game options. Some of these are the progressive jackpots that can change your life and 10 active poker tables.

They also have free drink stations with a no-smoking environment. You may take a leisure stroll around the outdoor grounds which are well-maintained and beautiful. There are many things to do in Indianapolis, that you might want to try after this activity.

12. Self-Guided Tour of The History Museum

Usually, you get a tour of this place with the price of admission to the Studebaker Museum. Start the excursion with a video of the history of the family who made this building and then donated it to the city.

The house along with all its furnishings were contributed when the last surviving member of the family passed away at the age of 99. Clothes, artwork, dishes, silverware, and all other things went down to the city and the museum.

The house itself stands impressive and the interior is breathtaking. You will have a great time visiting the several rooms and seeing the items on display. If you want to see only one thing in South Bend, this should be the place.

13. Watch A Game At Compton Family Ice Arena

The Compton Family Ice Arena is an indoor space for playing hockey at the University of Notre Dame. With a seating of over 5,000, there are two-rink ice facilities. All the seats are good and you might feel like sitting right on the ice.

You will enter with extremely easy parking and walk a short distance to the entrance of the facility. Try to visit during the Notre Dame Fighting Irish Men’s Hockey Game.

The energy and cheering on the team will create an electrifying experience. Concessions burgers and homemade pretzels are also quite popular.

14. Spot Exhibits At The Indiana Dinosaur Museum

Everyone who loves dinosaurs will have fun at the museum. There are 43 life-sized steel dinosaur replicas and 30 actual fossils of these extinct animals, along with the added attraction of preserved dinosaur skin.

Fossils can be hunted and a working research lab can be easily set up for children to engage in experience. Many other attractions are found within the same compound as the museum.

That includes trails, a bison enclosure, and the South Bend Chocolate Co. factory where you can get candy after the dino tour.

15. Tour The South Bend Chocolate Factory and Museum

Chocolate lovers consider the South Bend Chocolate Factory and Museum an entertaining leisure spot. There is a guided tour through which one can learn how chocolate is made and also get the opportunity to make the chocolate spoon.

This museum owns a large number of chocolate souvenirs and keeps hundreds of years of Mayan chocolate pots. Samples to enjoy and the smiling faces of the staff ensure that all ages have a sweet time.

It is a perfect place to grab a snack, especially something sweet while listening to some historical fun facts about the place and its nearby attractions.

16. Stroll Around The University of Notre Dame

The University established in 1842 is located just north of the city of South Bend. It is especially renowned for its stately campus, including the famous Golden Dome as well as the Basilica of the Sacred Heart.

This Catholic university has a solid academic profile. The programs in theology and engineering are the most popular and student activities are actively developed.

A significant part of students, approximately 80% of them, live in campus accommodations. The football team known as the Fighting Irish contributes to the lively spirit of the school and is warm in the hearts of American athletes.

17. Savor Some Indian Foods At India Garden Restaurant

The India Garden Restaurant is a true gem of a place for South Bend Indiana food. As famous for its classy ambiance, it provides a range of cuisines and there are Indian favorites butter chicken and paneer shahi korma.

This restaurant offers garlic naan and mango lassi which people love and therefore is one of the good South Bend restaurants for newbies. The eatery is at 615 W Edison Rd and it has a lunch buffet on weekends only.

It embodies a great environment with some of the best services and generous portions enough for casual and special occasions.

18. View Numerous Art At The Raclin Murphy Museum of Art

The Raclin Murphy Museum of Art is a refreshing part of Notre Dame University. Established in December 2023 to display art, it has 23 different galleries and about a thousand artistic collections, such as prints, textiles, and contemporary.

It is open to the public without charge and houses an excellent sculpture garden. You should visit if you are interested in viewing arts of various cultures and ages.

19. Free Games At The Garage Arcade Bar

It is a free-play arcade bar so there is no need to think about quarters spent on classic games like the Ms. Pac-Man or Galaga. This club in the East Bank community caters to people over 21 years and they have music and special events most nights.

The arcade games can be played indoors and rounds of corn hole are preferred at the outdoor seating area. The drinks are good and there is always something happening around. Great for a night out or for sharing gaming memories of one's childhood.

Saturdays can get pretty busy, especially in the evening. Try visiting from Sunday to Thursday for a chilling stay.

20. Stay At The Aloft South Bend

This is one of the premium hotels in South Bend with a contemporary facility. Situated downtown, it is 6 miles from the University of Notre Dame.

It has beautiful rooms with good-sized beds and possesses a wash and shower. Some of the amenities include; W XYZ a place where guests can find tapas and cocktails, and an indoor pool.

And there is 24 hr gym to keep you fit while on your stay. It must also be noted that the hotel allows guests to bring in their pets as well.