South Bend, IN

Travel Guide

Basilica of the Sacred Heart showing heritage architecture and a park
Basilica of the Sacred Heart which includes heritage architecture, flowers and a garden
South Bend showing a city
Mishawaka which includes a river or creek
Mishawaka featuring a garden, cycling and a sunset

This thriving metropolis is known for its revered colleges, arts and entertainment centers, great shopping, restaurants, parks and plazas, and rich local history.

South Bend is a charming city with diversity in its arts, history, universities and shopping. Begin your stay exploring downtown. Find local, regional and international goods as well as boutique and handmade arts and crafts. Dining options are plentiful, with everything from counterculture coffee and ethnic foods to fine dining. 

The colleges in South Bend foster a vibrant community of intellectual, scientific, artistic and sporting pursuits. See the iconic gilded Golden Dome and the statue of Mary on the main building at the University of Notre Dame. 

Arts are big in South Bend so enjoy seeing a show or hearing the symphony orchestra play at the beautiful Morris Performing Arts Center. Originally built in 1921, the Morris Performing Arts Center is on the National Register for Historic Places. 

If you are a history buff, be sure to walk through the Oliver Mansion and Center for History, the Victorian mansion that was Joseph D. Oliver’s house he was the inventor of the chilled plow. Visit the indoor museum at the Military Honor Park and take the little ones to the children’s museum. Discover how Christian faith influenced life in South Bend at the Taylor Memorial Chapel and the Grotto of Our Lady at the University of Notre Dame.

With an array of parks and recreational centers, South Bend offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activity. Take a morning stroll through the city’s parks and gardens on the designated Riverwalk trails. Visit the wildlife oasis of Rum Village Nature Center and walk or bike through the woodlands. Take the kids to the Potawatomi Zoo and discover scientific gems and historical artifacts at the Hannah Lindahl Children’s Museum.

South Bend is in North Central Indiana, 96 miles (155 kilometers) east of Chicago. The most efficient way to get around is by Transpo, the local bus system. If you choose to drive, the city is easy to navigate and taxis are readily available.

Where to stay in South Bend

University of Notre Dame which includes wildflowers, a church or cathedral and a garden

Northeast South Bend

4/5(5 area reviews)

When in Northeast South Bend, you can plan a visit to Compton Family Ice Arena and Morris Performing Arts Center, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Northeast South Bend
South Bend which includes signage and flowers

Downtown South Bend

While visiting Downtown South Bend, you might make a stop by sights like Morris Performing Arts Center and Studebaker National Museum.

Downtown South Bend
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Wooded Estates

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Wooded Estates and surrounding area, you can visit Compton Family Ice Arena and Notre Dame Stadium.

Wooded Estates
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Harters Heights

While Harters Heights isn't home to many top sights, Compton Family Ice Arena and Notre Dame Stadium are some notable places to visit nearby.

Harters Heights
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Near Northwest

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Near Northwest and surrounding area, you can visit South Bend Civic Theater and Morris Performing Arts Center.

Near Northwest
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River Park

While River Park might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Potawatomi Zoo and East Race Waterway.

River Park
Wingate by Wyndham South Bend/Notre Dame

Wingate by Wyndham South Bend/Notre Dame

3 out of 5
52890 State Rt 933 N, South Bend, IN
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NT$2,201 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
NT$2,201
NT$2,531 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in South Bend. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
Wingate by Wyndham South Bend/Notre Dame
The Inn at Saint Mary's

The Inn at Saint Mary's

3.5 out of 5
53993 Indiana State Route 933, South Bend, IN
The price is NT$2,999 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
NT$2,999
NT$3,449 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in South Bend. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
The Inn at Saint Mary's
La Quinta Suites by Wyndham South Bend Notre Dame Area

La Quinta Suites by Wyndham South Bend Notre Dame Area

3 out of 5
52554 STATE ROAD 933, South Bend, IN
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NT$2,999 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
NT$2,999
NT$3,449 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in South Bend. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
La Quinta Suites by Wyndham South Bend Notre Dame Area
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Villas at French Lick Springs

The Villas at French Lick Springs

3 out of 5
8718 W State Road 56, French Lick, IN
Stay at this 3-star condo in French Lick. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
The Villas at French Lick Springs
The Residences at CityWay

The Residences at CityWay

4 out of 5
302 S Alabama St, Indianapolis, IN
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly apartment in Indianapolis. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Lucas Oil Stadium and ...
The Residences at CityWay
CozySuites at Block20

CozySuites at Block20

2.5 out of 5
423 E Michigan St, Indianapolis, IN
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Indianapolis. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and in-room washers/dryers. Popular attractions Lucas Oil Stadium ...
CozySuites at Block20
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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