Mishawaka is a city located on the St. Joseph River in St. Joseph County, Penn Township, in the state of Indiana, United States.
Nicknamed “The Princess City,” Mishawaka, according to the 2020 census, had a population of 51,063.
In the early 1830s, the history of Mishawaka started with the discovery of bog iron deposits. Settlers who came to find deposits established the city of St. Joseph Iron Works.
Mishawaka offers visitors a chance to fully integrate into its community by upholding the tradition of hospitality.
Some of the best places to visit in Mishawaka, IN, include Central Park, University Park Mall, Legend Park, Robert C. Beutter Riverfront Park, InRugCo Studio & Gift Shop, Strikes and Spares Entertainment Center, and more.
Are you planning a trip to Mishawaka? Here are the best and fun things to do in Mishawaka, Indiana.
Things to Do in Mishawaka, Indiana
1. The Riverwalk
The Riverwalk
What else should be on your list of top things to do in Mishawaka, IN, rather than a visit to the Riverwalk
The Riverwalk is a significant symbol in Mishawaka, which flows through the town at a calm speed to where it rolls over the Twin Branch and Mishawaka dams.
The Riverwalk is enclosed in the middle of the city by a biking or walking trail on various banks between the Mishawaka Dam.
It is characterized by beautiful lighting, signage, a nice landscape, and a footbridge dividing Bettel and Beutter parks.
The Riverwalk offers great views of the river. It is a better route to get to the Mishawaka Farmers market during the summer months.
Address: N Spring St, Mishawaka, IN 46544, United States
2. Kamm Island
Kamm Island
If you’re in the mood for casting lines and waiting to make a big catch, add a visit to Kamm Island to your list of top things to do in Mishawaka, Indiana.
Kamm Island is located in the city’s heart and can be easily accessed from the Mishawaka Riverwalk.
The Island stretches for more than 7.5 acres featuring a footbridge that offers access to the park. You can throw your line into any of the fishing spots on the playground just along St. Joseph River.
The river is proclaimed one of the best rivers for fishing in the state, with lots of Smallmouth bass, Chinook salmon, Coho salmon, walleye, and steelhead trout.
Address: Kamm Island Pl, Mishawaka, IN 46544, United States
3. Central Park
Central Park, located on the Mishawaka Riverwalk, features a footbridge that stretches over the river just close to the dam.
Central Park is a 12.8 acres family-friendly Park and one of the largest of the twenty-six public parks in Mishakawa.
This Park is a favorite place for numerous families, especially during the summer, due to the amazing splash pad and outdoor concerts held every Thursday night at the new bandstand.
The Park features five pavilions and several picnic tables with grills where families can enjoy a nice picnic together.
Central Park also features a playground for children, which is fully equipped with numerous play equipment.
Here, you will find lighted tennis courts and a lighted basketball court where you can engage in friendly competitions with your pals. Having a picnic in Central Park is one of the best things to do in Mishawaka, Indiana.
Address: 295 E Mishawaka Ave, Mishawaka, IN 46545, United States
4. The Beiger Mansion
Beiger Mansion
The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was the home of Martin and Susie Beiger, the originators of Mishawaka’s Ball Band footwear.
The curb appeal with the fountain and vintage planters in the front yard at the Beiger Mansion is spectacular and captivating.
The Beiger Mansion offers access to its hot tub and heated pool found in its gardens from April through October.
There is a fully equipped fitness center that guests can visit to keep fit or shed some extra calories.
The Beiger Mansion still follows the custom of entertaining as the home’s elegance offers an ideal setting for various events, including business meetings, weddings, and so on.
Why not live in a historic structure with immense touches from the ancient eras offering a comfortable and peaceful environment?
Address: 317 Lincolnway E Hwy, Mishawaka, IN 46544, United States
5. Evil Czech Brewery and Public House
Are you looking for what to do in Mishawaka, Indiana? Then, visit Evil Czech Brewery and Public House to relax and enjoy some bottles of beer.
Czech founded evil Czech Brewery and Public House through his philosophy of adventure, which helped him create the best restaurant crew.
They use only the best ingredients to prepare meals in a kitchen filled with passionate and dedicated individuals.
While relaxing at their large pub, you can enjoy your beers with any of their meals, including brick oven pizzas.
Evil Czech Brewery and Public House serves delicious meals like burgers, tacos, mac & cheese, poutine, sandwiches, and more.
They offer beers like Nefarious Harbor, Stalin’s Dark Side, Evil Czechmunk, Three Six Hoppia, Bigsby White Stout, George Patton, Voodoo, and more.
Address: 3703 N Main St, Mishawaka, IN 46545, United States
6. Strikes and Spares Entertainment Center
Strikes and Spares Entertainment Center is a fun facility with several attractions. Strikes and Spares Entertainment Center is the perfect place for family gatherings, nights out with friends, date nights, and more. It features numerous fun things to do in Mishawaka, IN.
There is a bowling alley that offers visitors an amazing bowling experience with lights which adds party vibes.
The Center features an indoor go-kart track, bumper cars, nine-hole mini golf, junior karts, and an agility course designed in a ninja warrior style.
Strikes and Spares Entertainment Center also features bumper cars, a bounce pad, and bounce houses with an arcade room featuring numerous games.
There is a lane side and grill and a snack bar that offers handmade wings, burgers, pizzas, wings, and more.
There are birthday packages for children and a space for different events, including corporate parties, family reunions, and more.
Address: 5419 N Grape Rd, Mishawaka, IN 46545, United States
7. Mega Play
For a fun family day out, visit Mega Play in Mishawaka. This family fun center encompasses 39,000 square feet.
Mega Play is a perfect place for everyone, irrespective of their age. It is an anchor organization at Mishawaka’s Town & Country Shopping Center.
It features a pad jousting arena, an 18-hole indoor mini golf course, and a play area of 800 square feet consisting of slides & tunnels, climbing rope, and a ball pit.
There is an extensive collection of digital and real-world games, including Pole Position, Air hockey, Foosball, Galaga, and Pac-Man.
Mega Play is a great place to spend time with your group of friends, colleagues, family members, or neighbors.
Address: 2500 Miracle Lane D, Mishawaka, IN 46545, United States
8. Robert C. Beutter Riverfront Park
For a memorable time with your family and friends, chilling at Robert C. Beutter Riverfront Park is among the best things to do in Mishawaka, Indiana.
Robert C. Beutter Riverfront Park features the St. Joseph River, which is one of its major attractions where visitors can actually relax.
The river is popular for water birds, including geese and ducks. A well-catered perennial garden borders it.
You will be amazed by how gorgeous and charming the river is with its unique elliptical shape and underwater lighting.
Robert C. Beutter Riverfront Park was named after Robert C. Butter to commemorate the numerous years he served as Mayor from 1984 to 2003.
Address; 120 Ironworks Ave, Mishawaka, IN 46544, United States
Planning a road trip in Indiana, check out our guide on things to do in Carmel and things to do in Fort Wayne for a fun time, create your bucket list now!.
9. InRugCo Studio & Gift Shop
InRugCo Studio & Gift Shop
InRugCo Studio & Gift Shop is the number one location in Mishakwa for unique and locally made items or gifts.
It is a family-owned and operated business that offers customized pillow covers, area rugs, souvenirs, aprons, and gifts.
The store also offers carefully made products obtained from different parts of the world, including handpicked items for gardens, kitchens, and homes.
InRugCo Studio & Gift Shop also displays gourmet food, jewelry, women’s clothing, kitchen supplies, garden accessories, rugs, and patio items.
You will find popular brands like Spice House Spices, Darn Tough Socks, Lodge Cast Iron, Joy Susan Purses, Cotopaxi, and more.
Their brick-and-mortar company is dedicated to offering customers an amazing shopping experience plus great customer service.
InRugCo Studio & Gift Shop owners and staff are hardworking people who showcase great hospitality qualities.
Address: 220 E Mishawaka Ave, Mishawaka, IN 46545, United States
10. Battell Park
Battell Park
Founded in 1881, Battell Park is yet another magnificent waterfront park that is also linked to the Riverwalk.
Battell Park is a historic district mentioned in 1996 on the National Register of Historic Places.
There are two significant monuments here: the cooper-domed bandshell built in 1927 using the classical revival style and the War Memorial of Soldiers(1884).
It also features a gorgeous cascading garden with five layers, including an arched bridge, a good number of pools, and a waterfall which were included during the Great Depression.
Battell Park is host to several important events in Mishawaka, including theatrical concerts and productions and others held during holidays.
You can also explore lighted tennis courts, a splash pad, a basketball court, and a large playground, including a picnic area with several picnic tables and grills and a gazebo perfect for private special events. It’s obviously one of the best places to visit in Mishawaka, IN.
Address: 301 W Mishawaka Ave, Mishawaka, IN 46545, United States
11. Putt-Putt Fun Center
Putt-Putt Fun Center is the number one location for a large mini golf course where you can visit to test your swinging skills.
This Center features three 18-hole courses for visitors to pick from and explore, with an arcade section packed with numerous redemption games.
There are several varieties that imply that you could play a particular golf course over and over again without getting tired.
Accuracy and skill are highly needed here as there is an absolute absence of bonkers obstacles. They offer specials for multiple games if you’re visiting with a large group or you need more challenges.
Putt-Putt Fun Center offers a clean, safe and friendly environment for families to experience fantastic entertainment for pocket-friendly costs.
They offer a wide variety of birthday options for everyone; you can call them and make reservations for your next party.
Address: 3615 N Main St, Mishawaka, IN 46545, United States
12. Shiojiri Niwa
Shiojiri Niwa is a place with lots of history surrounding it. It is definitely a must-visit for every history fanatic.
This property was established in 1987 to commemorate the relationship between Mishawaka and Shiojiri, referred to as its Japanese sister town in Nagano Prefecture.
This beautiful strolling garden has a full tea house pavilion designed by a landscape architect, Shoji Kanaoka, at Epcot Center of Disney World.
Shiojiri Niwa is decorated with several symbols, including the garden bridge, which signifies the connection between paradise and the world.
According to reports, the zigzag bridge offers visitors an opportunity to escape evil spirits when they cross it.
The main goal of establishing this Japanese garden is to promote natural forms and provide a calming beauty that takes visitors away from their worries into a natural environment to relax and reflect.
Address: 450 N Niles Ave, Mishawaka, IN 46544, United States
13. University Park Mall
University Park Mall is located a few blocks from the Notre Dame campus in the northern part of Mishakwaka as an upscale mall.
Simon Property Group established this shopping mall. It has continued to serve Mishawaka and other neighboring areas, including South Bend, Elkhart, and Southern Michigan.
It houses more than one hundred and twenty stores, including anchor stores like Macy’s, JCPenney, and Barnes & Noble.
University Park Mall features numerous well-known brands such as Micheal Kors, Sephora, Apple, J. Crew, Vans & Loft, Kay Jewelers, and American Eagle.
The mall offers visitors a wide variety of dining options through its extensive collection of restaurants, such as Chick-fil-A, YiHi Japan, Charley’s Cheesesteaks, Five Guys Burgers & Fries, and more.
After long shopping hours, you can stop by any of the restaurants for refreshments and catch up with friends.
Address: 6501 Grape Rd, Mishawaka, IN 46545, United States
14. Blueberry Ranch
If you’re vacationing during summer and looking for what to do in Mishawaka, IN, go blueberry picking at this Ranch. Blueberry Ranch is an organic farm that offers the most exciting U-pick opportunity, which usually starts from early July to the mid of August.
The farm is known for offering delicious and healthy pre-picked blueberries, blueberry bushes for planting, pies, and jams.
You can also purchase frozen blueberries with regular popup deals, which are available throughout the year.
Blueberry Ranch offers a family-friendly U-pick experience in different locations as they cultivate nine different types of blueberry.
Blueberry bushes are available for sakes in Fall, Summer, and Spring, so you can plant yours, don’t forget to purchase their natural honey and salsa.
Address: 54743 Buckeye Rd, Mishawaka, IN 46545, United States
15. The Kamm and Schellinger Brewery
One place to visit in Mishawaka whenever you feel stressed or bored is the Kamm and Schellinger Brewery; you can visit alone or with friends.
The Kamm and Schellinger Brewery features a good number of historically and architecturally significant structures.
The Brewery officially opened in 1853 and was later shut down in the early 1950s, which led to its complex featuring charming brick buildings being converted into a multipurpose facility comprising restaurants, retailers, and so on.
A soaring smokestack that overlooks Kamm Island, St. Joseph, Kate’s Garden, and Lincoln Park are the structures in the Brewery that would draw your attention.
The Kamm and Schellinger Brewery is the only surviving facility of a growing industrial region located along the Mishawaka riverfront.
Address: 100 S Center St, Mishawaka, IN 46544, United States
Are you considering exploring Indiana, here is a list of things to do Terre Haute and things to do in South Bend, and for a fun vacation
16. Merrifield Pool
Merrifield Pool, located in Merrifield park, is the only Olympic-sized outdoor pool in Mishawaka, which is open from July to mid-August.
There are laid down hours for lap swimming for those who want to carry out some exercise or open swimming, particularly for kids.
The pool has numerous amenities like two diving boards, a water basketball, a water slide of 180-foot and a concession stand.
Merrifield Pool offers the learn-to-swim program of the American Red Cross, which strictly follows its curriculum, with each session featuring the right lesions.
Each instructor has a maximum of five students, and a special swimming program for children is offered.
The pool offers a well-guarded, safe, and conducive environment for the community people, and visitors are offered season passes to purchase.
Address: 1000 E Mishawaka Ave, Mishawaka, IN 46544, United States
17. Merrifield Park
If you want to see one of the most beautiful stretches of the St. Joseph River, visit Merrifield Park on the southern bank.
Merrifield Park is a 13-acre attraction featuring the outdoor community pool of Mishawaka, a football field, baseball diamonds, a wading pool with a water basketball net, a water slide of 160-foot and a water umbrella.
The Park consists of a well-equipped children’s play area with lots of exciting play materials, which helps keep children engaged.
There is also a boat launch and an outdoor ice rink, usually available from December to early February.
There is also a sand play area and a sand volleyball court for those who want to have fun on the sand. Engaging in the recreational activities in Merrifield Park is one of the fun things to do in Mishawaka, Indiana.
Address: 1000 E Mishawaka Ave, Mishawaka, IN 46544, United States
18. The Legend Park
Legend Park is for sure one of the favorite destinations in Indiana during Halloween when special frightening shows are held.
This Park is also a popular place during the ordinary months for those in need of an amazing experience.
It offers a Fear Itself Tour all year round of five haunted houses, including Dark Circus, Taken, Ward 13, Rock Monkey Caves, and Rat Trap.
If you want to feel the thrills and scream out loud, Legend Park is the best place for you. The Legend Park offers live entertainment, a monster midway, challenge games, and much more.
Visitors enjoy a wide variety of beers, wines & food, Halloween activities, free fire pit parties, and free outdoor movies.
Address: 14130 McKinley Hwy, Mishawaka, IN 46545, United States
19. The St. Joe River
St. Joe River
If you go boating on the river using its Mishawaka reach, you get to enjoy a closer view of the Urban characteristics of the town, plus its charming riverfront homes.
A perfect starting spot for this awesome water adventure is Prickett Marina Park, another beautiful park.
Prickett Marina Park is a fifteen-acre public park with a double boat launch and Wyland Commercial Outfit of Marine beside it.
You will see fishing piers and a playground, including an off-leash dog park, so dogs aren’t left out of the fun.
The park features an open-air rental pavilion with barbecue grills and picnic tables where friends and family can spend quality time.
Address: Indiana, United States
20. University of Notre Dame
University of Notre Dame
You can explore the entire facility through a guided tour, starting from the Eck Visitors Center; you don’t need to be a future student to obtain the permit.
The main tour offers insight into the history and the day-to-day activities of the University, including major attractions like the Grotto of our lady of Lourdes (1896), the Hesburgh Library (1963), the main building (1879), and Basilica of the Sacred Heart (1888).
If you’re interested in sports, you can go on a separate tour of the Stadium of Notre Dame. The stadium was founded in 1930 and can comfortably seat over seventy-seven thousand six hundred fans.
You can also learn about the famous monumental mural of the Hesburgh Library called “Touchdown Jesus.”
Address: 111 W Edison Rd, Mishawaka, IN 46545, United States
21. Eberhart-Petro Municipal Golf Course
Eberhart-Petro Municipal Golf Course is a golf course that stretches over the south and north banks of the St. Joe River.
Known for its unique layout, Eberhart-Petro Municipal Golf Course was founded in 1929 and was named after its owners.
The Golf Course initially opened with only nine holes and was later expanded to 18 holes in 1949 on the northern banks of the river.
Golfers at Eberhart-Petro Municipal Golf Course will need to cross the river about four times due to how it was designed.
Eberhart-Petro Municipal Golf Course is set over 6,000 yards at par 70 as a golf course of eighty-nine acres.
The Golf Course is ideal for players of different skill levels, including beginners, intermediate, and professionals.
Address: 801 N State St, Mishawaka, IN 46544, United States
22. Cinemark Movies 14
One of Mishawaka’s best theatres! Watching a movie at Cinemark Movies 14 is recommended if you’re a movie fan.
Cinemark Movies 14 was founded on the 17th of March, 1995, with a seating capacity of exactly two thousand people.
The movie theatre officially opened with ten large screens; in 1998, four extra screens were included in the theater.
Simultaneously, the name of the cinema was changed to Movies 14, with ten auditoriums designed with sloped floors and the other four built in a stadium-inspired style.
Cinemark Movies 14 is a beautifully designed movie cinema with comfortable seats and a clean environment. The staff is polite and friendly towards the customers, offering the best services.
Address: 910 W Edison Rd, Mishawaka, IN 46545, United States
Explore other cities of Indiana, check out our list of things to do in Michigan City, things to do in Shipshewana and fun things to do in Indianapolis for a fun vacation time.
Plan Your Trip to Mishawaka
If you are planning a trip to Indiana, head to Mishawaka, a city that offers a home away from home.
Mishawaka is indeed a beautiful and charming city. It is often said that words only cannot describe how gracious this city is.
It is a perfect destination for every tourist seeking to have nothing but fun, either alone or with loved ones.