23 Best & Fun Things to Do in South Bend (Indiana)

South Bend is a beautiful metropolitan city in Indiana, United States. The city is brimming with craftsmanship and engineering and is home to an incredible assortment of greenery.

It’s the ideal objective for any explorer, whether you’re keen on visiting regular attractions or exploring exhibition halls and amusement parks.

There are various captivating notable locales and vacation spots that guests will appreciate. Some of South Bend’s notable attractions are considered among the most renowned vacation spots in the country.

Also, the city is located only minutes from other well-known tourist destinations in Indiana, like the Notre Dame Golden Dome and Kamm Island Park in Mishawaka.

Are you planning an exploration of South Bend? Here are some of the top things to do in South Bend, Indiana.

Things to Do in South Bend

1. Studebaker National Museum

Studebaker National Museum
Credits: Greg Gjerdingen / Flickr
Studebaker National Museum

This car gallery in Indiana is one of South Bend’s most incredible vacation spots.

The Studebaker National Museum is housed in a three-story building with different displays on each level.

One of the most stunning and fascinating shows is the classic vehicle show, which is generally cherished by the individuals who visit the exhibition hall.

This historical center is a beautiful and intriguing spot to learn about the city’s experiences.

It is exceptionally enlightening and has extremely excellent articles in plain view.

Additionally, a portion of its shows spread mindfulness about ladies’ democratic privileges.

You can find many rare auto shows in this exhibition hall. Thus, do visit this memorable auto historical center and learn new things about exemplary rare articles.

Address: 201 Chapin St, South Bend, IN 46601, United States

2. The History Museum

The History Museum
Credits: The History Museum / Facebook
The History Museum

This historical center complex features an impressive Victorian manor with unique decorations and dazzling woodwork.

The museum incorporates a youngsters’ exhibition hall, a display of Notre Dame history, and a show that narrates the historical backdrop of the St. Joseph River Valley.

The gallery is additionally genuinely associated with the Studebaker National Museum, and visitors can now visit two exhibition halls in a single spot!

The gallery was fascinating, as visitors could partake in the ladies’ baseball association display. The genuine pearl was the house visit.

Visitors can have a decent visit which lasts about 2 hours in length. The staff works effectively responding to questions.

Without controversy, it’s always a great experience at the History Museum in South Bend, IN, and visitors are always welcome to visit.

Address: 808 W Washington St, South Bend, IN 46601-1439

3. Kennedy Water Park

Kennedy Water Park
Credits: Sergey Novikov / Shutterstock

This entertaining water park in South Bend is the ideal spot to visit with your family and children for a beautiful experience.

Kennedy Water Park takes care of guests’ necessities, everything being equal, as fun has no age limit or restrictions.

You can swim around in the pool, which is shallow and warm enough for youngsters to have a great time serenely.

Children can likewise slide into the water and partake in the waves. In the meantime, grown-ups can plunge their legs in the water, snatch snacks, or have picnics around the area.

The water park has sprinkle cushions, as well as basic and straightforward rides for youngsters to appreciate. Kennedy Water Park is a great spot where the entire family can hang out.

A visit to the Kennedy Water Park is one thing worth adding to your list of fun things to do in South Bend, Indiana.

Do visit!

Address: near Kennedy Water Park, 756 Eclipse Pl, South Bend, IN, USA

4. Rum Village Nature Center

Rum Village Nature Center
Credits: Rum Village Park / Facebook
Rum Village Nature Center

This nature community in South Bend is a beautiful spot to take an exquisite walk.

Rum Village Nature Center is loaded with all-around stamped trails where you can go climbing. It is the ideal spot to have a day excursion with a view.

The dusk here is stunning and is most certainly worth a watch.

You can be able to encounter neighborhood creatures in this natural place.

The entire region is brimming with plant life and vivid blossoms, which are beautiful to behold and make for very nice photos.

There are movement courses, golf pits, and numerous pleasant exercises for you to appreciate in this park.

If you’re a nature or wildlife enthusiast, visiting the Rum Village Nature Center is one good thing to add to your list of fun things to do in South Bend, IN.

Address: 2626 S Gertrude St, South Bend, IN 46614, United States

5. Potawatomi Zoo

Potawatomi Zoo
Credits: Anna Hesser / Flickr
Potawatomi Zoo

This nature and protected land in Indiana is home to a wide assortment of vegetation.

With more than 100 types of birds and creatures, the Potawatomi Zoo is the most seasoned in South Bend.

The zoo is very much kept up with and clean.

The creatures in this zoo are solid and look incredibly blissful. You can be able to see a few wild animals like lions and tigers or meet charming little bears and pandas in this zoo.

Promising guests an intuitive encounter, the zoo permits you to take care of the giraffe, some lettuce leaves, or pet a few charming pandas.

This zoo is an extraordinary spot to show your children the significance of nearby untamed life and provide them with a genuine encounter with these cordial and charming creatures.

There is likewise a charming present shop in the zoo where you can purchase keepsakes for your loved ones. This zoo is the ideal spot to visit if you desire a serene encounter with the nearby natural life.

Address: 500 S Greenlawn Ave, South Bend, IN 46615, United States

6. River Lights Plaza

River Lights Plaza
Credits: South Bend River Lights / Facebook
River Lights Plaza

Waterway Lights Plaza is an unmissable spot on the off chance you are in South Bend.

It is the most lovely spot to visit during evening hours when the entire waterway is illuminated, and the view makes for perfect sight.

The setting puts on a light show toward the finish of every day, which will doubtlessly be the feature of your visit.

The waterway is enormous and wonderful, with gem blue waters.

Around evening time, it gets shaded with various lights.

Some of the lights include red, purple, green, and blue alongside gorgeous firecrackers, making it the most healthy experience for anyone visiting.

Address: 340 E Colfax Ave, South Bend, IN 46617, United States

7. Ice Box Skating Rink

Ice Box Skating Rink
Credits: Sergey Zaykov / Shutterstock

This skating park in South Bend is an enjoyable spot to visit. The Ice Box Skating Rink is loaded with ice and provides a genuine ice skating experience.

You can visit with your companions or family and have a good time together. The ring is large enough for numerous individuals to skate simultaneously.

The experts are consistently accessible to help show you how to skate.

They likewise have sitting spaces for individuals who would rather watch others skate than hit the ice themselves.

It is certainly a spot you should visit, assuming you are in South Bend with your friends and family.

Address: 1421 S Walnut St, South Bend, IN 46619, United States

8. St. Patrick’s County Park

St. Patrick's County Park
Credits: Eugene Kim / Flickr
St. Patrick’s County Park

St. Patrick’s County Park is an exceptionally gorgeous, clean, and very well-kept park in South Bend.

The recreation area is typically radiant, brilliant, and warm in the late spring and is a great spot for lakeside setting up camp.

You can have an outing during the day and go stargazing and set up camp around the evening time.

This place additionally focuses on creature lovers: you might try to recognize wildlife at this riverfront park.

You can sail in the wonderful, clear stream inside the recreation area. St. Patrick’s County Park is loaded with various trails that guests are free to climb.

It is the ideal spot to go if one wants to reconnect with nature, whether without help from anyone else or with your friends and family.

Address: 50651 Laurel Rd, South Bend, IN 46637, United States

Considering a road trip through Indiana, here is our guide on things to do in Terre Haute, things to do in Richmond and things to do in Michigan City to aid you meet the top attractions in these parts of Indiana.

9. South Bend Museum of Art

South Bend Museum of Art
Credits: South Bend Museum of Art / Facebook
South Bend Museum of Art

The South Bend Museum of Art is an expressive arts gallery on South St. Joseph Street in midtown South Bend. It was established in 1974.

Housed in the Historic Center planned by Philip Johnson and John Burgee, the exhibition hall highlights bits of the neighborhood and local craftsmanship.

The contemporary and verifiable artistry is displayed in five exhibitions.

The long-lasting assortment is shown in the Carmichael Gallery, while the Warner Gallery features public voyaging displays.

The Jerome J. Crowley Community Gallery highlights works by nearby artisans, and the Art League Gallery shows works by specialists from the Midwest.

If you are interested in arts, the South Bend Museum of Arts is a great place to add to your list of top things to do in South Bend, Indiana.

Address: Century Center, 120 S St. Joseph Street, South Bend, Indiana.

10. South Bend Chocolate Factory and Museum Tours

South Bend Chocolate Factory and Museum Tours
Credits: Africa Studio / Shutterstock

Situated on West Sample Street, the South Bend Chocolate Factory and Museum Tours offer voyages through its offices from Monday to Saturday.

The organization offers two visits: the 45-minute visit Inside Scoop Tour and the 20-minute Basic Tour. Personally-directed visits for gatherings of at least ten individuals are accessible.

The South Bend Chocolate Company was established in 1991, and the office is about sixty thousand square feet.

As well as delivering a huge assortment of chocolates, the organization also sells different items like espresso, natural products, nuts, and gift sacks.

South Bend Chocolate Factory and Museum Tours have been putting smiles on the faces of its various visitors for decades.

Visiting the South Bend Chocolate Factory and Museum Tours is one of the best things to do in South Bend, Indiana.

Address: 3300 West Sample Street 110, South Bend, Indiana, Phone

11. The Snite Museum of Art

The Snite Museum of Art
Credits: Arthur LeBon [CC BY-SA 2.0], Wikimedia Commons
The Snite Museum of Art
Situated on the University of Notre Dame grounds is the Snite Museum of Art, a craftsmanship gallery with about 23,000 masterpieces.

The museum addresses craftsmanship from all over the world and from numerous periods. Its essential spotlight is on Western artistry.

The museum’s Italian Renaissance compositions and Mesoamerican craftsmanship objects are particularly well-known highlights.

Opened in 1980, the exhibition hall contains works by remarkable specialists like Boucher, Corot, Courbet, and O’Keeffe.

The historical center offers comprehensive training effort programs for kids, including after-school programs and summer camps for youngsters.

Among many fun places to visit in South Bend, Indiana, visiting the Snite Museum of Art is worth adding to your list. Do visit!

Address: University of Notre Dame, South Bend, Indiana.

12. Notre Dame Stadium

Notre Dame Stadium
Credits: Jimmy Emerson, DVM / Flickr
Notre Dame Stadium

The Notre Dame Stadium is an open-air football arena situated on Moose Krause Circle in Notre Dame, only north of South Bend.

Displayed after Michigan Stadium, Notre Dame Stadium is the home battleground of the University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

When the arena opened in 1930, the playing surface was normal grass, and the arena had sixty thousand seats.

After redesigns in 1997 and 2014, there are currently about 80,000 seats, and the playing surface is made of FieldTurf, a counterfeit surface.

Directed public and personal visits are accessible, and they permit guests to find out about the historical backdrop of the arena and visit the storage space and the field.

For the sport enthusiast, visiting the Notre Dame Stadium is one of the best things to do in South Bend, Indiana

Address: Moose Krause Circle, South Bend, Indiana

13. South Bend Brew Werks

South Bend Brew Werks
Credits: Cherries / Shutterstock

Situated on South Michigan Street, the South Bend Brew Werks is the main brewpub in the midtown area of South Bend.

The bar highlights five house brews: Amber, Black IPA, Oatmeal Stout, Smoked Porter, and Wheat. They likewise offer five pivoting mixes.

The stylistic layout of the bar comprises recovered things like seats, stools, and tabletops, which were all found locally.

The bar’s scrumptious food additionally utilizes privately obtained produce and fixings. Neighborhood artisans made the eye-getting fine art shown on the bar’s walls.

The presentations change monthly, and the craftsmanship is available to purchase.

Among many fun things to do in South Bend, Indiana, a visit to the South Bend Brew Werks is worth adding to your vacation list.

Address: 321 S Main St Suite 105B, South Bend, IN 46601.

14. South Bend Farmer’s Market,

South Bend Farmer's Market
Credits: Elena Elisseeva / Shutterstock

Situated on Northside Boulevard, the South Bend Farmer’s Market has a long history, as it was first settled in 1924.

The Colfax Street Bridge became the market’s most memorable site from 1911 to 1923, when it grew out of its area. At last, it moved to its ongoing area.

The sellers at the market offer new nearby and local dairy items, eggs, blossoms, natural products, meat, poultry, and vegetables.

Different things available to purchase include artworks, handiworks, and gems.

The market is open on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. It is additionally open on Friday from May through September.

This is one of the best things to do in South Bend, Indiana, if you’re into farms and love purchasing organic products for consumption.

Address: 1105 Northside Boulevard, South Bend, Indiana.

15. East Race Waterway

Credits: PPstock / Shutterstock

The East Race Waterway is a wilderness boating course whose offices are situated on North Niles Avenue in midtown South Bend.

 The 1,900-feet stream required two years to build and opened in 1984. It is suitable for the two novices and high-level clients.

Gear for boating is provided, yet kayakers should supply their kayaks. A ride on the stream course requires around five minutes.

Notwithstanding the stream course, there are about three miles of walkways, a theater, outdoor tables, and bathrooms.

Along the way, guests can watch the contests on the stream plays. The stream is open on Saturday and Sunday from June to August.

Among other fun things to do in South Bend, IN, visiting the East Race Waterway is the best for a great kayaking experience.

Address: 109 S Niles Ave, South Bend, IN 46617

Are you planning an exploration of Indiana, do not miss our list of places to visit in Shipshewanaplaces to visit in Kokomo, and places to visit in Muncie.

16. University of Notre Dame

University of Notre Dame
Credits: Thomas Barrat / Shutterstock
University of Notre Dame

Famous for its rich athletic practice, the college is a delightful spot to visit, with such strict attractions as the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes.

No matter your inclination, Norte Dame is a lovely place. The structures and finishing are immaculate, and even the squirrels and natural life are beautiful.

See the football arena and the basilica. If you’re in South Bend, you need to take a couple of pictures and become familiar with Irish history.

Visitors will be stunned by the magnificence of the structures and the design of the beautiful systems in Notre Dame.

Even the trees and hedges appeared to be planted with extraordinary consideration to flaunt tones and surfaces.

If you’ve yet to decide on your next stop, you should add the University of Notre Dame to your list of things to do in South Bend, IN.

Address: 100 Eck Center, South Bend, IN 46556

17. Morris Performing Arts Center

Morris Performing Arts Center
Credits: Paul Sableman / Flickr
Morris Performing Arts Center

Initially opened in 1922, The magnificent Morris is recorded in the National Historical Register and finished a reclamation and redesign process in 2000.

The redesigned building of the stage house and interiors were reestablished to sustain its unique vaudeville magnificence.

The Morris is the hottest ticket in Northwest Indiana for live performances! The theater has a wide assortment of shows, public Broadway visiting musicals, and symphony.

The Morris has a seating limit of 2,564 and is reliably positioned by Pollstar show industry magazine among the main 100 venues worldwide.

The Morris has been granted a “Prime Site Award” by Facilities Magazine for quite a long time and was decided on by about 10,000 individuals on media platforms.

Having fun with friends and family is always a good idea, and the Morris Performing Art Center is the right place for that. Do visit!

Address: 211 N Michigan St, South Bend, IN 46601-1202

18. Four Winds Casino

Four Winds Casino
Credits: Nejron Photo / Shutterstock

Four Winds Casino is for every individual that loves celebrating, clubbing, and spending their entire evenings outside the comfort of their lodgings.

Four Winds Casino in South Bend is a fabulous club where you can proceed to drink your troubles away around evening time.

The entire energy of this gambling club is dim, chill, and fun, making it the ideal spot to go when one needs to partake in the nightlife.

The food and games here are astounding, and the array flaunts tasty nourishment for a very pocket-accommodating cost.

Make sure to spend wisely while you are at the gambling club. Generally speaking, Four Winds Casino is an incredible spot with astonishing games, openings, and food.

It’s the ideal spot to go if you are visiting South Bend with your companions and need to have a great time.

Address: 3000 Prairie Ave, South Bend, IN 46614, United States

19. Four Winds Field at Coveleski Stadium

Four Winds Field at Coveleski Stadium
Credits: IH Havens / (public domain)
Four Winds Field at Coveleski Stadium

The Four Winds Field is a great place to visit if you’re searching for top things to do in South Bend, Indiana, for sports.

If you’re a sports enthusiast, you’ll find this place very interesting as almost everything in this place makes for a great experience.

At the field, you’ll need eleven dollars for tickets, about two dollars for beer, and seven dollars for a parking space.

They also have awesome food selections at the four Winds Field like pretzels, hotdogs, and more.

This place is perfect for a family day out as it is clean, modern, and filled with exciting activities for the whole family.

If you’re extroverted, this would be the perfect place for you to visit as there are many cool things to do here.

Address: 501 W South St, South Bend, IN 46601-2724

20. Compton Family Ice Arena

Compton Family Ice Arena
Credits: Eccekevin [CC BY-SA 4.0], Wikimedia Commons
Compton Family Ice Arena
If you’ve never been to an ice arena before, the Compton Family Ice Arena will be the best place for you to visit.

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish Men’s Hockey Game facilitated at Compton Ice Arena is an astonishing evening out on the town!

The energy and rooting for the group is an interesting evening out on the town, and it has the best concessions-burgers and custom-made pretzels are amazing!

The gift shop has exceptionally great clothing like quality shirts and caps. The Band is amazing, and it’s better than an NHL game!

It’s a remarkable encounter as visitors will love the seats on the glass. You could feel the activity on the ice! All the staff is so decent and complete examples worth following!

When it comes to fun places and interesting things to do in South Bend, the Compton Family Ice Arena is a great place to explore.

Address: 100 Compton Family Ice Arena, South Bend, IN 46556-4642

21. South Bend Farmer’s Market

South Bend Farmer's Market
Credits: Chubykin Arkady / Shutterstock

If you’re looking to get some lunch on a Saturday and do some shopping for food, the rancher’s market is the ideal spot for you.

The restaurant offers a large number of informal breakfast and lunch items, and they likewise provide a lot of specials to browse.

Visitors can go for the Pork Paunch Benedict Extraordinaire as it will blow you away! Or go for the rancher’s market customary.

The bistro space is generally small inside the market, and you can sit inside or outside. The waiter is consistently great and friendly.

After an incredible informal breakfast or lunch, you can stroll around, get some nearby stuff or talk with the neighborhood sellers.

Aside from getting great farm-fresh food for a reasonable price, a stroll around the farmer’s market will broaden your scope of farm produce. Do visit.

Address: 1105 Northside Blvd, South Bend, IN 46615-3920

22. The Indiana Whiskey Company

Indiana Whiskey Company
Credits: Ruslan Semichev / Shutterstock

If you love a good drink and have been searching for a good place to get one, look no further than the Indiana Whiskey Company.

The Indiana Whiskey Company is a veteran-possessed refinery in South Bend, Indiana.

Each drop of bourbon is blended and refined nearby utilizing privately created maturation gear and a customary alembic-style copper pot.

Visit the creation floor and experience the interaction from fermenting the grain to refining the soul to barreling and packaging the bourbon.

Partake in a pour of bourbon at the bar of our tasting room or taste a mark mixed drink while loosening up in the Whiskituity lounge.

This is a perfect location for visitors to visit with their friends and drink their sorrows away as it spells out all kinds of fun.

Address: 1115 W Sample St, South Bend, IN 46619-3829

23. Rum Village Park

Rum Village Park
Credits: Smurdy / Shutterstock
Rum Village Park

The Rum Village Park is a great place to visit if you’re into sporting activities and wouldn’t mind a challenge.

Within the arum Village Park is a set of obstacle courses that visitors can decide to embark on. The course is interesting and requires teamwork to pass successfully.

The staff is excellent at explaining the safety features of the obstacle course and does a good job getting you started.

One good thing about the place is that it isn’t crowded and visitors can go on the course as they please.

Supposing you get too scared to complete the course, workers are available to help ensure everything stops for you to get out.

Regarding interesting places to visit in South Bend, the Rum Village Park is one of the best spots on the list.

Address: Rum Vlg Pk Rd, South Bend, IN, USA.

For more fun in Indiana, check out our guides on things to do in Greenwoodthings to do in Elkhart and things to do in Indianapolis 

Plan a Trip to South Bend

South Bend is a prolific example of a great place for a perfect vacation as it features many heartwarming locations.

This place has everything from art museums to whiskey companies to fields and stadiums for the sports enthusiast and lots more.

Whenever you’re thinking of possible places to visit for a fun vacation, South Bend, IN, shouldn’t be far from your list.