5 Best Places to Visit in South Bend (2024)

South Bend is the fourth largest city in the beautiful state of Indiana and the perfect picture of the diverse and fun-filled Midwest region. This unique Midwestern city has much to offer to visitors, from museums to outdoor attractions to performing arts and sports games.

Sitting along the southernmost bend of the St. Joseph River, the city of South Bend has a rich place in American history and culture. The city rose to prominence after becoming a manufacturing hub at the turn of the century, owing to industry leaders like the Studebaker Corporation. At the same time, the small Catholic university, the University of Notre Dame, quickly expanded in the city. Today, it is a globally renowned institution that has put South Bend on the world map.

With an abundance of natural attractions and its rich industrial roots, South Bend is a city that is filled with a wide variety of things to do and places to see. When you visit the state of Indiana, you must make a plan to check out this stunning city.

5 Best Places to Visit in South Bend

Learn more about this mesmerizing city by reading about the best places to visit in South Bend.

1. University of Notre Dame

The renowned University of Notre Dame was founded in 1842 in South Bend and chartered by the Indiana legislature in 1844. The university has remained one of the biggest physical and cultural icons of South Bend ever since the inception of the institution. It is also one of the most popular tourist spots in the city. When you visit the campus of Notre Dame today, you will find the stunning collegiate Gothic architecture and the sprawling campus to be filled with students.

Visitors to the campus can enjoy doing many fun activities, including getting free admission to the incredible Snite Museum of Art. In the late summer and fall, come Saturdays, and you will find almost the entire city enjoying and taking part in the athletic spirit at the Notre Dame Stadium, cheering the home football team Fighting Irish.

One of the must-see attractions on the campus, especially for those who admire the great architecture, is the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, which is a breathtaking Roman Catholic Church that will be sure to stop you in your tracks. The Compton Family Ice Arena is another family attraction. It has separate time slots every day during which outsiders can use the arena for skating.

2. National Studebaker Museum

Studebaker has a long history and connection to the town of South Bend. The history of this famous American car manufacturer is on display at the National Studebaker Museum. Open all through the week except on major national holidays, this famous museum is an education space for anyone who wants to know about the classic Studebaker models. You will find many military vehicles and the most extensive collection of US Presidential Carriages in the world in this museum. One of the biggest highlights of the museum is the Barouche, which is the carriage that former President Abraham Lincoln used on the night of his assassination at the theater. The incredible collection at National Studebaker Museum also includes an awe-inspiring archive of design and development drawings.

The National Studebaker Museum also plays host to many events and programs throughout the year, including hosting a speaker series and an annual Hall of Champions reception and dinner. The museum is also involved in the Concours D’Elegance at Copshaholm, during which hundreds of vintage automobiles are put on display outside on the museum grounds.

3. Potawatomi Park

Located in the eastern part of South Bend, opposite to St. Joseph River from downtown, Potawatomi Park is a major attraction in the city. The park is home to a wide collection of cultural destinations, with large, leafy trees occupying most of the space at the park. This has made it ideal for resting, sitting, hosting a picnic, or just lazing around and spending an afternoon in the park.

Visitors to the Potawatomi Park get access to a performing arts stage, a splash pad, and a wide variety of playground equipment that can be accessed by one and all.

Located close to the park is the Potawatomi Zoo, which is the oldest animal park in Indiana, housing nearly 500 animals. Some of the fun activities you participate in at the zoo include a trip on the Endangered Species Carousel and taking rides on the Zoo Train. If you head towards the southeastern side of Potawatomi Park, you arrive at the Potawatomi Conservatory, which is home to year-round waterfalls and tropical plants.

4. Four Winds Field

If you love sports and happen to be in the South Bend area, you must check out the Four Winds Field located at the Coveleski Stadium, popularly just known as The Cove.

This is where you can catch the all-American game of baseball. The stadium can seat at least 5000 spectators, and it is indeed an experience to check out this field.

The Cove underwent a renovation in 2015, and it now includes new dining areas, a comfortable setting, and a vast parking area. After the recent renovation, it has become the ideal location to visit and watch the home team, the South Bend Cubs play a game here. The experience of the massive crowd cheering on their favorite team will remain with you for a long time.

5. South Bend Museum of Art

The South Bend Museum of Art is a hidden gem in the heat of the city. Sitting downtown, this art museum has three stories inside, and there are five galleries that take you through both regional and local Indiana artists. The museum also carries works of artists from all over the country.

The halls of this museum of art can be easily navigated, and when you visit here, you will find yourself become immersed in the overall artistic environment of the place.

There are many notable and regular events that are organized here. For example, the outdoor Art Festivals and First Fridays. The South Bend Museum of Art is located within the Century Center, which is home to many major events and conventions, including seminars, political rallies, and holiday musical shows as well.