Overview
South Bend is in Northern Indiana. The city's name is drawn from the fact that it's situated on the southernmost bend in the St. Joseph River. Together with neighboring Mishawaka they form a continuous urban area of about 325,000 (2020). South Bend is the home of the University of Notre Dame, but is also the former home of many large companies such as Studebaker, Oliver Chilled Plow, and Singer.
The area is now home to Crowe-Chizek, AM General (which makes military vehicles.), Bosch, Honeywell, and Woodwind & Brasswind. The city hopes to grow with the undertaking of a new nano-technology campus near the city, which has already brought new contracts for factories and businesses around the city of Southbend.
9 sights · 19 things to do · 19 places to eat · 26 bars & cafés · 9 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about South Bend
Century Center
This convention center includes an art museum, several large banquet areas, an auditorium and theatre, an historic riverfront area and large patio over the former dam that ran South Bend's electrical supply, a skyway to …
Indiana University South Bend
The third-largest of the eight IU campuses, IU South Bend has grown substantially and is worth seeing.
Saint Mary's College
Located across from the University of Notre Dame.
University of Notre Dame
See the legendary campus for yourself. Guided tours are available through the Alumni Association. Notable attractions include the grotto, the Golden Dome, Notre Dame Stadium, the Hesburgh Library and The Word of Life mur…
Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Don't go to South Bend without seeing the Fighting Irish take on any number of conference teams from around the country. Most of the school's teams compete in the Atlantic Coast Conference, with 14 other schools in the e…
South Bend Museum of Art
See the work of artists from around the Great Lakes and Midwest.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Oct. Summer highs reach about 82°F; winter lows dip to about 18°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: May and Jun. (climate data from nearby Indiana Dunes National Park)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- SBN South Bend International Airport, South Bend — 4 mi away. Directions
- MGC Michigan City Municipal Airport, Michigan City — 29 mi away. Directions
- MDW Chicago Midway International Airport, Chicago — 78 mi away (major hub). Directions
Other local airports include:
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $100–$100 a night (typical $105), from 2 listed prices.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$140, mid-range ~$180, comfortable ~$270.
Options are grouped as Budget, Mid-range, Splurge in the Sleep guide ↓.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Century Center, South Bend Museum of Art, Saint Joseph River
- Lunch LaSalle Grill
- Afternoon Morris Performing Arts Center, Studebaker National Museum
- Dinner Tippecanoe Place Restaurant
- Evening C.J.'s Pub
Day 2
- Morning Saint Mary's College, University of Notre Dame, Shiojiri Niwa
- Lunch Bonnie Doon Drive-In
- Afternoon IU South Bend Titans, Indiana University South Bend Art Gallery
- Dinner Cambodian Thai
- Evening South Bend Chocolate Cafe
Day 3
- Morning Amish Acres, North/South Continental Divide, South Bend Symphony Orchestra
- Lunch Yellow Cat Cafe
- Afternoon Artpost Gallery, Raclin Murphy Museum of Art
- Dinner Chicory Cafe
- Evening Sweet Street Corn-Er-Coffee
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
With a population just over 100,000 (2020), South Bend is often thought of as a "small town", perhaps increasingly so since former South Bend mayor Pete Buttigieg (known as "Mayor Pete" due to the difficulty of spelling last name) liked to tout his experience of being a "Small Town Mayor in a Red State" during the Presidential Primaries in the 2020 campaign cycle which propelled him to national fame and the post of Secretary of Transportation of the U.S.A.
Tourist information
Get in
By car
- I-80/90 (toll road) Connects to Toledo, Ohio in the east and Chicago, to the west.
- US 31/S.R. 933 Connects to Indianapolis in the south and runs through downtown South Bend and then 3 miles north to the Michigan line, where it becomes M-51 North.
- US 20 The bypass around the city which connects to SR 2 (west to Michigan City), US 12 in Michigan (to Sturgis and Detroit to the East and Michigan City and Chicago to the west), SR 23 (a main artery through the city and through St. Joseph County), the I-80/90 toll road, and all other major roads from Elkhart to South Bend and into Michigan.
- S.R. 2 State Road 2 runs directly through downtown on Western Avenue and connects to Michigan City in the west (see above).
- S.R. 23 State Road 23 runs diagonally northeast-southwest through South Bend from the Kankakee area and turns into M-60 in Michigan (see above).
By plane
Go South Bend International Airport (SBN)
Serving as a multi-modal transportation complex for the region, SBN is the only non-hub airport in the United States featuring air, interstate rail, and interstate bus services at one multi-modal terminal location. SBN's four air carriers (Allegiant, American, Delta and United) provide non-stop flights from 9 cities: Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Detroit, Las Vegas, Minneapolis, Orlando/Sanford, Phoenix-Mesa, Punta Gorda, and Tampa Bay/St. Petersburg. Bus route 4 connects the airport with downtown South Bend.
Other local airports include:
Go Elkhart Municipal Airport (EKI)
By train
Long distance trains and commuter trains serve South Bend at two different train stations, neither of which is near the city's center:
- Train operator:
Go South Bend Airport station
- South Shore Line (SSL) has service from downtown Chicago, Gary and Michigan City. The full trips takes a bit over two hours with prices from $13. The trains are well equipped with restrooms and reclining seats.
- Train operator:
- Routes stopping at South Bend:
- Capitol Limited operates daily between Chicago and Washington, D.C. including stops in South Bend, Elkhart, Waterloo, Toledo, Sandusky, Elyria, Cleveland, Alliance, Pittsburgh, Connellsville, Cumberland, Martinsburg, Harpers Ferry, and Rockville.
- Lake Shore Limited operating daily between Chicago and Boston or New York City. It makes stops at most stations along the route, though it does not stop at some of the smallest stations. Trains consist of train cars from both branches between Chicago and Albany (Rensselaer). The trains split into separate branches between Albany (Rensselaer) and both Boston and New York City. Stops between Chicago and Albany (Rensselaer) include South Bend, Elkhart, Waterloo, Bryan, Toledo, Sandusky, Elyria, Cleveland, Erie, Buffalo (Depew), Rochester, Syracuse, Utica, and Schenectady. Stops between Albany (Rensselaer) and Boston include Pittsfield, Springfield, Worcester, Framingham.
By bus
- Coach USA Offers shuttle service between South Bend Regional Airport, Notre Dame, and Chicago airports.
- Greyhound Offers service to and from destinations around the country via Indianapolis and Chicago.
Get around
By public transportation
By taxi
- Yellow Cab +1 574 233-9333.
By car
Driving around yourself is the best way to navigate the city. St. Joseph County's road naming system makes it easy to find your way around. If you get lost or lose your bearings, remember that the main county roads running east-west are named after presidents and other famous figures (but mostly presidents) and begin, alphabetically, with Adams Rd. in the north near Michigan and end with Taylor in the south, near Marshall County. North-south roads are named for trees, beginning with Ash (called West County Line Rd. on the Elkhart County side of the road) in Eastern St. Joseph County and ending with Redwood in the West. There are exceptions to this rule, however, such as Washington St. downtown, and Mishawaka has numbered streets. Also, Lincoln Way is renamed LaSalle Ave. in downtown South Bend between Ironwood Dr. and Lafayette Blvd.
By bike
There are no bike shops that rent bicycles in South Bend, but the city is now home to a fleet of LimeBikes which can be rented by downloading the app. Riders can rent an available bike at a low price, (usually $1 per ride + $0.05 per minute), and don’t need to return it to a designated bike rack like other bike-share programs. Instead, they engage the locking mechanism on the rear wheel and the bike’s GPS system tracks the amount of time and distance they’ve traveled, charging them through an application on their phone.
See
Outdoors & landmarks
See Century Center
This convention center includes an art museum, several large banquet areas, an auditorium and theatre, an historic riverfront area and large patio over the former dam that ran South Bend's electrical supply, a skyway to the Doubletree Hotel over US 31, and a large lobby with high ceilings and windows that look out toward the river and the east side of town.
See North/South Continental Divide
Sure, it's not that exciting, but just driving down the US 20 bypass you can see a sign that alerts you to this fact. And it's true, South Bend lies on the North/South Continental Divide, which is why the St. Joseph River flows north into Lake Michigan while the White River in Indianapolis flows south.
See Saint Joseph River
Though still somewhat polluted, the riverfront along South Bend is an interesting walk through the former dam system that used to power the city's electrical supply. This walk leads (or starts from) the Century Center, which is South Bend's convention center. The Mishawaka riverfront has also come a long way near its downtown. County parks along the river are popular destinations for fisherman, boaters, and nature-viewers.
See Shiojiri Niwa
A Japanese strolling garden that symbolizes the Sister-City relationship between Mishawaka, Indiana and Shiojiri, Japan. It contains more than twenty different varieties of large plant material, over two hundred large boulders, donated statue and a teahouse pavilion. This is also a very popular summer wedding area.
See University of Notre Dame
See the legendary campus for yourself. Guided tours are available through the Alumni Association. Notable attractions include the grotto, the Golden Dome, Notre Dame Stadium, the Hesburgh Library and The Word of Life mural (aka Touchdown Jesus) on its stadium-facing wall, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, St. Joseph and St. Mary's Lakes, the stations of the cross, and the Notre Dame Bookstore, which is the largest college bookstore in the country.
Do
Arts
Do South Bend Symphony Orchestra
The South Bend Symphony is a professional orchestra performing 15 concerts each year. The SBSO features world-famous soloists . You can regularly see them perform at the Morris Performing Arts Center, the DeBartolo Performing Arts Center on the Campus of Notre Dame, and the Moreau Center at Saint Mary's College.
Sports
See Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Don't go to South Bend without seeing the Fighting Irish take on any number of conference teams from around the country. Most of the school's teams compete in the Atlantic Coast Conference, with 14 other schools in the eastern half of the country. Football, the school's most famous sport, is an exception—it's independent (not in a conference), although it plays five games a year against ACC teams.
Do South Bend Cubs (South Bend Silver Hawks)
Plan a trip for when your team is playing the South Bend Cubs. Home of the Cubs, Stanley Coveleski Stadium (locally referred to as "The Cove") is a great time with $1 Mondays, Twofer Tuesdays and summer fireworks. Tickets are $5 for reserve seating (bleachers) and $7 for box seating, but coupons abound throughout the city. Suites are also available.
Museums, art galleries, and indoor activities
Do Indiana University South Bend Art Gallery
The Art Gallery at IU South Bend gives students in the Ernestine M. Raclin School of the Arts hands-on experience in planning and conducting student art exhibits. The gallery is open to the public and offers showings by established artists who exhibit their work here throughout the school year. Other gallery highlights include both the annual faculty and student art shows.
Do Northern Indiana Center for History and Oliver Mansion
Next to the Studebaker National Museum, the Center for History features interesting facts about not just the cities of South Bend and Mishawaka, but also the natural history of the entire Michiana area. Artifacts (including prehistoric finds) are on display and there are changing exhibits as well. The Oliver Mansion is included with admission and there is a separate research room for those interested in searching through historical documents and newspapers. Combine admission with the Studebaker Museum and save money.
- South Bend Table Tennis Center The 7th ranked table tennis club in the United States. Led by the 2000 Men's Olympic Coach and 5-time U.S. Men's Singles Champion, Dan Seemiller, the club is open to all. SBTTC is a large club with activities from beginners to seasoned Loopers and Choppers with 14 professional tables. Weekly Round Robins provide lively competition and club rankings.
Do St. Joseph County Public Library (SJCPL)
Ranked among the top ten libraries in the US for cities 100,000-250,000, SJCPL was the first library in the U.S. on the World Wide Web and second in the world. Features over 50 public Internet stations and a massive collection of books at the downtown location.
Do Studebaker National Museum
See the cars that used to power the South Bend economy. See the Studebaker lineup: wagons, military vehicles, and electric cars from the 1930s. A three-story museum, the lower level of which shows the cars on lifters and on the ground for perusal. Featured exhibits include Studebaker concept cars.
Outdoor activities
- East Bank Trail/Riverwalk along the St. Joseph River. The banks of the East Race offer more than 5 mi of paved and lighted walking/running paths along the scenic St. Joseph River.
Do East Race Waterway
The East Race is an artificial channel that diverts water from the St. Joe River into a controlled environment with moveable barriers that simulate whitewater conditions. The East Race cuts through downtown and kayaking or rafting down the race is popular in the summer. The Summer Olympic Time Trials (including the 2008 time trials) are generally held at the East Race. A lifeguard is on duty.
- Howard Park Ice Rink Public ice skating rink located in Howard Park. Viewing Park (where you can get a good view of the skyline) is nearby as well.
Do O'Brien Skate Park at O'Brien Park
One of the best facilities in the region to board or roller blade. The concrete, permanent obstacle, 13,000 sq ft park includes challenges such as quarter-pipes, half-pipes, bowls, steps, ramps and rails. There is an area with less challenging obstacles for the beginners. A concession area and rental equipment are also available.
Do Potato Creek State Park
4, North Liberty. Located in the southern half of St. Joseph County, Potato Creek is a large park that features camping, hiking trails, a stocked lake, affordable overnight cabin rentals, a lodge, a beach, a public pool, and picnic areas. Deer and other wildlife abound, including wild turkey. Boats and canoes are also available for rental in the summer.
Do Potawatomi Zoo
The Potawatomi Zoo is one part of Potawatomi Park, which includes a softball diamond, tennis courts, a public pool, picnic area, band shell, and Kid's Kingdom Playground. Founded in 1902, it is Indiana's oldest zoo. It features over 400 animals on 23 acres of land, and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Admission is between $5 and $7. The zoo also has a collection of small primates not found in many zoos, such as bonobos, and has added another animal habitat and a perimeter-hugging train (oriented toward children) and have been expanding other animal habitats.
- Rum Village Park and Nature Center The 160 acres of natural woodland in Rum Village Park is a designated nature area. Many excellent specimens of native trees and a wide selection of flowering and herbaceous plants may be found here. Such a wooded tract is unique within an urban community. It is a remnant of the land that once was.... a source of food and shelter for a variety of wildlife and a haven for renewal of the human spirit.
Do South Bend Greenhouse
More formally known as the Ella Morris and Muessel-Ellison Botanical Conservatories and Potawatomi Greenhouse, the South Bend Greenhouse is a collection of conservatories and indoor botanical gardens located adjacent to the Potawatomi Zoo in a historic greenhose structure. The conservatory was established in the 1920s when the Potawatomi Greenhouses were built to supply flowers to the city. In 1963 and 1967, the Ella Morris and Muessel-Ellison Botanical Conservatories were added, providing a tropical area. The "Arizona Desert Dome" was completed in 1973, and now is home to cacti, succulents, century plants, and a large monkey puzzle tree.
Do Sunburst 5K and 10K Races
Featuring the 5K and 10K course which are fast, challenging, and fun. Both events start at the College Football Hall of Fame and run on traffic-free city streets through South Bend's parks and neighborhoods. For many years, Sunburst has finished on the 50-yard line of the Notre Dame Stadium.
Do St. Patrick's County Park
This park sits on 398 acres with wooded trails, ponds and St. Joseph River frontage. The Red Barn is considered one of the largest wooden barns in the county. Other features include the Robert J. Fischgrund Center for the Performing Arts, the Adair Orchard, the Manion Cabin, the Freedom Memorial: "Standing Tall", playground and outdoor stretching equipment on two sites, picnic sites, hiking trails, canoe rentals, winter innertubing, and cross country ski trails and rentals.
Buy
Local business
Outlets and malls
Erskine Plaza on the South side is a hub for shopping in South Bend, and you can drive past the mansions of Twyckenham Hills on your way back through the city.
Eat
Budget
Eat Bonnie Doon Drive-In
Locally created and owned ice cream company and restaurant.
Eat Cambodian Thai
Excellent-tasting, fresh Thai and Cambodian cuisine at fair prices.
Eat Yellow Cat Cafe
Homey breakfast and lunch eatery.
Eat Chicory Cafe
A French Quarter style coffee house featuring beignets, po' boys and jambalaya.
Eat Mr. G's Restaurant and Lounge
Close to Baugo Creek County Park, and midway between South Bend and Elkhart (two blocks West of the Elkhart/St. Joseph County line) on SR 933 (Lincoln Way). Free Wireless Internet is also available.
Mid-range
Eat The Bucket Restaurant
Bar and restaurant featuring locally renowned burgers and great views of IU South Bend and the river. There is also a lower level deck on the river which houses a bar and is served by waitstaff. There is an upper-level deck and two floors inside, both with bars and one with a salad bar, and the upper floor is smoking.
Eat J. W. Chen's
Authentic Chinese food, well regarded around town.
Eat La Esperanza
Authentic Mexican restaurant.
Eat Legends of Notre Dame
Across from Notre Dame Stadium. Pub, nightclub, and "senior bar" at the University of Notre Dame.
Eat Luigi's Pizza
Local pizzeria, take-out only.
Eat Weiss' Gasthaus
German food, think bratwurst.
Splurge
Eat Carmela's Restaurant at Macri's Delicatessan
Fine dining in an authentic Italian atmosphere.
Eat Hana Yori
Authentic Japanese cuisine prepared at your table.
Eat LaSalle Grill
South Bend's premiere five-star restaurant. Modern American, high-end dining with a menu that varies daily.
Eat Rocco's Restaurant
Locally owned restaurant (since 1955) that serves traditional Italian food.
Eat Sunny Italy Cafe
South Bend's oldest Italian restaurant.
Eat Tippecanoe Place Restaurant
Local high-end American restaurant built into the old Studebaker Mansion downtown.
Drink
Coffee
Drink South Bend Chocolate Cafe
Have a wrap, slice of chocolate cake, or a cup of gourmet coffee at South Bend's famous chocolate cafe, next to the College Football Hall of Fame.
Drink Sweet Street Corn-Er-Coffee
Near IU South Bend.
Bars and clubs
Indiana State Law prohibits alcohol sales after 3AM Monday - Friday and after midnight on Saturday (though bars stay open until 3AM on Saturday night into Sunday morning). No alcohol sales are permitted on Sunday (beginning at midnight until 7AM Monday morning) or on Christmas, Easter, or New Year's Day. However, you can easily cross the state line into Michigan in mere minutes and purchase alcohol on Sunday before 2AM.
Drink Blarney Stone
Large bar with dance floor and drink specials.
Drink Cheers
A small bar in Roseland (between South Bend and the Michigan line) with a second story loft that has karaoke and live local bands four nights a week.
Drink C.J.'s Pub
Small pub in downtown South Bend with great food. The C.J.'s Pub Burger is sold at the restaurant and at South Bend Silver Hawk's games.
Drink Corby's
Featured in the movie Rudy. A great place to grab a drink. Near Downtown and campus. Opens at 3PM. Features an outdoor patio and 5 pool tables. Expensive, and better in the summer as it is popular among Domers (ND students).
Drink Fiddler's Hearth
Irish pub with great food and an excellent beer and liquor selection. Live bands on weekends and a smoking patio in the rear. No cover.
Drink Jay's Lounge
mediocre pizza and drink specials can be found at this small tavern (with outdoor patio) one block north of the state line in Niles, MI.
Drink Linebacker Lounge
Walking distance from Notre Dame. Go there to celebrate an Irish win or Friday and Saturday night.
Drink Madison Oyster Bar
Three-story bar with great food, reasonable drink specials (except Friday & Sat), billiards on the top floor (which is the "party" floor, floors 1 & 2 are a restaurant with one pool table and a large bar) and a laid-back yet fun atmosphere. No cover.
Drink Marine Corps League
U.S. military members can network with other service veterans at the St. Joseph Valley detachment (DET 095) of the Marine Corps League. Non-veterans and civilians may also purchase a social membership.
Drink McCormick's
Small bar with 2 pool tables and an air hockey table. No cover and good drink specials, especially on Thusrdays. Good place to wind down at the end of the night.
Drink McKinley Pub
Small bar with great drink specials.
Drink The View
Small bar close to the St. Joseph River and downtown with good drink specials and great food. Great burger and beer specials on Tuesdays.
Drink Simeri's Old Town Tap
Outdoor bar and grill featuring live bands.
Wineries
The following are plucked from the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail:
Drink Domaine Berrien Cellars
Winery nestled among the grapevines on the family's 80 acres farm. All of the wines are made from grapes grown and hand-picked in their vineyards. Enjoy a picnic on their deck.
Drink Free Run Cellars Vineyard and Wine Tasting
Free Run Cellars is a venture of Round Barn Winery winemaker, Matthew Moersch, and brother Christian. Free run - juice that flows from crushed grapes without pressing. It is superior to pressed juice as there are no seeds or stems.
Drink Hickory Creek Winery
Creating wines from grapes grown exclusively on Lake Michigan's eastern shore, with the distinct perspectives of three premier wine-growing nations: America, Australia and Germany. Sharing a lifelong passion for their craft, Hickory Creek utilizes only the highest quality estate grown and select local vineyard fruits.
Drink Filkins Vineyards
A winery and tasting room in the middle of the vineyard on top of one of the highest hills in Berrien County. Featuring Starry Starry White, Pink Side of the Moon, Moondance Merlot and Cha Cha Chardonnay. Wine with a unique point of view.
Drink Lemon Creek Fruit Farm & Winery
Lemon Creek is a family-owned and -operated 300 acres farm is in the countryside of Berrien County, 6 miles off the lake.
Drink Round Barn Winery and Union Pier Tasting Room
A winery, distillery and brewery that offers complimentary wine, brandy and beer tasting, wine dinners, festivals, open houses and parties. The Round Barn is available for weddings, receptions and parties. Products include: Dry reds, semi dry & sweet reds, dry whites, semi dry whites, sweet whites, sparkling wines, fruit brandies, dessert wines & cordials, Divine Vodka, and microbrews. BBQs, harvest parties, wine dinners, and venues for wedding and parties available. Call or visit online to schedule a tour.
Drink St. Julian Winery
Founded in 1921, St. Julian is the oldest and largest operating winery in Michigan. Its founder, Mariano Meconi, named the winery for the patron saint of his birthplace, Faleria, Italy. The winery was moved from Detroit to Paw Paw in 1936 to be closer to the vineyards.
Drink Tabor Hill Champagne Cellar
Complimentary wine and juice tasting of all products. Easy off/on from I-94.
Drink Tabor Hill Winery & Restaurant
Seasonal tours of the facility are offered daily from noon-4:30PM. Complimentary wine tasting of wines seven days a week. Restaurant open Wednesday-Sunday year-round (closed during the Christmas/New Year season).
Sleep
Budget
Stay La Quinta Inns & Suites
Located at the entrance of the South Bend International Airport. University of Notre Dame 4 miles. Free continental breakfast. Microwave & refrigerator in all rooms. 100% non smoking property. Pet-friendly no extra charge. Exercise room, indoor pool. 24 hour business center. 24 hour pantry convenience shop. Guest laundry facility. Free Wireless high-speed Internet access.
Mid-range
Stay Oliver Inn Bed and Breakfast
For an enriching glimpse of Indiana life at the turn of the century, this B&B and a good choice. The Victorian style of the Oliver Inn Bed and Breakfast reflects the lives and times of South Bend's most famous families, the Studebakers (automobiles) and the Olivers (the world-famous Oliver Chilled Plow).
Splurge
Stay Inn at Saint Mary's
The Inn features a lounge, 24-hour coffee and juice bar, complimentary breakfast, free high-speed Internet, 24 hour business center, free airport shuttle, gift shop, guest laundry, valet, concierge, 24-hour fitness center, whirpool and sauna, wireless Internet, room service through Bistro 933, and a complimentary USA Today. Deluxe personal and business suites are available. (This is a very luxurious, popular hotel and should be reserved ahead of time during the Fall semester of Notre Dame and St. Mary's courses).
Stay safe
Like many post-industrial cities, South Bend has some trouble spots. To be safe, lock your vehicle when you plan to leave it unattended anywhere downtown, but especially in a parking garage or low lit area after dark. Places to be careful during the day and not walk through after dark include areas on and around Lincoln Way West between William St. and the airport, SR 23 and Madison St. on the East Side of downtown and the river, Western Avenue between William St. and Mayflower, and US 31 between Monroe and Donmoyer Ave. to the north and south and Miami St. and Olive/Locust Rd. to the east and west. Essentially, the south and west sides of downtown and a small portion of the east side can be dangerous, but the majority of neighborhoods are safe. Portage Road and going north towards Cleveland is also known for crime. Take care as you would in any major city after dark.
One natural threat to be aware of are tornadoes: if you hear a siren or there is a tornado warning issued, take it seriously. Because South Bend/Michiana is so far North of the tornado belt, there are very few twisters in the area, even during tornado season. However, the tornadoes that do occur are usually F0s which, though comparatively weak, are often low to the ground and very difficult to spot with doppler radar, making advanced warning more difficult. Though much smaller events, their winds speeds can reach as high as 90 miles per hour and they can cause very localized damage in a short period.
Stay healthy
Drinking water is as safe in South Bend as anywhere else in the country. Do not swim in the St. Joseph River or accidentally ingest river water as the Western half of the St. Joe is still quite polluted. A 5-phase project to reroute old stormwater pipelines out of the river is nearly halfway finished, and is the primary remaining obstacle toward relative purity.
Go next
Northern Indiana has several recreation areas that highlight the interesting topography and natural features of the area.
- Chain O' Lakes State Park Located in Northeast Indiana, Chain-O-Lakes is a series of glacially-formed interconnected lakes and tributaries surrounded by thick, relatively hilly forest. The area has a vast array of wildlife and canoeing is available.
- Dr. T. K. Lawless County Park Located in Cass County, Michigan (approximately 40 minutes from downtown South Bend), this park features over seven miles of biking/cross-country skiing trails with peaks that overlook two small lakes and feature views of the surrounding county. The park also houses a soccer field, baseball diamond, two picnic houses, horseshoe pits, a disc golf course, children's play equipment, fishing in park-managed lakes and streams, a one-mile paved total access trail, modern restroom facilities, and inner-tubing in the winter (tubes provided). A modernization effort has been established to update facilities and add a dog park.
- Indiana Dunes National Park The first national park in Indiana, Indiana Dunes is a popular attraction in which visitors may see swales, bogs, and other prehistoric natural features of Northern Indiana as well as massive sand dunes and a clean lakeshore. Chicago's skyline can be seen on clear days. Camping is available. The South Shore Line takes you right to the park for less than $7 each way
- Pokagon State Park Located in Indiana's lake country (extreme Northeast Indiana), Pokagon State Park features rare, ancient glacially-formed bogs, marshes and lakes. The park also boasts a luxurious and historic inn/lodge (book ahead as it's usually full!), hiking trails, dense forests, ample wildlife, great fishing, a nature center, bicycle, boat and ski rental, and a nationally popular refrigerated toboggan-run that plunges riders down a moderate hill at speeds of up to 45 miles per hour.
- Lake Michigan Just under 40 miles from South Bend lie the cities of Benton Harbor and St. Joseph, MI, popular locales for beach-goers. New Buffalo, MI is the closest waterfront at 35 miles away and is home to Redemak's famous burgers. Michigan City is due west about 40 miles and features shopping, dining, and Indiana Dunes National Park. New Buffalo and St. Joe/Benton Harbor are excellent sunset viewing locations.
Nearby
Mishawaka
City / town · 15 listings · 4 mi away
Niles
City / town · 21 listings · 11 mi away
Elkhart
City / town · 11 listings · 15 mi away
Goshen
City / town · 6 listings · 23 mi away
Plymouth
City / town · 2 listings · 23 mi away
Harbert
City / town · 24 mi away
La Porte
City / town · 22 listings · 24 mi away
Union Pier
City / town · 4 listings · 25 mi away
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