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 East Race Waterway and Compton Family Ice Arena, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Northeast 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
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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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
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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 The History Museum.

Near Northwest
Baymont By Wyndham South Bend
Baymont By Wyndham South Bend
2.5 out of 5
215 South Dixie Way, South Bend, IN
$70 nightly
The price is $81 total per night from Jun 8 to Jun 9
$81 total
Jun 8 - Jun 9
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in South Bend. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (63 reviews)
"Baymont by Wyndham is an excellent option for affordability and comfort. I had an issue with my TV and the overnight front desk person graciously and expeditiously moved me to a nearby room. The hotel takes cleaning seriously and was in the process of painting & repairing some of the outdated areas ..."

Reviewed on Jun 5, 2025

Baymont By Wyndham South Bend
Four Winds Casino South Bend
Four Winds Casino South Bend
3 out of 5
3000 Prairie Ave, South Bend, IN
$98 nightly
The price is $111 total per night from Jun 8 to Jun 9
$111 total
Jun 8 - Jun 9
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star spa hotel in South Bend. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (515 reviews)
"Was a good stay!"

Reviewed on Jun 2, 2025

Four Winds Casino South Bend
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
$134 nightly
The price is $154 total per night from Jul 7 to Jul 8
$154 total
Jul 7 - Jul 8
Total includes taxes and 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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
"Walkable to Notre Dame campus."

Reviewed on Jun 2, 2025

The Inn at Saint Mary's
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.
Freshly renovated 4 bedroom just 2 Miles to Notre Dame
Freshly renovated 4 bedroom just 2 Miles to Notre Dame
South Bend
Stay at this vacation home in South Bend. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Notre Dame Stadium and Four Winds Casino South ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (25 reviews)
Comfortable Home
"It's nothing fancy but plenty of comfortable beds, a living room for gathering ar one end of the house and a large kitchen table in the other end. The host is very responsive to questions. responsive to to questions"

Reviewed on May 21, 2025

Freshly renovated 4 bedroom just 2 Miles to Notre Dame
2 Miles from NOTRE DAME, Brand New Spacious House!
2 Miles from NOTRE DAME, Brand New Spacious House!
South Bend
Stay at this vacation home in South Bend. Enjoy free WiFi, an in-room coffeemaker, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Notre Dame Stadium and Four Winds ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (13 reviews)
Happy Thanksgiving
"We had a nice time with our family"

Reviewed on Dec 20, 2024

2 Miles from NOTRE DAME, Brand New Spacious House!
Historic property is a comfortable, peaceful, and safe  place to stay.
Historic property is a comfortable, peaceful, and safe place to stay.
South Bend
Stay at this cottage in South Bend. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Four Winds Casino South Bend and Notre Dame Stadium ...
Great little getaway close to Notre Dame
"Was a great little cottage provide us us with everything we needed for our short stay for the Notre Dame game"

Reviewed on Dec 24, 2024

Historic property is a comfortable, peaceful, and safe place to stay.
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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