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 Compton Family Ice Arena and Morris Performing Arts Center, 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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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 Morris Performing Arts Center.

Near Northwest
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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
Doubletree Hotel South Bend

Doubletree Hotel South Bend

4 out of 5
123 N Dr. Martin Luther King BLVD, South Bend, IN
The price is ¥19,661 per night from Oct 23 to Oct 24
¥19,661
per night
Oct 23 - Oct 24
Stay at this hotel in South Bend. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,016 reviews)
"We had a wonderful greeting. When things didn’t go quite right the staff was quick to make it right. Randall was our shuttle driver and he was excellent!"

Reviewed on Sep 21, 2025

Doubletree Hotel South Bend
Four Winds Casino South Bend

Four Winds Casino South Bend

3 out of 5
3000 Prairie Ave, South Bend, IN
The price is ¥73,707 per night from Oct 10 to Oct 11
¥73,707
per night
Oct 10 - Oct 11
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 ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (630 reviews)
"First rate property."

Reviewed on Sep 19, 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
The price is ¥15,687 per night from Oct 6 to Oct 7
¥15,687
per night
Oct 6 - Oct 7
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 ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,014 reviews)
"Beautiful! Very cozy."

Reviewed on Sep 19, 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.
Golden Dome Getaway: Hot Tub, Cinema, Fire Pit!

Golden Dome Getaway: Hot Tub, Cinema, Fire Pit!

South Bend
Stay at this vacation home in South Bend. Enjoy a fitness center, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Notre Dame Stadium and Four Winds Casino ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (28 reviews)
"Very clean house that has been nicely updated. Owner was very responsive and the neighborhood was quite nice. One note, the neighbors are lite sleepers and are not shy about letting you know if youre too loud. LOL. just a heads up!"

Reviewed on Sep 22, 2025

Golden Dome Getaway: Hot Tub, Cinema, Fire Pit!
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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (20 reviews)
Great Place to Stay
"The property has overall good cleanliness and the check in process was super easy. We enjoyed our weekend at the house and I have no complaints."

Reviewed on Aug 10, 2025

2 Miles from NOTRE DAME, Brand New Spacious House!
Spacious 4-bed home just 2 miles to ND

Spacious 4-bed home just 2 miles to ND

South Bend
Stay at this vacation home in South Bend. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Notre Dame Stadium and Four Winds Casino South ...
9/10 Wonderful! (60 reviews)
"Great place to stay"

Reviewed on Aug 21, 2025

Spacious 4-bed home just 2 miles to ND
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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