Fun Issues To Do In South Bend Indiana • McCool Vacation

Whether or not you are on a Midwest road vacation, go to for a Notre Dame football activity (or other celebration), or consider a Chicago day journey, I observed some surprising and exciting things to do in South Bend you may possibly appreciate.
Escalating up in Miami Florida and then attending USC, South Bend Indiana—home of the Notre Dame Combating Irish—is a area I very long averted. Even so, Notre Dame is a single of the leading establishments in the Usa and the globe and certainly has my respect and I am glad I have visited.
I acquired that South Bend sits at the bend in the St. Joseph’s River. The river flows into South Bend from the north and flows north yet again (to St. Joseph’s Michigan). So, that is where the identify South Bend will come from. Quite appealing.
Thank you to Go to South Bend Mishawaka Indiana for web hosting McCool Journey.
Entertaining Matters To Do In South Bend Indiana
I love that the tourism place of work and South Bend locals embrace the slogan “Mondays Can Hold out,” meaning prolong your weekend with these and other entertaining items to do in South Bend.
1. University of Notre Dame
Likely to South Bend Indiana without observing Notre Dame is like visiting Paris and not observing the Eiffel Tower. I can publish an whole post about Notre Dame (and I could possibly) but below are some fast highlights.
The College of Our Lady of the Lake—Notre Dame’s unique name, even nevertheless there are two lakes (Mary and Joseph)—was founded November 1842. The over 1,400 acre (double the original dimension) campus is lovely, roomy, and not filled by tall structures like most US universities.
Notre Dame is presently the 11th wealthiest college in the world, based mostly on their endowment.
The well-known golden dome setting up opened in 1879, following the prior primary constructing was wrecked in a fireplace.
Golden Dome at University of Notre Dame
The Grotto is a 1/7 measurement replica of the Our Lady of Lourdes cave at Massabielle in Lourdes France.
University of Notre Dame Grotto
The breathtaking church underwent a significant renovation in 1988-89 and people today have been astonished by the vivid hues when it reopened. The Pope conferred it as a Basilica in 1991. The $4 million dollar pipe organ was included in 2016. Basilica of the Sacred Heart residences the world’s premier assortment of 19th Century French stained glass.
Basilica of the Sacred Coronary heart at Notre Dame
2. Notre Dame Stadium
Locals say that Notre Dame invented tailgating and designed the initially university marching band. The athletic system is historic and popular. The football stadium opened for the 2017 year with a $500 million facelift and motor overhaul. When the stadium been given a complete upgrade—with the world’s most significant video screen, reducing edge technological know-how, and synthetic turf (not every person is a enthusiast)—the total concentrate is the shell built close to the stadium.
Notre Dame stadium suite with check out of the campus
My stadium tour concluded with a walk through the historic player’s entrance tunnel, throughout the stop zone, and to midfield. My Apple iphone battery died (ugh) as I walked onto the Notre Dame stadium area but thankfully another person took the underneath photo of me.
look at from the Notre Dame Stadium tunnel and finish zone
McCool Vacation tip: have a moveable charger or even two chargers for essential times.

Although possibly 10 functions applied the stadium in the previous, the setting up now properties gatherings practically just about every working day of the year. Classes, tests, and scholar functions acquire precedent in numerous locations, on non-activity times of training course. Repurposing supplies from the previous stadium is a wonderful contact. The college student heart hallway and the cafe/lounges integrate the outdated picket benches.
repurposed Notre Dame stadium benches at new scholar heart
Believe it or not, there are quite a few other awesome items to do in South Bend, other than stop by Notre Dame.
3. The Studebaker Countrywide Museum
Studebaker operated a notable business in South Bend from the 1880s to 1960s.
magnificent pink Studebaker at Studebaker Museum in South Bend Indiana
The Countrywide Studebaker Museum in South Bend has extra to see, on the other hand, than just classic Studebaker vehicles.
vintage pick up truck at Studebaker Museum
On display at the Studebaker Museum is the most significant selection of Presidential carriages—two of which had been Studebakers—including Abraham Lincoln’s carriage to Ford’s Theater.
see President Lincoln’s carriage at Studebaker Museum
4. Oliver Mansion at The Heritage Museum
The Olivers were being the wealthiest family members in Indiana in the late 1890s, because of to the creation of the plow blade by James Oliver. His son JD Oliver commissioned this condition-of-the-artwork 12,000 square foot mansion with 38 rooms to be designed and his household moved in on January 1, 1897.
Oliver Mansion in South Bend Indiana
The Oliver Mansion remained in the loved ones until it was donated, with all furnishings and paperwork, in the 1980s. The home continues to be decorated as when the Oliver family members lived there and is operated by The Heritage Museum, which also manages on-site galleries, the Oliver Gardens, and Kidsfirst Children’s Museum.
5. South Bend Cubs
South Bend is located amongst Chicago and Indianapolis but the the greater part of residents adhere to Chicago athletics groups, primarily for baseball. The South Bend Cubs are a Class A affiliate crew of the Chicago Cubs and is a pleasurable demonstrate for young ones of all ages.
South Bend Cubs at Four Winds Field
McCool Vacation suggestion: try the grownup drinks from the tiki hut.
6. South Bend Farmers Industry and Cafe
Chef Nate runs the cafe inside the South Bend Farmers Marketplace and he estimates that 85% of the elements going into the dishes are from the farmers market. When we ate breakfast, he walked by with bins of contemporary tomatoes and asparagus from a nearby seller. Inside the cafe, Jen prepares ice product floats with ginger beer, pumpkin pie cola, and other craft sodas.
Most of the farmers marketplace sellers are at the very least 3rd or 4th technology. Inside of the South Bend Farmers Market, search for Hobo Jim sizzling sauces, onsite butchers, and loads of area refreshing develop and crafts.

7. In which to Eat in South Bend
In addition to the previously mentioned South Bend Farmers Marketplace cafe, test these South Bend dining establishments.
Macadoo’s Spouse and children Cafe in Mishawaka gained the Most effective Breakfast in St. Joseph’s County. Try Macadoo’s pancake of the month.
The View Tavern acquired the Most effective Burger in Northern Indiana in 2014.
Other places to consume in South Bend involve:

Rohr’s at Morris Inn on the Notre Dame campus (definitely delicious steak salad for lunch)
Crooked Ewe (exceptional fries)
La Rosita (Mexican ice product and treats)
South Bend Chocolate (the downtown retail store has a Chocolate Lounge and grill)

8. South Bend Chocolate Firm
When I noticed the indication on the facet of a constructing close to my hotel for World’s Greatest Chocolate Store, I had to go there!
take a look at the World’s Largest Chocolate Keep
South Bend Chocolate owner Mark Turner is an avid dinosaur hunter. He identified a comprehensive dinosaur skeleton, which he named Julia after his wife. South Bend Chocolate is developing a substantial complex, scheduled to open in 2024, which will have a substantial chocolate manufacturing facility, dinosaur museum, and considerably much more.
Mark’s father operated a common sweet retail outlet in downtown South Bend. Their 3 initial flagship merchandise had been Domers, Hoosiers, and Rocknes. Now with a dozen and a 50 percent locations, South Bend Chocolate can make anything in home and operates a vibrant wholesale and retail business enterprise.
Where to Consume in South Bend
IRONHAND Vineyard tasting place is throughout the avenue from farmers marketplace and opened although I was there in June. It is owned by two neighborhood health professionals and the winery alone is located on private home.
Crooked Ewe has a dozen compact batch brews on faucet and definitely terrific meals. South Bend Brew Werks has a good downtown spot. Look at out Stop by South Bend’s manual to craft beer in The Bend.
attempt a tasty beer flight at South Bend Brew Werks
Miscellaneous South Bend Details
I was shocked to discover that South Bend has a vibrant Polish local community and has USA’s 2nd most important Dyngus Day celebration (just after Buffalo). West Facet South Bend is undergoing rejuvenation so glimpse for forthcoming interesting meals, drink, and attractions all around La Rosita.
Potawatomi Zoo is the oldest zoo in Indiana and has 500 animals. McCool Vacation tip: Potawatomi serves neighborhood South Bend craft beer. Certainly!
Renowned individuals from South Bend (not which include Notre Dame alumni) consist of Vivica Fox, Dean Norris (from Breaking Negative), Ryan Newman (NASCAR), Jon Gruden (NFL), John Wood (coached at South Ben Substantial University), and the DeBartolo family members (purchasing malls and former NFL group entrepreneurs).
In which to Stay in South Bend IN
Courtyard South Bend Downtown has a excellent South Bend downtown area. It sits across the avenue from the South Bend convention center and is upcoming door to the South Bend Chocolate Business.
McCool Vacation tip: stroll as a result of the convention heart to see the East Race waterway—home of the 1st guy-produced whitewater rapids—and the nightly River Lights exhibit.
Click listed here to see a movie of an awesome South Bend hotel room at the Courtyard.
Receiving to South Bend Indiana
Allegiant, American, Delta, and United give nonstop flights to/from South Bend airport and extra than a dozen US airports. The educate from Chicago Millennium station to South Bend (SBN) airport is known as South Shore Line and fees about $15 a single way.
McCool Vacation tip: a area South Bend resident informed me that up to three youngsters can experience for absolutely free with every single grownup fare. Wow! Locate other community transportation alternatives on the South Bend airport and Notre Dame web-sites.
Map of South Bend IN