South Bend Travel Guide

Read this comprehensive travel guide to explore the beautiful city of South Bend, Indiana. Find detailed information about the best places to visit, things to do, local culture, safety, and health, and much more.


Introduction to South Bend

Welcome to South Bend, a charming city located in northern Indiana. Known for its rich history, beautiful parks and gardens, and amazing food and drink scene, South Bend is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the Midwest of the United States of America.

List of Places to Visit in South Bend

Here are some of the best places to visit in South Bend:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Studebaker National Museum
  • The History Museum
  • South Bend Museum of Art
  • Morris Performing Arts Center
  • The Civil Rights Heritage Center at Indiana University South Bend

Natural Attractions of South Bend: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Potawatomi Zoo
  • Indiana Dunes National Park
  • Bendix Woods County Park
  • Rum Village Park
  • Howard Park

Hiking/Biking Routes of South Bend

South Bend has some amazing trails for hiking and biking enthusiasts. Here are some of the best ones:

  • St. Joseph County Parks Trail System
  • East Bank Trail
  • LaSalle Trail
  • Riverside Trail

Best Things to Do in South Bend: Activities and Tours

South Bend offers a wide range of activities and tours. Here are some of the best ones:

  • South Bend River Lights
  • Notre Dame Stadium Tour
  • South Bend Cubs Baseball Game
  • South Bend Brew Werks Beer Tasting and Tour

Week-Long Itinerary for South Bend

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit Notre Dame University
Day 2 Explore the Museums and Historical Places
Day 3 Hiking/Biking on the Best Trails
Day 4 Visit the Scenic Parks and Gardens
Day 5 Enjoy the Best Food and Drink
Day 6 Take Part in Outdoor Adventures and Activities
Day 7 Take one of the Local Tours

Food and Drink Scene of South Bend

Must-Try Dishes

  • Mishawaka Fries
  • Hoosier Mama Fried Chicken
  • Pirogis
  • Signature 14’’ Pizza
  • The Chocolate Cafe’s Hot Cocoa

Local Beverages

  • Three Oaks Cider
  • Crooked Ewe Brewery & Ale House
  • The LaSalle Kitchen and Tavern’s Signature Cocktails
  • Wine at South Bend Brew Werks

Where to Stay in South Bend: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Here are some of the best places to stay in South Bend:

  • The Morris Inn
  • Aloft South Bend
  • Hilton Garden Inn South Bend
  • Innisfree Bed & Breakfast
  • Oliver Inn Bed & Breakfast

What to Buy in South Bend: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Souvenirs

  • Notre Dame Apparel and Merchandise
  • South Bend Chocolate Company’s Chocolates
  • Art at South Street Art Gallery
  • The Farmer’s Market at South Bend

Local Products

  • Three Oaks Spice Mixes
  • Mimosas & More Wine Mixes
  • Vintage Indiana Wine Glass
  • Lush Gourmet Caramel Corn

Local Culture and Customs of South Bend

South Bend is a friendly and welcoming city. Here are some things to keep in mind to respect the local culture and customs:

  • Be friendly to everyone you meet.
  • Avoid bringing up politics or religion in a public setting.
  • Dress appropriately for the weather and events.

Best Time to Visit South Bend

The best time to visit South Bend is from May through October, when the weather is pleasant, and outdoor festivals and events are in full swing.

Do’s and Don’ts of South Bend

Do:

  • Try local foods and drinks
  • Visit museums and historical places
  • Go hiking or biking

    Don’t:

  • Leave trash in parks or trails
  • Litter or jaywalk
  • Disrespect the local culture

Safety and Health

Safety in South Bend

South Bend is a generally safe city, but it’s always good to take precautions wherever you go.

  • Avoid walking alone at night
  • Stay aware of your surroundings
  • Keep valuable items in a safe place

Health in South Bend

There are plenty of medical facilities in South Bend in case of emergencies.

  • St Joseph Regional Medical Center
  • Memorial Hospital
  • HealthLinc Community Health Center

Getting to South Bend: Transportation Options and Logistics

South Bend is easily accessible via multiple transportation options.

Airports Near South Bend

  • South Bend International Airport
  • Fort Wayne International Airport
  • Midway International Airport

Bus Stations Near South Bend

  • Greyhound Bus Lines
  • Coach USA
  • South Shore Line Railway

Other Options

  • Uber and Lyft
  • Amtrak
  • Car Rentals

How to Get Around in South Bend

South Bend has multiple transportation options available for getting around.

Public Transit

  • Transpo Bus Service
  • The South Shore Line Railway

Rental Cars

  • Avis
  • Enterprise
  • Hertz

Taxis and Ridesharing Services

  • Uber
  • Lyft
  • American Taxi

Where to Go Next from South Bend: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Chicago, IL
  • Indianapolis, IN
  • Michigan City, IN
  • Fort Wayne, IN

Conclusion

South Bend is a charming and unique city, filled with amazing culture, history, and natural beauty. This comprehensive guide will help you explore the best of what South Bend has to offer. Happy travels!