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.

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 his difficult to spell last name) likes to tout his experience of being a "Small Town Mayor in a Red State" during the Presidential Primaries in the 2020 campaign cycle which ultimately propelled him to national fame and the post of secretary of transportation of the USA.

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

• 1 South Bend International Airport (SBN  ^IATA) (is a few miles west of the city center of South Bend, in the very northern part of the State of Indiana and close to the border of Michigan. It is within a 35 mi (56 km) drive west to the shores of Lake Michigan. The airport has easy access to Interstate 80/90 and US 20/31). 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. (updated Jul 2023)

Other local airports include:

• 2 Elkhart Municipal Airport (EKI ^IATA), 2246 Airport Dr., Elkhart, ☏ +1 574 264-5217.  
• 3 Jerry Tyler Memorial Airport (NLE ^IATA), 508 E Main St., Niles, MI.  

By train

See also: Rail travel in the United States

Long distance trains and commuter trains serve South Bend at two different train stations, neither of which is near the city's center:

• 4 South Bend Airport station, 4485 Progress Drive. (updated Oct 2023) Train operator:
  • 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.

• 5 South Bend station, 2702 W Washington St. (updated Oct 2023) Train operator:
  • Amtrak, ☏ +1 215-856-7924, toll-free: +1-800-872-7245. Operates trains throughout the United States of America. (updated Dec 2020) 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

Public transportation

• Transpo, ☏ +1 574-234-1188. The local bus system that serves South Bend and most of Mishawaka. A service called the "Transpo Trolley" makes stops at all of the tourist attractions. Rides are $.75 each way and $.25 for a transfer. (updated Apr 2019)

Taxis and limousines

• Shamrock Cab +1 574 243-5500.
• 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

• 1 Century Center, 120 S Saint Joseph St, ☏ +1 574 235-9151. Located along the St. Joe river downtown, 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.  
• 2 Indiana University South Bend, ☏ +1 574 520-IUSB (4872). The third-largest of the eight IU campuses, IU South Bend has grown substantially and is worth seeing.  
• 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. (updated Apr 2019)
• 3 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. (updated Apr 2019)
• 4 Saint Mary's College, ☏ +1 574 284-4000. Located across from the University of Notre Dame. (updated Dec 2019)
• 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. (updated Apr 2019)
• 5 University of Notre Dame, ☏ +1 574-631-5000. 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

• Broadway Theatre League. Broadway hits on national tour from New York City! 
• 1 Morris Performing Arts Center, 211 N Michigan St, ☏ +1 574 235-9190. This beautiful downtown concert venue is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.  
• 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

• Indiana University South Bend Titans, ☏ +1 574 520-4872. This team plays other schools from the Chicagoland and Calumet Region. 
• Notre Dame Fighting Irish, ☏ +1 574 631-7356. 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.  
• South Bend Cubs (South Bend Silver Hawks), ☏ +1 574 235-9988. 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

• Artpost Gallery, 216 W. Madison St, ☏ +1 574 287-6293. Th-F noon-6PM, Su noon-4PM. Artpost is a creative space that exhibits regional artists who make contemporary art, folk art, and artist books. Free. 
• Hannah Lindahl Children's Museum, 1402 S Main St, Mishawaka. Step back in time to a world your grandparents - even your great-grandparents - knew. You'll also get a close look at the wonderful world of nature, a taste of life in Japan, and the excitement in their Survive Alive fire safety training house. 
• 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. 
• 2 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.  
• 3 Snite Museum of Art. See art pieces from around the world at the Snite Museum of Art, on the campus of Notre Dame, across from the stadium.  
• 6 South Bend Museum of Art, 120 South Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd (inside Century Center), ☏ +1 574 235-9102. See the work of artists from around the Great Lakes and Midwest. (updated Jun 2019)
• 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.
• 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. 
• 4 Studebaker National Museum, 201 Chapin St, ☏ +1 574 235-9714. M-Sa 10AM-5PM; Su noon-5PM. 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. Adults $10 (combined ticked with the History Museum $15), seniors over 60 $8.50 ($12), Students 6-17 $6 ($8), children 5 and under free. (updated Dec 2017)

Outdoor activities

• 5 Amish Acres, 1600 West Market St, Nappanee, ☏ +1 574 773-4188, toll-free: +1-800-800-4942. An historic 80 acres (32 hectares) farm and heritage resort. Experience the lifestyle of the Amish through guided tours, restaurants, farm restaurants, musical theatre, craft demonstrations, and quaint shops.  
• East Bank Trail/Riverwalk along the St. Joseph River. The banks of the East Race offer more than 5 mi (8.0 km) of paved and lighted walking/running paths along the scenic St. Joseph River.
• 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. 
• Ferrettie Baugo Creek, 57057 Ash Rd, Osceola. Located midway between Mishawaka and Elkhart - Baugo Creek has a picnic area and disc golf course as well as canoe rentals down Baugo Creek. 
• 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.
• O'Brien Skate Park at O'Brien Park, 321 E Walter St. One of the best facilities in the region to board or roller blade. The concrete, permanent obstacle, 13,000 ft² (1,200 m²) 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. 
• 6 Potato Creek State Park, 25601 State Rd, ☏ +1 574 656-8186. 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.  
• 7 Potawatomi Zoo. The Potawatomi Zoo is a zoo in eastern South Bend, Indiana. The 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, Potawatomi 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 Bononbos, 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 (65 hectares) 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.
• 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. $3 for adults and $1 for students. 
• 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. 
• St. Patrick's County Park, 50651 Laurel Rd, ☏ +1 574 277-4828. This park sits on 398 acres (161 hectares) 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

• Bombay Boutique, 119 S Michigan St, ☏ +1 574 271-8865. Features clothing, jewelry, and other items from India and South Asia. 
• CineArts, 528 E. Colfax Ave, ☏ +1 574 233-8400. 
• Ten Thousand Villages, 214 W Cleveland Rd, Granger, ☏ +1 574 277-4900. Fair -trade items from over 35 countries, offering home decor, jewelry, textiles, toys, coffee, tea, chocolate, gift items. 
• South Bend Chocolate Factory, 3300 West Sample St, ☏ +1 574 233-2577. See the South Bend Chocolate Company creating their famous deserts while buying or sampling some for yourself. 

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.

• 1 University Park Mall, 6501 N Grape Rd, Mishawaka, Indiana (Grape Road and SR 23), ☏ +1 574 277-2223. University Park Mall has a multitude of national stores - both high and low end - including the two anchors: J.C. Penny and Macy's (updated Dec 2019)
• University of Notre Dame. Shop the Notre Dame bookstore - the largest in the country - or shop the ND Varsity shop located in the Joyce Athletic Convention Center (JACC). 

Eat

Budget

• Bonnie Doon Drive-In, 2704 Lincolnway W Hwy, Mishawaka, ☏ +1 574-255-9841. Locally created and owned ice cream company and restaurant. 
• Cambodian Thai, 235 S Michigan St, ☏ +1 574 289-2877. Excellent-tasting, fresh Thai and Cambodian cuisine at fair prices. 
• Yellow Cat Cafe, 808 E Colfax Ave, ☏ +1 574-233-2233. Homey breakfast and lunch eatery. 
• Chicory Cafe, 105 E Jefferson Blvd, ☏ +1 574 234-1141. A French Quarter style coffee house featuring beignets, po' boys and jambalaya. 

• Mr. G's Restaurant and Lounge, 708 Lincolnway W Hwy, Osceola, ☏ +1 574-674-6362. 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

• J. W. Chen's, 1835 South Bend Ave (SR 23), ☏ +1 574 271-2777. Authentic Chinese food, well regarded around town. 
• La Esperanza, 1636 N Ironwood Dr, ☏ +1 574 273-0345. Authentic Mexican restaurant. 
• Legends of Notre Dame, ☏ +1 574-631-2582. Across from Notre Dame Stadium. Pub, nightclub, and "senior bar" at the University of Notre Dame. 
• Luigi's Pizza, 3624 Mishawaka Ave, ☏ +1 574 282-1215. Local pizzeria, take-out only. 
• The Bucket Restaurant, 1212 S Ironwood Dr, ☏ +1 574 289-1616. 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. 
• Sunny's Korean Garden, 512 S Spring St, Mishawaka, ☏ +1 574 255-5274. Great Korean food. 
• Toyo Japanese Restaurant, 620 W. Edison Rd, Mishawaka, ☏ +1 574 254-9120. 
• Weiss' Gasthaus, 115 N Dixie Way, ☏ +1 574-272-4287. German food, think bratwurst. 

Splurge

• Carmela's Restaurant at Macri's Delicatessan, 214 N Niles Ave, ☏ +1 574 280-4824. Fine dining in an authentic Italian atmosphere. 
• Hana Yori, 3601 Grape Rd, Mishawaka, ☏ +1 574 258-5817. Authentic Japanese cuisine prepared at your table. 
• 1 LaSalle Grill, 115 W Colfax Ave, ☏ +1 574 288-1155. South Bend's premiere five-star restaurant. Modern American, high-end dining with a menu that varies daily. (updated Dec 2018)
• Parisi's Ristorante Italiano, 1412 South Bend Ave, ☏ +1 574 232-4244. Highly regarded, award winning Italian restaurant. Restaurant, bar, and outdoor patio seating. 
• Rocco's Restaurant, 537 N Saint Louis Blvd, ☏ +1 574 233-2464. Locally owned restaurant (since 1955) that serves traditional Italian food. 
• Siam Thai, 211 N Main St, ☏ +1 574 232-4445. Thai cuisine that will excite your five senses: sweet, sour, salty, spicy, and natural. 
• Sunny Italy Cafe, 601 N Niles Ave, ☏ +1 574 232-9620. South Bend's oldest Italian restaurant. 
• 2 Tippecanoe Place Restaurant, 620 W Washington St, ☏ +1 574-234-9077. Local high-end American restaurant built into the old Studebaker Mansion downtown. (updated Dec 2018)

Drink

Coffee

• South Bend Chocolate Cafe, 122 S Michigan St, ☏ +1 574 287-0725. 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. 
• Sweet Street Corn-Er-Coffee, 1105 Northside Blvd, ☏ +1 574 287-8724. 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.

• Blarney Stone, 113 E. Wayne St, ☏ +1 574 283-0452. Large bar with dance floor and drink specials. 
• Bob's Tavern & 19th Hole, 26582 US Highway 20 (McKinley Ave), ☏ +1 574 233-0297. 
• Cheers, 103 S Dixie Way, ☏ +1 574-277-8407. 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. 
• 1 C.J.'s Pub, 236 S Michigan St, ☏ +1 574 233-5981. 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. (updated Sep 2017)
• Corby's, 441 E Lasalle Ave, ☏ +1 574 233-5326. 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). 
• Fiddler's Hearth, 127 N Main St, ☏ +1 574 232-2853. 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. 
• Frank's Place, 327 W Marion St, ☏ +1 574 232-2277. 
• Jay's Lounge, 3025 S 11th St, Niles, ☏ +1 269 684-8353. 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. 
• Linebacker Lounge, 1631 South Bend Ave, ☏ +1 574 289-0186. Walking distance from Notre Dame. Go there to celebrate an Irish win or Friday and Saturday night. 
• Madison Oyster Bar, 129 N Main St, ☏ +1 574 288-3776. 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. 
• Marine Corps League, 539 Parry St. 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. 
• McCormick's, 125 N Michigan St, ☏ +1 574 289-8031. 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. 
• McKinley Pub, 2930 McKinley Ave, ☏ +1 574 234-2616. Small bar with great drink specials. 
• The View, 515 E Jefferson Blvd, ☏ +1 574 288-8439. Small bar close to the St. Joseph River and downtown with good drink specials and great food. Great burger and beer specials on Tuesdays. 
• Simeri's Old Town Tap, 1505 W Indiana Ave, ☏ +1 574 289-1361. Outdoor bar and grill featuring live bands. 

Wineries

The following are plucked from the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail:

• Domaine Berrien Cellars, 398 East Lemon Creek Rd, Berrien Springs, ☏ +1 269-473-9463. W-M noon-5PM. Winery nestled among the grapevines on the family's 80 acres (32 hectares) farm. All of the wines are made from grapes grown and hand-picked in their vineyards. Enjoy a picnic on their deck. 
• Free Run Cellars Vineyard and Wine Tasting, 9185 Union Pier Rd, Union Pier, ☏ +1 269-471-1737. Th F Mo 11AM-6PM; Su noon-6PM. 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. 
• Hickory Creek Winery, 750 Browntown Rd, Baroda, ☏ +1 269-422-1100. F-Su 11AM-6PM or by appointment. 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. 
• Karma Vista Vineyards, 6991 Ryno Rd, Coloma, ☏ +1 269-468-9463. M W-Sa 11AM-5PM; Su noon-5PM-5. 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. 
• Lemon Creek Fruit Farm & Winery, 533 East Lemon Creek Rd, Berrien Springs, ☏ +1 269-471-1321. Summer hours 10AM-6PM. Winter hours noon-5PM. Lemon Creek is a family-owned and -operated 300 acres (120 hectares) farm is in the countryside of Berrien County, 6 miles off the lake. 
• Round Barn Winery and Union Pier Tasting Room, 10983 Hills Rd, Baroda, ☏ +1 269-422-1617, toll-free: +1-800-716-9463. M-Sa 11AM-6PM, Su noon-6PM. 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. 
• St. Julian Winery, 716 South Kalamazoo Rd, aw Paw, ☏ +1 269-657-5568, toll-free: +1-800-732-6002. M-Sa 9AM-5PM, Su noon-5PM. Summer hours M-Sa 9AM-6PM, Sun noon-6PM. 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. 
• Tabor Hill Champagne Cellar, 10243 Red Arrow Hwy, Bridgman, ☏ +1 269-465-6566, toll-free: +1-800-283-3363. Complimentary wine and juice tasting of all products. Easy off/on from I-94. 
• Tabor Hill Winery & Restaurant, 185 Mount Tabor Rd, Buchanan, ☏ +1 269-422-1161, toll-free: +1-800-283-3363. Daily 10AM-9PM. 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

• Quality Inn South Bend, 4124 Lincolnway West, ☏ +1 574 288-3800, fax: +1 574 288-3810. Near South Bend Regional Airport. University of Notre Dame 4 miles. Free continental breakfast. Suites and whirlpool available. Exercise room, indoor pool, business suites. Free airport shuttle to South Bend Regional Airport. 
• Suburban Studios South Bend, 52825 State Hwy 933, ☏ +1 574-968-4737, fax: +1 574 277-0203. This extended stay hotel offers free Wi-Fi, an indoor heated pool and an on-site fitness center. 
• La Quinta Inns & Suites, 23040 Lincolnway West, ☏ +1 574-233-3131. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. 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

• Comfort Suites South Bend, ☏ +1 574 272-1500, fax: +1 574 272-3200. 52939 US 933 North. Approximately 1½ miles north of Notre Dame and 4 miles from University Park Mall. All suites feature microwave, refrigerator, iron, ironing board and cable TV with HBO. Meeting space and banquet space is available. 
• Hilton Garden Inn, 53995 State Rd (US 31/Dixie Way), ☏ +1 574 232-7700. On the Saint Mary's Campus and a short walk or drive to Notre Dame. Features Bistro 933. 
• Holiday Inn City Center, 213 W. Washington St, toll-free: +1-877-863-4780. Great views abound in South Bend's tallest building, the 25-story Chase tower city center with a Holiday Inn, two restaurants, and a bank all located right downtown and a short walk to the Studebaker Museum or riverwalk. (This hotel does not receive good ratings on Yahoo Travel, though it has been renovated.) 
• 1 Oliver Inn Bed and Breakfast, 630 W. Washington St, ☏ +1 574-232-4545, toll-free: +1-888-697-4466. 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). $100 - $289 a night, with last minute specials available. (updated Dec 2018)

Splurge

• 2 Hyatt Place South Bend/Mishawaka, 215 W. Day Rd, Mishawaka, ☏ +1 574 258-7777. (updated Dec 2018)
• 3 Inn at Saint Mary's, 53993 IN-933 (Located on the corner of U.S. 31 and Douglas Rd, on the border of the Saint Mary's and Notre Dame campuses), ☏ +1 574-232-4000, toll-free: +1-877-567-1438. 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). (updated Dec 2018)
• 4 DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel South Bend, 123 N Doctor M.L.K. Jr Blvd, ☏ +1 574-234-2000. (updated Dec 2018)
• 5 Varsity Clubs of America, 3800 N Main St, Mishawaka, ☏ +1 574 277-0500. From $110. (updated Dec 2018)

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.

Routes through South Bend

END ← Chicago ←	W  E	→ Elkhart → Toledo
Gary ← La Porte ←	W  E	→ Mishawaka → Toledo
Gary ← Michigan City ←	W  E	→ Mishawaka → Toledo
Muskegon ← Niles ←	N  S	→ Jct W E → Plymouth → Indianapolis
Valparaiso ← La Porte ←	W  E	→ END
Chicago ← Michigan City ←	NW  SE	→ END