Things to Do in South Bend

This museum is on the University of Notre Dame Campus, near Notre Dame Stadium, and provides free admission to all members of the public. The Snite Museum of Art features a wide collection of Renaissance, medieval, and 19th-century artworks.

South Bend offers a unique white water rafting experience at the heart of the city on the St. Joseph River, near the banks of the Century Center. The waves and white water on this section of the river, known as the East Race Waterway, are controlled by headgates and submerged obstacles, offering a wide range of difficulty for different riders.

Adjacent to the Joyce Center on the south edge of the University of Notre Dame campus, the Compton Family Ice Arena appeals to students, faculty, and members of the community. It's home to the Fighting Irish hockey teams and provides everyday opportunities for the public to use the ice.

This downtown art museum features three stories and five galleries representing Indiana and regional artists. The museum also has works from across the nation on display. The halls of the South Bend Museum of Art are easy to navigate, and while visiting, it's common to find yourself immersed in the artistic atmosphere.

The History Museum is next to the National Studebaker Museum and is one of the oldest institutions of its kind in the state. The informative exhibits, vivid displays, and artifacts of the museum tell various stories of Indiana, ranging from the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League to the evolution of architecture at Notre Dame.

Beginning as a vaudeville house in the early 1920s, the Morris Performing Arts Center followed the act of many prominent theaters across the country. Narrowly avoiding the wrecking ball during the mid-20th century, this historic venue was saved when the South Bend community rallied behind it, ultimately restoring it back to its original glamour in the year 2000.

The Basilica of the Sacred Heart is near the north end of the University of Notre Dame campus and is the mother church of the Congregation of the Holy Cross in the United States. It has a significant role in the Catholic faith, and this Gothic-inspired church is also an incredible piece of architecture and functional art.

On the east side of the city, adjacent to Potawatomi Park, Potawatomi Zoo is the oldest animal park in Indiana. With nearly 500 animals spread across 23 acres, this family-friendly attraction allows for educational and hands-on experiences alongside many viewing opportunities.

The American car manufacturer Studebaker has a long history connected to South Bend, much of which is on display at the National Studebaker Museum. This acclaimed museum and educational space is open seven days a week, except on major holidays.

Founded in 1842 and chartered by the state legislature in 1844, the University of Notre Dame has remained a physical and cultural presence of South Bend ever since the school's inception. During a visit to Notre Dame today, noting the collegiate Gothic architecture and the sprawling campus often filled with backpack-clad students, it's impossible not to feel the academic and spiritual powers at play.