Travel Destinations Indiana South Bend, Indiana Top Things to Do in South Bend, Indiana Football fans flood South Bend to cheer the University of Notre Dame’s Fighting Irish. But football isn't the only draw in this picturesque town; attractions such as historic mansions, The National Studebaker Museum, the Morris Performing Arts Center and the South Bend Museum of Art merit a stop, too. By Midwest Living editors Midwest Living editors Midwest Living's experienced editors create best-in-class travel, lifestyle, food, home and garden content you won't find anywhere else. We're loudly, proudly Midwestern, and we're passionate about helping our audience explore and create through award-winning storytelling. Midwest Living's Editorial Guidelines Updated on May 24, 2022 Photo: Courtesy of Visit South Bend Mishawaka Do CircaArts Gallery A favorite among the boutiques and studios in the East Bank Village, Circa sells local art with emphasis on the Arts and Crafts style. Check website for hours. circaartsgallery.com East Race Waterway Alongside the river, rafters and kayakers ride the white water of the narrow channels. eastracewaterway.gr8.com Morris Performing Arts Center A local philanthropist saved this former vaudeville theater from the wrecking ball, and it got a complete overhaul between 1998 and 2000 that restored the interior to its original 1921 palette of rose and cream. Highlights include performances by the South Bend Symphony Orchestra. morriscenter.org The National Studebaker Museum Founded in South Bend in 1852, the Studebaker Corporation made buggies and wagons before transitioning into auto manufacturing. The museum, which celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2015, chronicles the company's history and houses more than 120 vehicles. studebakermuseum.org Oliver Mansion. Courtesy of Visit South Bend Mishawaka Oliver Mansion This Romanesque Queen Anne home, also known as Copshaholm, contains 38 rooms of original furnishings, intricate woodwork and leaded-glass windows. Built by industrialist J.D. Oliver in 1896 on the city's mansion row, the home offers tours coordinated by The History Museum. historymuseumsb.org South Bend Chocolate Company This fast-growing confectioner boasts Chocolate Cafe locations across the Midwest, but only in its hometown can you tour the factory. Free tours of the chocolate-making equipment last about 20 minutes. Afterward, browse the outlet store for deals on truffles, toffees and caramels-or chocolate Rocknes (truffles with cherry flavoring, coconuts and almonds) named in honor of legendary Notre Dame football coach Knute Rockne. sbchocolate.com EE Berger South Bend Museum of Art Works of Hoosier Impressionism star among three stories of galleries. southbendart.org EE Berger University of Notre Dame Guided tours lead visitors from the Eck Visitors Center past the Golden Dome, Basilica of the Sacred Heart and the Grotto of our Lady of Lourdes. tour.nd.edu Cafe Navarre. EE Berger Eat and Drink Cafe Navarre Local ingredients and international flavors fuse in dishes like the Amish chicken served with miso, jasmine rice and sweet curry peanuts. cafenavarre.co LaSalle Grill The menu changes daily at this special-occasion spot where hardwood grilling imparts smoky flavor to many dishes. Reservations recommended. lasallegrill.com Rocco's Restaurant A favorite with Notre Dame students, families and alumni, Rocco's serves Italian comfort food in a warm family setting. roccosoriginalpizza.com Rocky River Tap and Table This farm-to-fork restaurant in nearby Granger offers a contemporary dining experience with seasonal entrees such as barbecue nachos with smoked Indiana duck. Bonus: Most of the 30 beers on tap are brewed in Indiana and neighboring Michigan. rockyrivertapandtable.com South Bend Brew Works. South Bend Brew Werks Pair the smooth, smoky Mr. Elegante porter with a kicky smoked brisket flatbread. southbendbrewwerks.com Tippecanoe Place Restaurant. Tippecanoe Place Try herb-crusted prime rib, shrimp cocktail and other classics in an 1880s stone mansion. tippe.com Stay Ivy Court Inn and Suites Fighting Irish fans wanting a homey stay can find lodging and breakfast here, plus tailgating in the parking lot. ivycourt.com Morris Inn Stay on campus in AAA Four Diamond luxury. Grab a drink at Rohr's, where legendary bartender Murf loves to dish on celebs he's served. morrisinn.nd.edu Oliver Inn Just two blocks from Copshaholm, this 1886 mansion built by J.D. Oliver's sister, Josephine, is home to a romantic bed-and-breakfast. Most of the nine rooms include fireplaces, and some come with claw-foot tubs and private porches. oliverinn.com For more information visitsouthbend.com Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit