South Bend

Travel Guide

Basilica of the Sacred Heart showing heritage architecture and a park
Basilica of the Sacred Heart which includes a garden, heritage architecture and flowers
South Bend featuring a city
South Bend
South Bend

This thriving metropolis is known for its revered colleges, arts and entertainment centres, great shopping, restaurants, parks and plazas, and rich local history.

South Bend is a charming city with diversity in its arts, history, universities and shopping. Begin your stay exploring downtown. Find local, regional and international goods as well as boutique and handmade arts and crafts. Dining options are plentiful, with everything from counterculture coffee and ethnic foods to fine dining.

The colleges in South Bend foster a vibrant community of intellectual, scientific, artistic and sporting pursuits. See the iconic gilded Golden Dome and the statue of Mary on the main building at the University of Notre Dame.

Arts are big in South Bend so enjoy seeing a show or hearing the symphony orchestra play at the beautiful Morris Performing Arts Centre. Originally built in 1921, the Morris Performing Arts Centre is on the National Register for Historic Places.

If you are a history buff, be sure to walk through the Oliver Mansion and Centre for History, the Victorian mansion that was Joseph D. Oliver’s house he was the inventor of the chilled plough. Visit the indoor museum at the Military Honour Park and take the little ones to the children’s museum. Discover how Christian faith influenced life in South Bend at the Taylor Memorial Chapel and the Grotto of Our Lady at the University of Notre Dame.

With an array of parks and recreational centres, South Bend offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activity. Take a morning stroll through the city’s parks and gardens on the designated Riverwalk trails. Visit the wildlife oasis of Rum Village Nature Centre and walk or bike through the woodlands. Take the kids to the Potawatomi Zoo and discover scientific gems and historical artefacts at the Hannah Lindahl Children’s Museum.

South Bend is in North Central Indiana, 96 miles (155 kilometres) east of Chicago. The most efficient way to get around is by Transpo, the local bus system. If you choose to drive, the city is easy to navigate and taxis are readily available.

Where to stay in South Bend

University of Notre Dame featuring a garden, a church or cathedral and wildflowers

Northeast South Bend

Though Northeast South Bend may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Compton Family Ice Arena and Morris Performing Arts Center.

Northeast South Bend
South Bend which includes flowers and signage

Downtown South Bend

While visiting Downtown South Bend, you might make a stop by sights like Morris Performing Arts Center and Studebaker National Museum.

Downtown South Bend
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Wooded Estates

While there might not be top attractions in Wooded Estates, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Compton Family Ice Arena and Notre Dame Stadium.

Wooded Estates
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Harters Heights

Harters Heights might not have many top sights, but Compton Family Ice Arena and Notre Dame Stadium are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Harters Heights
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Near Northwest

Near Northwest might not have many top sights, but South Bend Civic Theater and Morris Performing Arts Center are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Near Northwest
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River Park

While River Park isn't home to many top sights, Potawatomi Zoo and East Race Waterway are some notable places to visit nearby.

River Park
Wingate by Wyndham South Bend/Notre Dame

Wingate by Wyndham South Bend/Notre Dame

3 out of 5
52890 State Rt 933 N, South Bend, IN
The price is RM303 per night from 20 Aug to 21 Aug
RM303
RM349 total
20 Aug - 21 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in South Bend. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (792 reviews)
Great stay
"Nice visit, I have stayed there before and will stay again. Breakfast options were plentiful and very tasty"

Reviewed on 16 Aug 2025

Wingate by Wyndham South Bend/Notre Dame
La Quinta Suites by Wyndham South Bend Notre Dame Area

La Quinta Suites by Wyndham South Bend Notre Dame Area

3 out of 5
52554 STATE ROAD 933, South Bend, IN
The price is RM413 per night from 26 Aug to 27 Aug
RM413
RM475 total
26 Aug - 27 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in South Bend. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,058 reviews)
"Excellent check-in with Nikki! It was a long day of driving & I wanted a quiet room that faced east. Nikki was accommodating and helpful, especially with the blackout screen that was stuck. Very professional & friendly. Thank you! Also, Manenava & Hasy did a great job cleaning & preparing the room! ..."

Reviewed on 18 Aug 2025

La Quinta Suites by Wyndham South Bend Notre Dame Area
Doubletree Hotel South Bend

Doubletree Hotel South Bend

4 out of 5
123 N Dr. Martin Luther King BLVD, South Bend, IN
The price is RM499 per night from 2 Sept to 3 Sept
RM499
RM574 total
2 Sept - 3 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in South Bend. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,002 reviews)
"We had a nice stay overall. We were surprised that there was no air conditioning on in the main areas of the hotel including the lobby and atrium where the restaurant was. We had to use room service for our meal because we didn’t want to eat and sweat at the same time. It was very much like a sauna ..."

Reviewed on 13 Aug 2025

Doubletree Hotel South Bend
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Villas at French Lick Springs

The Villas at French Lick Springs

3 out of 5
8718 W State Road 56, French Lick, IN
Stay at this 3-star condo in French Lick. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (248 reviews)
"Although the condo was dated, it was very clean and the bed was comfortable. We enjoyed our quiet, peaceful weekend stay."

Reviewed on 9 Aug 2025

The Villas at French Lick Springs
The Argyle on Mass Ave

The Argyle on Mass Ave

4 out of 5
615 N East St., Indianapolis, IN
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Indianapolis. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Lucas Oil Stadium and Indianapolis ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (133 reviews)
Great and comfortable stay
"Great location! Very accommodating for our stay, kitchen was well equipped! It gave home away from vibes. Minutes from everything in Indy. We will definitely stay again next summer!!"

Reviewed on 12 Aug 2025

The Argyle on Mass Ave
CozySuites at Block20

CozySuites at Block20

2.5 out of 5
423 E Michigan St, Indianapolis, IN
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Indianapolis. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and in-room washers/dryers. Popular attractions Lucas Oil Stadium ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (56 reviews)
"The room was very nice and spacious! Very clean and great location. Very difficult check in process. Having 3 different codes to get in, not being able to use the elevator to go to the room, you had to go to the 1st floor and outside and then back in. Not easy when you are trying to bring in your ..."

Reviewed on 11 Aug 2025

CozySuites at Block20
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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