Even though South Bend is known for its museums, arts, and football culture, it deserves more respect as a tourist spot. It’s downtown and the St. Joseph River are catching the eyes of tourists nowadays, but there are still a lot of fun things to do in South Bend.
Just like the famous spots, the city’s off-the-beaten spots are also worth visiting, which I’ll discuss in today’s article. I have done enough research to come up with the best 14 hidden gems in South Bend, Indiana, which will suit almost every type of traveler, whether you like to visit art galleries, museums, or any other tourist spot.
Table of Contents
1. East Race Waterway
Address: 126 S Niles Ave, South Bend, IN 46617
East Race Waterway is an artificial white water rafting and kayaking spot in downtown South Bend. This place deserves a visit if you ever felt adventurous on your South Bend tour.
It is a 2,000-foot course with three headgates that control the water levels. Hare, the minimum age for the ride is 16, and they offer different options, such as single, two, and three-ride passes, as well as day and season passes. They also provide every necessary equipment, which varies with the pass you purchase. Overall, if you like the adventurous stuff, this is among the best activities you can do in South Bend. The only limitation is this place is only open from June 1st to September 1st.
And it’s okay if you don’t like rafting and kayaking. You can still come and see others enjoying their rides. There is an extended walking and grassy area for your to have some time walk and sit near the river.
Read More: Off-the-beaten Tourist Spots in Arlington
2. Raclin Murphy Museum of Art
Address: 100 Raclin Murphy Museum, Notre Dame, IN 46556,
Raclin Murphy Museum was formerly known as the Snite Museum which is in the University of Notre Dame. And if you have visited this place in the past, let me tell you that this museum is in a different location than the Snite Museum was.
This museum is gigantic, and I mean it. It has over 18,000 art pieces from different eras and forms. The museum has three levels: level 1 is for African, European, and American art, level 2 is for European and Indigenous Art of the Americas, and the lower level is for international modern contemporary art.
You will see historical art from the 1700s, including the work of well-known artists like Francesco de Mura, Benjamin West, Jamie Okuma, Jason Wesaw, and many more.
While visiting the art galleries inside, don’t forget the Charles B. Hayes Family Sculpture Park on the outside. It is a nice little park where you will see 22 different sculptures on different sides of the park.
This museum has a history of coming up with the most interesting and exciting exhibits, which you can also see on its website and social media pages.
3. Rum Village Park
Address: 2626 S Gertrude Street, South Bend, Indiana 46614
Rum Village Park spans over 160 acres of green land, and is an ideal picnic spot for every type of visitor, and is genuinely deserves more appreciation. It’s not just an area with grass and trees all around, but also offers countless activities.
After reaching the destination, you will first see the hiking trail, which is relatively easy and spans over three miles. The trail is well-maintained and has different species of plants, flowers, and trees around it. Not far away is the 5-mile-long biking trail, which I urge you to try, especially if you are with your friends. The biking trails are designed for every type of rider.
After hiking and biking, there is also a nature center and dog park, specifically loved by those tourists who are with their families. You can come here with your dog and just enjoy the time here. This park is also home to various wildlife species, like foxes, deer, reptiles, amphibians, and other birds.
4. Indiana Dinosaur Museum
Address: 7102 Lincolnway W Hwy, South Bend, IN 46628
As the name suggests, the Indiana Dinosaur Museum’s artifacts and findings will take you back millions of years in the dinosaur era. Though the museum is not as big as you saw in the movies for the typical Jurassic Park type Museum, but the stuff you will see here will be way more unique and rare.
As you enter, you’ll witness a plus-size skeleton of T-Rex, Apatosaurus, and many other dinosaur skeletons. There are 30 skeletons and 43 sculptures of different species of dinosaurs. You will also be surprised to see the unique fossils and various exhibits that allow hands-on experience, which will surely make anyone’s trip exceptional. And before leaving, head to the museum’s gift shop to purchase different souvenirs if you like.
Moreover, this museum is just one part of the area. The second part is where you’ll find the South Bend Chocolate Company, where you can examine how the chocolate has been made, and a cafe for a small break. Along with that is Continental Divide Park, a 90-acre naturally serene area with different walking trails. Though both of them are relatively well-known compared to the museum, but the combination of these 3 destinations is superb and will surely make your day.
Related Article: 15 Lesser-known Tourist Attractions in St. Louis
5. Military Honor Park
Address: 4300 Terminal Dr, South Bend, IN 46628
Military Honor Park is a lovely little hidden gem that should be on your South Bend itinerary. It is run by a non-profit organization and is often under-shadowed by tourists and locals. The primary purpose of this park is to recognize and pay tribute to the American military personas, dead or alive.
This museum has two parts: one is outside, and one is inside. As you park your car in the back, you’ll see replica models of airplanes, tanks, trucks, different missiles, and other replica weapons in a small grassy area with various trees. This is also the main place where tourists have their photography sessions.
As you go inside, you’ll see a room filled with countless military artifacts, including uniforms, badges, small vehicles, weapon models, paintings of wars with descriptions, and more. There is also a research library and video room for visitor’s assistance.
6. CircaArts Gallery
Address: 528 E Colfax Ave #1, South Bend, IN 46617
If you love visiting art galleries, then you should definitely check out the CircaArts Gallery. Here, you can see different types of paintings, photography, woodwork, jewelry, and other art. It often gets overshadowed by the large galleries out there. Still, even in the average-sized shop, this place is one of the best ones out there. .
The best thing about this place is that everything you’ll see here will be made by local artisans. Whether you want pottery, paintings, small-sized sculptures, woodwork, or even furniture. And what’s more impressive is that the price of all these things are pretty reasonable.
And because all the art is locally made, you will see South Bend’s uniqueness there, which you can recognize if you live nearby. Overall, this gallery is an ideal place to visit in South Bend if you are looking for a place to support local artists.
7. Lydick Bog Nature Preserve
Address: 25898 US-20, South Bend, IN 46628,
If you are looking for a picnic spot in a serene location, look no further than this stunning piece of land. Lydick Bog Nature Preserve has everything a visitor expects a natural preserve to have.
This preserve spans over 178 acres and has well-maintained trails that extend approximately 1.9 miles. This Lydick Bog Nature Preserve is home to one of the last remaining sphagnum bog habitats in Indiana. Along the trail and green area, you’ll also see different plant species like tamarack, large cranberry, winterberry, and many others. And Along the way, you’ll also see a pavilion where you can rest.
Apart from the trail, the area is filled with grass on all sides and suitable for sitting under a shady tree. Here, small ponds and shallow lakes flow through the preserve, which also makes it an ideal photography spot. Moreover, the hiking trail in this preserve is considered easy and suitable for almost everyone.
8. Chamberlain Lake Nature Preserve
Address: 58111 Crumstown Hwy, South Bend, IN 46619,
Chamberlain Lake Nature Preserve spans over 82 acres and is an ideal destination for tourists who like to visit the naturally beautiful area. Here, you will see many rare plants, different trees, and a vast land full of greenery.
With greenery all around, there is a 1.5-mile hiking trail, which isn’t that difficult even for seasonal travelers. The trees alongside them are also home to many different species of birds, and this preserve is among the favorite bird-watching spots in South Bend. .
However, the most prominent feature of this preserve is the Chamberlain Lake. And because this lake is surrounded by greenery from all ends, so you’ll witness breathtaking views. It is also ideal for sitting near the lake after hiking or whenever you feel a bit tired and take some pictures of your tour.
9. Fire Arts
Address: 305 E Colfax Ave, South Bend, IN 46617
Fire Arts is an exceptional place for art lovers, which is Tucked away in downtown South Bend. There is a three-dimensional space in this place, which is 8,000-square-foot, where local artists create pottery, jewelry, and sculpture.
Upon entering, you will surely love the warm environment and the creative art pieces around you. On different pedestals, you will see creative sculptures of animals, birds, and various other designs, which got theaccompany of other handmade jewelry and pottery designs.
I personally love their pottery and sculpture work, while many female visitors are drawn to the jewelry side of this place. They also host different events and unique exhibits, which they keep changing to add more variety to their gallery.
However, it’s not only the artistic beauty that makes this hidden gem in South Bend unique, but their classes, workshops, and lectures are also something you can’t miss. The topics of these workshops keep changing, so it’s better to check their website for the schedule.
10. The Drop Comedy Club
Address: 111 N Main St, South Bend, IN 46601
If you are among those who like stand-up comedy, then head to the Drop Comedy Club. It will surely be a one-of-a-kind experience, and you’ll also get to meet some local and stand-up comedians.
There is a small stage with chairs and tables for the audience. The club features many comedians who have also appeared on popular TV channels like HBO, NBC, FOX, Comedy Central, and many more. Not only that, but this place also gives exposure to rising artists who want to be comedians.
Moreover, a restaurant is attached to the club, so you can grab food and enjoy the show. They host shows every weekend, and every time, there is someone new on the floor making you laugh. You can check their calendar on their site and attend the show of your favorite comedian.
11. South Bend Museum of Art
Address: 120 Doctor M.L.K. Jr Blvd, South Bend, IN 46601,
If you want to see American artwork done by the artists of Indiana and that region, then you should plan a visit to the South Bend Museum of Art. This five-gallery museum is specifically known as the hub of Indiana artists.
As you enter, you will surely love the museum’s environment. It is a large and clean gallery with an extensive collection of drawings, paintings, photography, sculptures, mixed media, and new media arts. Take your time and appreciate the artwork around you, which also includes art pieces carrying historical and cultural significance. You will also meet like-minded individuals and groups who can provide friendly accompany if you are a solo visitor.
Another thing that makes this hidden gem unique is its rotating exhibits. The curatorial team of the museum also works with different artists to bring the best art to the gallery, which can offer visitors cultural significance.
12. Cascade Prime Steak & Seafood
Address: 320 E Colfax Ave, South Bend, IN 46617,
After visiting some lesser-known tourist destinations, it’s time to visit some restaurants that will make your journey to hidden gems in South Bend more memorable.
Starting with Cascade Prime Steak & Food, which is an ideal restaurant if you are craving seafood or steak. Not only does his place serve great food, but its location offers stunning views of the St. Joseph River, making it an even better option.
As you enter, you’ll see an elegant and cozy environment, with windows from ceiling to floor offering views of the outside area and the river. They also have an extensive menu, which includes a variety of food, like grilled Oysters, Striped Bass, grilled lobster, Salmon, Beef Tartare, grilled chicken, pasta, spaghetti, and so on. Additionally if you are feeling more luxurious, you can also order Wagyu.
13. Lasalle Kitchen & Tavern
Address: 115, 1/2 W Colfax Ave, South Bend, IN 46601,
Lasalle Kitchen & Tavern deserves a visit for offering American’s favorite and comfort food. As you enter, you will be pleased with the interior, with brick-designed walls and wooden chairs and tables that offer a traditional American ambiance.
Their menu style is unique. In addition to the regular menu, they also offer weekly and daily specials on the blackboard. The regular menu includes quesadillas, grilled cheese, duck tacos, Filipino chicken, and a wide variety of burgers, seafood, salads, drinks, and starters.
They also serve different dishes made on a woodfire. And because of the variety of food items, this place is equally suitable for vegetarians.
14. Rohr’s
Address: 1399 N Notre Dame Ave, South Bend, IN 46617
Located in the Norte Dame University, Rohr’s offers a fine dining experience that mixes Irish and American cuisine. This place is often referred to as “the living room of the university” and is part of Morris Inn, which is a 4-star hotel.
As you enter, you’ll see a wide variety of seating options, whether you like traditional wooden chairs or more modern-style dining. Their menu includes Tuscan kale Caesar salad, spinach salad, stake sandwich, hummus, turkey club sandwich, lamb, shrimp, tuna, and many other items.
They are open at every point of time, whether breakfast, lunch, brunch, or dinner, with different menus every time. Moreover, you may also encounter Rohr’s on the road as they have also started selling on their food truck around the campus.
FAQ’s
1. Why is South Bend, Indiana, famous?
South Bend is famous for its museums, arts, and football culture, especially the Notre Dame football team, which is among the most renowned college football teams in the US.
2. What makes South Bend special?
America’s first artificial whitewater rafting course and its unique destinations make South Bend special.
3. Is South Bend expensive for tourists?
The short answer is no. South Bend is not expensive for tourism. But it depends on how you want to spend your time in the city and in which season you are visi
4. What’s the best time to visit South Bend?
Because of the warm temperatures, the summer (June to September) is arguably an ideal time to visit South Bend.
