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How Somerset, Indiana was Erased by a Federal Project
The town of Somerset, Indiana was erased to build the Mississinewa Reservoir in Wabash County. Author Sid Shroyer's book traces who was displaced and why.
The Chicago Bears Are Headed to Indiana
After 106 years in Illinois, the Chicago Bears are headed to Hammond, Indiana. Here's how the deal came together and what's next.
Taco Tia: A Flavorful Favorite in Merrillville, Indiana
Taco Tia in Merrillville, Indiana serves Mexican food, big portions, and 81st Avenue local favorites. Here's what to know before you go.
City West: Indiana’s Lost Dream City Buried in the Dunes
City West, Indiana was built near Lake Michigan to rival Chicago before the dunes swallowed it. Here's the story of the lost Indiana town.
Things to Do Near South Bend
More nearby ideasThese fill a day: the Notre Dame campus, the Studebaker museum, the East Race Waterway, and the riverside trails downtown.
City West: Indiana’s Lost Dream City Buried in the Dunes
City West, Indiana was built near Lake Michigan to rival Chicago before the dunes swallowed it. Here's the story of the lost Indiana town.
Cherry Blossom Season in Indiana: 4 Spots Worth the Drive Before the Petals Fall
Find where cherry blossoms grow in Indiana, including Indianapolis and Carmel spots, peak bloom timing, and tips for catching the petals before they fall.
Potato Creek State Park: The Power of a Place
Allison Martin explores Potato Creek State Park near South Bend, from its pre-Civil War integrated community to ospreys, mountain biking, and a coming lodge.
Five Indiana State Parks That Are Perfect for Spring Camping and Hiking
From canyon hikes at Turkey Run to waterfalls at Clifty Falls, these five state parks are calling. Plus, enjoy 25% off weeknight camping this spring.
Where to Eat in South Bend
More food nearbyDowntown South Bend and Mishawaka hold the food scene. Use the picks for sit-down dinners near the river and quick bites before a game.
Taco Tia: A Flavorful Favorite in Merrillville, Indiana
Taco Tia in Merrillville, Indiana serves Mexican food, big portions, and 81st Avenue local favorites. Here's what to know before you go.
Olympia Candy Kitchen: A Sweet Goshen Tradition Since 1912
Step back in time at Olympia Candy Kitchen in Goshen, where homemade candies and classic sundaes never go out of style.
Mooey's Ice Cream: A Sweet Stop in Middlebury, Indiana
Mooey's Ice Cream in Middlebury serves hand-dipped scoops, soft serve, and savory bites near the Pumpkinvine Trail. Here's why it is worth a stop.
Best Fine Dining in South Bend: LaSalle Grill Restaurant Guide
Discover LaSalle Grill, South Bend's premier fine dining restaurant serving upscale American cuisine with French influences downtown on West Colfax Avenue.
Hidden Gems Near South Bend
More hidden gemsSmaller stops, like the Notre Dame Grotto, the Oliver Mansion at the History Museum, and quiet paths along the St. Joseph River.
Taco Tia: A Flavorful Favorite in Merrillville, Indiana
Taco Tia in Merrillville, Indiana serves Mexican food, big portions, and 81st Avenue local favorites. Here's what to know before you go.
City West: Indiana’s Lost Dream City Buried in the Dunes
City West, Indiana was built near Lake Michigan to rival Chicago before the dunes swallowed it. Here's the story of the lost Indiana town.
Indiana Maple Syrup Season: Where to See Sugaring
Maple syrup season runs late February through March in Indiana. Here's where to see sugaring demos, taste fresh syrup, and find local maple farms.
Olympia Candy Kitchen: A Sweet Goshen Tradition Since 1912
Step back in time at Olympia Candy Kitchen in Goshen, where homemade candies and classic sundaes never go out of style.
Events Near South Bend
More events nearbyNotre Dame football, South Bend Cubs games, and the downtown art and music fests lead the calendar. Home football weekends book up fast.
The Chicago Bears Are Headed to Indiana
After 106 years in Illinois, the Chicago Bears are headed to Hammond, Indiana. Here's how the deal came together and what's next.
Labor Day Weekend in Northern Indiana: Festivals & What's Open
What's open and closed on Labor Day in Northern Indiana, plus the best festivals, beaches, and lake getaways from the Dunes to Fort Wayne.
Your Ultimate Guide to the Brickyard 400 in Indianapolis
Everything you need for Brickyard 400 weekend at IMS — schedule, tickets, the free-Friday hack, BYOB cooler rules, what to pack, and where to eat.
Dyngus Day in South Bend: A Polish Tradition With a Twist 🇵🇱
Dyngus Day in South Bend is a Polish-inspired political and cultural tradition. Here's how it started, what happens, and why locals celebrate.
Local Guide
Notre Dame on one end, a revived downtown on the other.
South Bend pairs a famous campus with a downtown that has found its footing again. Spend a morning at Notre Dame, watch kayakers run the East Race Waterway, then eat and wander downtown. Four Winds Field adds a ballgame in summer. Fall game weekends turn the whole city up.
Choose the kind of trip first
Day trips need a simple anchor and one or two easy add-ons. Weekend trips can handle a hotel, dinner, a town square, a trail, and a slower morning.
Pair the stop with food
A park trip is better with a diner nearby. A town visit is better with coffee, lunch, or a bakery case. A museum day needs somewhere to sit after.
Check the season
Indiana changes fast by season. Spring is gardens, trails, markets, and muddy shoes. Summer is lakes, patios, concerts, and long evenings. Fall is drives, orchards, festivals, and football. Winter needs lights, museums, food, and indoor backup plans.
Build in a few stops
If the drive is longer than the stop, add something else nearby. A second town. A scenic road. A trail. A food stop. A shop that gives you an excuse to wander.
