The history of this midwestern city is rooted in the river it sits on
and how it’s had to evolve with industry’s past and present…Oh, and also a very famous University that’s next door.
Established in 1865, South Bend saw a business boom in industry thanks to the St. Joseph River. Studebaker, Oliver Chilled Plow, and Singer Sewing machines were just a few of the big names. But we can’t forget the University of Notre Dame. It’s a huge influence on the economy and culture in South Bend to this day.
Featured Locations, Businesses and Attractions
South Bend Chocolate Company
|
Address: 3300 West Sample Street, Sound Bend, Indiana 46619 Phone: 800.301.4961 Website: https://sbchocolate.com |
25 years after its founding, the South Bend Chocolate company has accrued 15 different locations and a plethora of delicious confections. From hot chocolate to ice cream, they are recognized as the fastest growing chocolate company in the nation. |
Concours D'Elegance Car Show
|
Address: 201 Chapin Street, South Bend, Indiana 46601 Phone: 574.235.9714 Website: https://www.concoursatcopshaholm.org |
An event that dates back to 17th-century France, this concours d’elegance took place just outside the Studemaker museum campus. Cars from all around are displayed for viewers to admire and judges to rank. |
Oh Mamma's on the Avenue
|
Address: 1202 East Mishawake Avenue, South Bend, Indiana 46615 Phone: 574.276.6918 Website: https://oh-mammas.square.site |
From their very own farm the family owned Oh Mamma’s provides cut to taste cheese and charcuterie as well as prepared meal kits. |
Four Winds Field
|
Address: 501 West South Street, South Bend, Indiana 46601 Phone: 574.235.9988 Website: https://www.milb.com |
The Four Winds Field, previously known as Coveleski Stadium, was completely remodeled in 2007 for its home minor league baseball team, the South Bend Cubs. The remodel of the stadium helped transform that area into a bustling business area with surrounding condos. |
East Race Waterway
| Address: 109 Niles Avenue, South Bend, Indiana 46617
Phone: 574.299.4765 Website: https://eastracewaterway.gr8.com |
Located in downtown South Bend, this channel was originally an irreplacebale industrial tool during the Civil War. In 1984, the east bank was converted into the first manmade whitewater rafting course in America. |
Holy Cross Annex Sculpture Studio
|
Address: 100 Eck Center, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556 Phone: 574.631.6000 Website: https://sacredplaces.nd.edu |
The Holy Cross Annex is an isolated studio off the beaten path of campus. It provides a quiet atmosphere to create in an unhibited manner. |
Morris Inn
|
Address: 1399 North Notre Dame Avenue, South Bend, Indiana 46617 Phone: 574.631.2000 Website: https://morrisinn.nd.edu |
Sitting at the heart of the campus and coined as “The Living Room of the University” , Morris Inn operates as a place to welcome incoming or potential students, and host special events of all kinds. Due to its rich history and AAA Diamond rating, it is in the top 5% of hotels in the United States. |
Civil Rights Heritage Center
|
Address: 1040 West Washington Street, Sound Bend, Indiana 46601 Phone: 574.307.6135 Website: https://clas.iusb.edu |
Thanks to the efforts of both students and professors at Indiana University, this once a segregated city swimming pool is now an active learning center on the Civil Rights Movement. |
Studebaker 84
|
Address: 635 Lafayette Boulevard, South Bend, Indiana 46601 Phone: 574.210.7953 Website: https://onthegrid.city |
What used to be the main assembly plant for the Studebaker company now resides in the heart of the Renaissance District in downtown South Bend as a technology hub for several different business. |
West Side Democratic Club (home to Dyngus Day)
|
Address: 617 South Warren Street, South Bend, Indiana 46619 Phone: 574.514.6583 |
Home to one of the largest Dygus Day celebrations in the US, outside of the one that occurs in Poland, a day that also coincides with presidential campaign season, making it a popular spot for Democratic candidates. The center has been visted by the likes of Robert F. Kennedy, Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, and of course South Bend’s own Mayor Pete Buttigieg. |
Tippecanoe Place Restaurant
|
Address: 620 West Washington Street, South Bend, Indiana 46601 Phone: 574.234.9077 Website: https://www.tippe.com |
Originally the Studebaker mansion, this restaurant now serves traditional American dining in the lavishly decorated former 19th century manor. |
Howard Park
|
Address: 219 St Louis Boulevard, South Bend, Indiana 46617 Phone: 574.299.4765 Website: https://visithowardpark.com |
With historical pieces integrated into the design, such as the Melan Bridge from 1906 that is still actively in use, Howard Park works as a central area for South Bend residents to spend their time in leisurely. From playgrounds and scenery in the summer to an ice skating track in the winter. |
Rocco's
|
Address: 601 Niles Avenue, South Bend, Indiana 46617 Phone: 574.232.9620 Website: https://roccosoriginalpizza.com |
The oldest Italian resturant in South Bend, established in 1906. |
Oliver Mansion
|
Address: 808 West Washington Street, South Bend, Indiana 46601 Phone: 574.235.9664 Website: https://www.historymuseumsb.org |
The orginal interiors and woodwork intact, the Oliver Mansion displays the 38 room estate belonging to J.D. Oliver, President of Oliver Chilled Woodplows in the late 19th and early 20th century. |
LaSalle Grill
|
Address: 115 West Colfax Avenue, South Bend, Indiana 46601 Phone: 574.288.1155 Website: https://lasallegrill.com |
Location of All Times EasternShop that served as the area’s premier sporting goods store from 1934 to 1984 —Mark McDonnell opened LaSalle Grill in 1991. |