South Bend Sights and Landmarks Guide, Indiana

The city of South Bend has all – natural attractions, historic venues, museums and other landmarks that make it a great tourist destination. No wonder that every year thousands of tourists flock to the city to see the many South Bend sights. We have ordered the many South Bend sights by category, so that it becomes easier for you to plan a tour of South Bend and its neighbourhood.

South Bend Sights – Natural Attractions

South Bend’s greatest natural attractions are undoubtedly the two water-bodies – Lake Michigan and St. Joseph River. Lake Michigan and its beaches are hugely popular with tourists; besides, the waterfront areas like New Buffalo and St. Joe/Benton Harbor are just great sunset viewing points. The river, although its water is polluted, the riverfront and the dam over the river provide nice walks. There are plenty of reason for of engaging in various water-sports.

South Bend Sights – Museums and Historic Venues

Firstly we must speak of the Northern Indiana Centre for History that houses various exhibits focusing on the history of Northern Indiana. The highlights of the site are the 38-room Copshaholm mansion, the Voyages Gallery and Kidsfirst Children’s Museum.

Then, there is the Studebaker National Museum that has some 70-Studebaker Corp. made vehicles on display. The museum also has an Archive Centre. The Healthworks Kids' Museum provides a good learning experience for children. `

South Bend Sights – Other Important Landmarks

Speaking of important landmarks in South Bend and its adjoining areas, the one name that comes to mind is certainly the University of Notre Dame. The sheer elegance of the University compound makes it the most important among South Bend’s sights.

Another key tourist attraction is Saint Mary's College, which stands just opposite the University of Notre Dame. Guided campus tours of Indiana University South Bend are also available.

The downtown convention centre, Century Centre, and its historic riverfront area attract hordes of tourists. Beside an art museum, an auditorium and a theatre, the Century Centre also has several large banquet areas.

Among other landmarks of South Bend are its 18 parks and gardens, which add the much-needed green-touch to the city together with the two conservatories – Potawatomi Greenhouse and Rum Village Nature Centre. While the Rum Village Nature Centre is natural woodland, Potawatomi Greenhouse is more of a cultivation area.

The Potawatomi Zoo is another South Bend attraction, which you can visit with your family. The children will love the train-ride around the zoo and here you will have the opportunity of showing them some endangered species.

The South Bend auditoriums, stadiums and theatres are venues of different cultural and sporting events; but these are important South Bend sights in their own rights.