South Bend Travel Guide, Indiana

South Bend is the fourth largest city in the US state of Indiana and the county seat of St. Joseph County. The city derives its name from its position at the south most turn in the St. Joseph River. Established in 1865, South Bend and its adjoining region had an industrial-based economy. In the Post World War II era, the focus shifted to small businesses and tourism. The biggest draw of South Bend tourism is the University of Notre Dame.

Statistics

Area: 101.3 sq km

Population: 105,494

Language: English

Currency: USD

Architecture

You stand witness to the perfect matrimony of present and past architectural styles in the city of South Bend. Thus, while the historic University of Notre Dame stands in one part of the city, the other parts of the city have many scattered examples of modern architecture like the 25-story Chase Tower and the County-City Building.

The Morris Performing Arts Center built in 1922 is another example of outstanding architecture (the center houses the famous Palace Theater and the Palais Royale Ballroom). The Northern Indiana Center for History has many old buildings – the Copshaholm, a 38-room mansion built in 1895-96 is actually listed in the National Register of Historic Places. A number of these deserted buildings have been converted into museums, the Studebaker National Museum is one of them.

Economy and Infrastructure

Heavy industries dominated the economy of South Bend through the mid-20th century; following the closure of some key industries like Studebaker, health-care, education, tourism and other small businesses have given the city a new economic-high by creating employment opportunities for the locals.

The sound infrastructure – an effective education system, medical facilities, public utilities, commendable transportation system and advanced telecommunication services - of South Bend sees to it that the people are able to lead a satisfactory, comfortable life. South Bend has enough recreation facilities for people of all ages.

People and Culture

South Bend has a mixed community and the residents have different ancestries. People are mostly devoted Catholics (even the city has many Catholic institutions) and take part in many festivities like the Dyngus Day (which is celebrated on the Monday following the Easter Monday) and Fat Tuesday apart from the other events of Christendom. An important local event is the World Pulse Festival, which is basically a contemporary Christian music festival.

Although deeply religious, the people of South Bend are ardent art-lovers and follow diverse forms of art – fine arts, drama, music, ballets and dances. South Bend has its own theater groups – South Bend Civic Theatre and Broadway Theater League; it is also home to the South Bend Symphony Orchestra. The South Bend Regional Museum of Art has about 850 permanents exhibits – all works of local artists.