University of Notre Dame

Whatever your reason for visiting the University of Notre Dame may be, know that you’re in store for a great trip. Established almost two centuries ago in 1842, Notre Dame is one of the most prestigious universities in the world and its beautiful campus, located adjacent to the city of South Bend, Indiana, is populated with unique landmarks, historic buildings, and world-class sports venues; all of which are worth paying a visit to. Needless to say, you’ll probably be spending the majority of your time there. The surrounding area has plenty of places worth checking out too, however. Like most college towns, South Bend is home to a mix of fun attractions, hip eateries, and so much more. As tempted as you’ll be to spend your time there wandering around the grounds of the university, don’t pass up on seeing what else this charming area of Indiana has to offer.

Things to Do

Potawatomi Zoo

If you’re someone who loves animals, consider paying a visit to the many exotic residents at Potawatomi Zoo. With almost 500 animals in all you might not be able to say hi to each and every one, but you can certainly try. The zoo is home to animals from all corners of the globe, including tigers, otters, kangaroos, and chimpanzees, just to name a few. Interested in a more up close and personal animal encounter? Stop by the petting zoo and make some new friends while you’re there! 500 S Greenlawn, South Bend, IN 46615

The History Museum

During your stay in South Bend, take a step back in time at The History Museum. This unique attraction features countless artifacts that are guaranteed to amaze even the most diehard history buffs. Permanent exhibits at The History Museum include Voyages: The History of the St. Joseph Valley Region and Polished in Public, Fierce on the Field: The All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. The museum hosts a wide variety of temporary exhibits as well, such as Commitment, Continuity, and Community: Architecture at Notre Dame, 1898 – present.

For an even more immersive historical experience, head next door to the Oliver Mansion. Once home to the extraordinarily wealthy Oliver family, the mansion now invites visitors to explore its 38 rooms, each one more stately than the last, all fully furnished with the family’s antique belongings. 808 W Washington St, South Bend, IN 46601

Studebaker National Museum

Over 150 years of automotive history come to life at the Studebaker National Museum. Opened in 2005, this unique museum features three levels of incredible vehicles ranging from classic Studebaker cars to military vehicles and even carriages rode in by U.S. presidents and dignitaries such as Abraham Lincoln and William McKinley. Even if you don’t consider yourself an automotive aficionado, expect to leave the museum with a newfound appreciation for this iconic American automobile manufacturer.

For those visiting the Studebaker National Museum with young children, stop by the Super Service Center located on the lowest level. This kid-sized, pretend auto repair shop offers plenty of hands-on, interactive fun for young ones. Activities include tire replacement and rotation, fluid and filter checks, and so much more! 201 Chapin St, South Bend, IN 46601

Edge Adventures South Bend – Rum Village Park

While at Notre Dame, you’ll be just 15 minutes from Edge Adventures South Bend – Rum Village Park. This beautiful, 160-acre greenspace is the place to go for an incredible day in the great outdoors. Activities offered at Edge Adventures include mountain biking, hiking, picnicking, disc golf, and more.

Fun as they may be, these activities actually aren’t the park’s main draw. That distinction belongs to their thrilling treetop ropes courses. These courses are made up of bridges, tunnels, zip lines, and more, all suspended at heights of up to 60 feet in the air. If you’re in search of an exciting activity that’s guaranteed to get your heart racing and your adrenaline pumping, this is it. 2626 S Gertrude St, South Bend, IN 46614

The Blueberry Ranch

Blueberry fans, rejoice! The Blueberry Ranch is a Mishawaka institution just minutes from Notre Dame where you can pick your very own fresh blueberries. Established in 1953, the Blueberry Ranch has been the area’s place to go for all things blueberry for well over half a century. Their orchard features row after row of lush, USDA-certified organic blueberry bushes packed with an abundance of the tasty blue morsels. If that’s still not enough to get your fix, The Blueberry Ranch also sells jams, pies, and even blueberry bushes so you can grow them right in your own backyard. 54743 Buckeye Rd, Mishawaka, IN 46545

Wonderland Cinema

Whether you’re in need of a fun way to spend a couple of hours on a rainy day or just can’t wait to see the hottest new blockbuster, Wonderland Cinema has got you covered. Wonderland Cinema is a favorite among local moviegoers, thanks to fantastic deals like free popcorn refills on Thursdays and tickets that are practically half the price of other nearby theaters. After going to see a movie there, you’ll wish your favorite movie theater back home could be as nice as Wonderland Cinema. 402 N Front St, Niles, MI 49120

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Places to Eat

Weiss’ Gasthaus

The weather in South Bend can get pretty chilly, especially during the fall and winter months. If you’re in the mood for some comfort food that’ll warm you up when the weather outside is frightful, stop by Weiss’ Gasthaus. On the menu at this quaint German-American eatery you’ll find plenty of hearty, stick to your ribs meals like split pea and ham soup, pork schnitzel smothered in gravy, and beef stroganoff. Looking for something on the lighter side? Try the blackened tilapia or herring and beet salad. 115 N Dixie Way, South Bend, IN 46637

Rocco’s

Rocco’s has been a staple in South Bend since it first opened back in 1951 so it’s safe to say that they’ve been doing something right all these years. That “something” is their delectable Italian fare, which includes favorites like spaghetti, sub sandwiches, and more. Rocco’s true claim to fame however, is their crave-worthy pizza pies. Their menu features an ample selection of specialty pies to choose from, as well as plenty of other additional topping options like bacon, homemade sausage, banana peppers, and fresh basil, if you’re feeling as creative as you are hungry. 537 N Saint Louis Blvd, South Bend, IN 46617

Fiddler’s Hearth

There’s no better way to celebrate your visit to the home of the Fighting Irish than with a meal at Fiddler’s Hearth, one of the area’s most popular traditional Irish pubs. You’ll feel as if you’ve just stepped off the streets of Dublin when you walk through the door. From the décor on the walls to the live bands that perform there almost every evening, Fiddler’s Hearth is just about as real deal Irish as you can get. Their dedication to authenticity is also apparent in their menu, which features a variety of dishes from the other side of the pond, such as fish and chips served in newspaper, steak and Guinness pie, lamb stew, and more. 127 N Main St, South Bend, IN 46601

Chicory Café

After enjoying traditional German fare from Weiss’ Gasthaus, Italian from Rocco’s, and Irish from Fiddler’s Hearth, keep your culinary journey going with a visit to Chicory Café. Every day is Mardi Gras at this charming New Orleans-themed restaurant. The menu at Chicory Café features both sweet and savory NOLA staples, including fluffy beignets, towering po’ boy and muffuletta sandwiches, and zesty jambalaya. Top it all off with a cappuccino made from locally-sourced coffee beans for a dining experience you’ll be raving about to everyone back home. 105 E Jefferson Blvd, South Bend, IN 46601

Sure, there’s a lot to see all across Notre Dame’s expansive 1,200-acre campus. The Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Touchdown Jesus, the Golden Dome; the list goes on. Once you’ve seen all of these iconic collegiate landmarks however, rest assured that your trip to South Bend is far from over. While there, you’ll be in the vicinity of countless unique attractions, eateries, and more. Make the most of your stay by setting out in search of all the fun there is to be had just beyond the campus of this revered Indiana institution.