Fr. Edward Sorin established the University of Notre Dame in 1842, before nearby South Bend was incorporated as a city 13 years later. It has since grown into one of the preeminent institutions of higher learning in the country with a worldwide reputation. Notre Dame is home to over 20,000 students when classes are in session, adding significantly to The Bend's population. Stunningly beautiful, the Notre Dame campus includes acres of greenspace and historic architecture. Iconic landmarks like the Main Building with its Golden Dome, Touchdown Jesus, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart and the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes are must-sees.

“For those who know Notre Dame, no explanation is necessary. For those who don’t, no explanation will suffice.” - Lou Holtz


For those who have never had the privilege of visiting Notre Dame, we recommend taking a short trip from downtown South Bend to the Grotto. It is one of the most beautiful and sacred places at Notre Dame, and it would mean the world if you took the time to light a candle and say a prayer for the Bride and Groom or for a loved one that is no longer with us.




The Studebaker National Museum is a state-of-the-art, 55,000-square-foot facility that opened in October 2005. The building has three levels and features fully climate-controlled galleries and storage facilities to ensure the best possible care for the Collection. The Studebaker National Museum was designed by South Bend’s own James Childs Architects and features several design elements from Studebaker’s factory buildings. It is home to roughly 120 vehicles spanning 150 years of automotive history that all took place right here in South Bend, Indiana. The museum is also home to one of the largest collections of Presidential Carriages in the country, including the carriage that carried President Lincoln to Ford's Theatre on the night of his assassination. Studebaker National Museum is adjacent to The History Museum.


The History Museum's mission is to collect, preserve, interpret, exhibit and teach the heritage of the St. Joseph River Valley region. First organized in 1867, The History Museum is the second oldest historical society in Indiana. The site includes: The Oliver Mansion or Copshaholm, the 38-room mansion that was once home to local industrialist J.D. Oliver Worker’s Home, reflecting a Polish immigrant family in the 1930s.

The History Museum is adjacent to the Studebaker National Museum.




Unveiled in 2015 as part of South Bend’s 150th birthday celebrations, the South Bend River Lights are now a fixture of the downtown landscape. Vibrant color washes over the St. Joseph River, highlighting the “Keepers of the Fire” statue and the water as it rushes downriver.
The lights turn on a half hour before dusk and stay on until sunrise. They operate 365 days a year.

Take a deep look into when, where and how chocolate was created while exploring the manufacturing facility. Learn how the Chocolate Company was created and became America’s favorite. 



Stepping into the Indiana Dinosaur Museum is to go back through 1.9 billion years of history. The museum features 43 dinosaur sculptures and 30 skeletons. Real dinosaur skin — an extremely rare archaeological find — is also on display.
But it's not just a place to look. The Indiana Dinosaur Museum is an interactive attraction for adults and children alike. Where else can kids dig for their own fossils and check out a working research lab?

This one is pretty self explanatory. Located about 12 minutes away, the new Four Winds Casino South Bend has all of your favorite slots and table games.