Fun Places to Visit Near South Bend, IN

Residents of the South Bend, IN, region have the best of both worlds. They live in a region full of amenities, jobs and quality education options. Plus, in nearly every direction, they have plenty of places to visit near South Bend, IN, that offer additional entertainment, fun and festivity. It’s important to note that one could live in the region and never tire of its offerings. It is home to an amazing arts scene, University of Notre Dame sports and events, fun museums, diverse restaurants and lots of outdoor fun, including white water rafting at the East Race Waterway. But a big perk of living in the area is its proximity to even more entertainment to the north, east and west.

“The South Bend area draws upon different regional influences, which creates a special place,” says Clark Richardes, area resident and marketing director at InRugCo, a gift shop in Mishawaka. “To the west, we have the Chicago metropolitan area, and to the east, we have rural Amish communities. Being sandwiched between the two, I think we get a little bit of the best of urban and rural communities.”

Read on to discover some fun places to visit near South Bend, IN, that are all within a two-hour drive.

What to Visit North of South Bend, IN

Lake Michigan Beaches

You’ll find plenty of beach access up north, especially in St. Joseph and New Buffalo, MI. St. Joseph beaches include Silver Beach, Lions Park Beach and Tiscornia Beach.

“Each beach is unique to the other and offers something a bit different,” says Marcy Simpson, executive director of Visit Southwest Michigan. “They all have soft, sandy beaches for swimming and sunbathing. Grills are available at all parks, and there is a concession stand at Silver Beach. They also have a beach wheelchair and access to the South Pier.”

Silver Beach and Lions Park offer playgrounds. A must-see attraction is the Silver Beach Carousel.

“Located in the Silver Beach Center, it’s a nostalgic trip back in time for all ages,” Simpson says.
New Buffalo Beach and Lakefront Park offers 800 feet of sandy beach shore, sand dunes, trails and more.

Arts and Culture

Art enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to Krasl Art Center in St. Joseph near South Bend, IN. It showcases a diverse range of visual arts through its exhibitions and sculpture-adorned grounds. The Box Factory for the Arts, also in St. Joseph, offers three floors of galleries and exhibit space as well as frequent events and live music. In Benton Harbor, MI, you’ll find the vibrant Benton Harbor Arts District, with Water Street Glassworks, ARS Gallery Arts & Culture Center, The GhostLight Theatre and Citadel Dance and Music Center.

Shopping and Dining

St. Joseph’s bluff-top downtown is a treasure trove of unique shops and inviting eateries. Stroll along State Street to discover charming boutiques, antique stores and specialty food, from casual fare to upscale dining.

Michigan also offers quality spots to imbibe, including Tabor Hill Winery & Restaurant in Buchanan, Round Barn Winery & Estate in Baroda and Journeyman Distillery in Three Oaks. Tabor Hill and Round Barn are even linked by a walking trail.

“I like to visit the wineries in the fall,” Simpson says. “The harvest and the smell of grapes is a favorite, followed by drives through the countryside for fall color.”

Easy Trips East of South Bend, IN

Amish Country

Elkhart and LaGrange counties are considered Amish country. Here, you can enjoy Amish-run restaurants, specialty shops and furniture-making businesses while watching horse-drawn buggies go by.

“Middlebury, IN, is home to Das Dutchman Essenhaus (an Amish-style restaurant), which is right in the heart of Amish country,” says Janis Logsdon, director of marketing and sales for the Elkhart County Convention & Visitors Bureau. “People travel from all over just to experience their classic Amish food and hospitality.”

Trails and Nature

The area is home to plenty of trails, including the 2.6-mile Mishawaka Riverwalk and Pumpkinvine Nature Trail, which connects Goshen, Middlebury and Shipshewana.

“I love walking my dog or jogging on the 5K route along the Mishawaka Riverwalk,” Richardes says. “I’ll often park at Beutter Riverfront Park by the Ball Band Biergarten and do the full loop, which winds along the St. Joseph River in Mishawaka.”

Retail

Elkhart and Goshen offer walkable downtowns dotted with local boutiques, coffee shops and restaurants.

“Like any destination, the best places to shop and eat are locally owned,” Richardes says. “Look beyond the big box stores to find the real heart in the community.”

Must-Visit Spots West of South Bend, IN

Chicago

A trip to the Windy City offers something for everyone, from major league sporting events to museums, restaurants, gardens and Navy Pier. The drive takes just under two hours, or you can travel via train on the South Shore Line.

Outdoors

Washington Park in Michigan City boasts 2 miles of pristine beaches, a splash pad and Indiana’s only working lighthouse. Bendix Woods County Park, just south of New Carlisle, is home to a 6.6-mile beginner mountain bike trail.

Shopping

For those who like to browse, snag great deals or simply indulge in some retail therapy, Michigan City is a great place for shopping. There are locally owned boutiques, national chains and outlet stores.

“If I’m in the mood for bargain shopping, I can spend hours at Lighthouse Place Premium Outlets,” Logsdon says.