Here’s what you should know about South Bend, Indiana.

That attention reached its apex in 2024 whenU.S.

Ive experienced that balance myself in two stints living in the city.

The University of Notre Dame Office of Admissions, Basilica of the Sacred Heart, and Washington Hall.

University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana.Credit:Aaron Yoder/Getty Images

Top 5 Cant Miss

Best Things to Do

ReDunnLev/Getty Images

Visit Notre Dame.

Explore downtown South Bend.

Take in the local arts scene.

Golden Dome on the Main Building at the University of Notre Dame at Dusk

University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana.ReDunnLev/Getty Images

Thanks to its low rents and gritty, can-do spirit, South Bend is packed with hardworking creatives.

Get outside.

A landlocked city known for its winter permacloud may not sound like an outdoor paradise.

Hotel room

Guest room in The Morris Inn.Peter Ringenberg/University of Notre Dame

But, when the weather even slightly allows, South Benders love to get outside.

This downtown institution offers live music, a cozy pub atmosphere, and more than two dozen Irish whiskeys.

Come here for excellent cocktails at delectably low, small-city prices.

South Bend is a city in, and the county seat of, St. Joseph County, Indiana, on the St. Joseph River

St. Joseph River in South Bend, Indiana.DenisTangneyJr/Getty Images

Their Italian nights in January 2024 were incredible!

Because fall in South Bend is football season.

If that sounds good to you, consult the Fighting Irish schedule and choose a fall weekend accordingly.

Food on a set table

Food from Roselily in South Bend, Indiana.Courtesy of Roselily

Summer certainly is the best season for some of my favorite activities in South Bend.

Indianapolis, Chicago, and Detroit all lie within a three-hour drive.

If youd rather not drive yourself, the area has plenty of Ubers and Lyfts.

Scenic lake shot

Potato Creek State Park in South Bend, Indiana.Chad Kelham/Getty Images

A pleasing ccenic view along the East Bank Trail in South Bend, Indiana. A view of the Jefferson Blvd bridge with its arched supports reflected in the smooth surface of the St. Joesph River.

East Bank Trail in South Bend, Indiana.larrybraunphotography.com/Getty Images