South Bend

• By Mary P
• Travel Tips
• 11.05.2016

In South Bend, Indiana you can get a shot in the arm of hope. But there are various offerings in this city. Home to the Silver Hawks, South Bend was first settled by for traders. There's time to dance, ways to escape and many historical romps through history in South Bend. This city is celebrating its 150th birthday this year, and they are pulling out all stops to make the year memorable and packed with events and celebrations.

Things to see

HealthWorks! Kids Museum

If you have children, you have to go to this venue. Education related to health in a center and a children's museum are all under one roof. Check out the MainBrain Theatre, or play anatomy-based Grossology. LightSpace and Patients Please also offer fun enjoyment for children.

World War I, The War to End All Wars

For almost  a year, South Bend has been the featured site of an informative, eye-opening exhibit highlighting the war that began a century ago and lasted longer than anyone could have predicted. Located at the Center for History, with free admission, this World War I exhibit will move on at the end of the year and you'll have to check it out somewhere else.

Military Honor Park

Outside and inside, that's what you get with this venue. Inside there's the military park and inside is the museum. With the research library, artifacts, uniforms, weaponry, tanks and airplanes; you will gain insights into how wars play out on the battlefield, on the land and in the air.

Things to do

Mishawaka Faith Renewal & Spirit Tour

Join in on a spiritual revival in South Bend at the South Bend/Mishawaka Faith Renewal & Spirit tour.
Here you can go on the Sacred Spaces Tour which touches on 10 sacred sites within South Bend. If you go onto the University of Notre Dame campus, you can see both the Basilica of the Sacred Heart and the Grotto of our Lady of Lourdes.

If you go during the right time of the year (summer) you can attend the 26 year running World Pulse Festival, featuring Christian musicians from all over the world.

Strikes and Spares Entertainment Center

Worry not for one minute what the weather brings, because you can do everything indoors. As the name suggests, you can bowl and mini bowl. In addition, there are go-carts, arcade games, billiards, bumper cars, black light mini golf and more. Food and drinks are available.

Friday Night Folk Dancing

Get your dance on at this venue. If you come with no dance skills, no worries – there's dance instruction.

Not only is there a community feel, many from the community are there. However, word on the street is that anybody's welcome. See a repertoire folk dance group performance, by request.

Partnering up is option, as solo dancing is perfectly acceptable. Recreational dancing has never been so fun.

Conclusion

150 years is a long time to be around. With a century and a half to form and grow, South Bend has achieved many special objectives that make it a wonderful place to visit. Performing arts, historical buildings, events galore, athletics centers, a raging river (Saint Joseph) and more are part and parcel of South Bend, Indiana.