5 Fun Outdoor Winter Activities in South Bend & Mishawaka
Think you can't enjoy the outdoors as the temperatures drop and snowflakes fly? Think again.
Lace up your boots, zip up that coat, and pull on some gloves before heading outside for these five fun activities.
Ice Skating at Howard Park & Ironworks Ice Rink
Howard Park in South Bend is home to a state-of-the-art 16,000-square-foot ice trail and pond that weaves its way around an accessible playground and fire pits. There are also fun activities like broomball. We highly recommend making reservations in advance and planning to attend a specific session.
Situated in downtown Mishawaka, Ironworks Ice Rink brings a high-energy twist to winter fun. With its spacious rink, upbeat atmosphere and prime location along the river, it’s the perfect spot to lace up and hit the ice. It's part ribbon and part traditional ice skating rink for visitors of all skill levels. It also features ice bumper cars and icebyks.
Skating is available only by reservation, so it's best to make sure you sign up online in advance. Each skate session lasts 90 minutes.
RELATED CONTENT: Where to Ice Skate in South Bend & Mishawaka
Cross Country Skiing
One of the best ways to explore in the snow is on a pair of skis. And there are a couple of places to do it.
Trails open for skiing in December and close in March, snow conditions permitting. There are over six miles of groomed trails that take you all over the park. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays with ski rental available.
Although there is no equipment rental at Potato Creek State Park, more than eight miles of trails are available to skiers when there's snow on the ground.
Snowshoeing
Don’t let a little snow keep you from taking to the trails. Snowshoeing is a great way to enjoy the splendor of winter at St. Patrick's County Park, where you can rent shoes and hit the trails that are specifically set aside for snowshoeing.
Trails are open for snowshoeing from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays from December to March (snow conditions permitting).
RELATED CONTENT: 6 Places for a Winter Hike
Tubing Around The Bend
St. Patrick's County Park offers a popular tubing hill. Tubes are provided and there are supervisors at the hills to make sure everyone has a good time. No personal tubes, sleds, or toboggans, just so you know. You can also book a private party and have the hill to yourself.
Ferrettie/Baugo Creek County Park will be open daily from Dec. 26 to Jan. 7 and weekends only from Jan. 13 to March 3. Hours are noon-5 p.m.
You can also find tubing hills at George Wilson Park in Mishawaka. It's open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, weather permitting. Tubing is available at Potato Creek State Park as well.
RELATED CONTENT: A Serene Escape at Potato Creek State Park
Winter Fishing
Anglers looking to hook some steelhead know The Bend as one of the best places in the Midwest to visit during winter. Check our blog for more information about the best places for steelhead fishing.
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