Your Guide to Exploring Howard Park
South Bend’s oldest park is no relic of the past.
Howard Park is instead a re-imagined destination for locals and visitors alike. It’s a gathering place and an area for outdoor exploration. It’s fun, family friendly and accessible. There’s something for every season, but there’s no doubt it shines brightest during winter.
Ice Skating
The park’s centerpiece is a 16,000-square foot ice trail and pond, scheduled to open Nov. 27, that features rolling hills and soft curves as skaters glide around the loop. There’s even a bridge that overlooks entryway to the nearby playground (more on that later).
MORE INFO: Book Your Skating Time
Attached to the trail, the ice pond offers a more traditional skating experience. It can be used for those learning to skate or for other activities, like broomball.
RELATED CONTENT: 5 Fun Outdoor Winter Activities in The Bend
Ice skating is available six days a week during winter with specials throughout the week. Here are the hours:
Monday: no public skate
Tuesday-Thursday: 5-8 p.m.
Friday/Saturday noon-10 p.m.
Sunday: 1-8 p.m.
Playground + Other Amenities
Right in the middle of the ice trail sits an ADA accessible, state-of-the-art playground with innovative and traditional playground equipment. There are various levels and each level of it is designed specifically for different age groups from 2-12.
RELATED CONTENT: Your Guide to Kid Friendly Activities in The Bend
Kids can climb to different heights, swing and otherwise burn off a little energy while parents keep an eye on what’s happening.
Elsewhere in the park you’ll find several opportunities for fun:
The Rask Family Fountains: Coming to life during summer, the park features an interactive set of water fountains and jets. Think the famous fountains outside the famous Bellagio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas on a smaller scale. It functions as a play area for kids to escape summer heat then at night, in “show mode,” transforms into a colorful light show.
Inovateus Solar Event Lawn + Festival Lawn: As you walk toward the St. Joseph River, you’ll notice the park slopes to create a natural amphitheater. It’s designed to host concerts and performances that exceed 3,000 attendees.
Riverwalk Trail: The park’s west edge butts up against the St. Joseph River. There’s a rail for walkers, runners and cyclists. The trail connects to a larger network of trails encompassing other downtown parks.
Food + Drink
If you're looking for a quick bite, you’ll like this – the Chocolate Café Express is a concession stand that serves the park year round. It’s specialty is hot chocolate during winter. The Howard Park Public House, a full-service restaurant and bar, should be opening soon.
But since you're in the heart of the East Bank Village, there are other options at hand.
Northern Indiana's best burger is just down the street at The View Tavern (for the 21-and-over crowd). One of The Bend's best pizza places, Barnaby's, is right across the street. You can also find fine dining at Render, sandwiches at The General and more in the immediate area.
RELATED CONTENT: Explore Eat + Drink Options Around The Bend
Know Before You Go
Free street parking is available all around the park, in particular along St. Louis Boulevard. This stretch is back-in angle parking for added safety. Visitors can also park for free in the adjacent Zion United Church of Christ lot Monday through Saturday and after 1 p.m. Sunday.
RELATED CONTENT: Parking in Downtown South Bend
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