Ready to do a little something more than give dad a gift for Father's Day? Here are some activities around South Bend to put on your to-do list for Father's Day weekend.
Play Golf on Father's Day Weekend
Whether you're a little more competitive or just out for fun, The Bend is home to a variety of great places to tee it up. Warren Golf Course at Notre Dame hosted the 2019 U.S. Senior Open. Blackthorn Golf Club, Elbel Park, Erskine Park and Eberhart-Petro are among the other local favorites.
Raft Down the East Race Waterway
This one is for the adventure seekers. Downtown South Bend is home to the East Race Waterway, a fun and approachable manmade whitewater rapids course. Suit up in clothes you don't mind getting wet — water splashing on you is all but assured — and take a few runs. One trip down the rapids likely won't be enough.
After you're done, you can head out into the East Bank Village neighborhood to grab a bite to eat. The View, Howard Park Public House or Barnaby's Pizza are great places to relive your trips down the rapids.
Paddle the St. Joseph River
Here is another one for the outdoor lovers. St. Patrick's County Park offers canoe and kayak rental Friday-Sunday all summer for trips on the St. Joseph River. You can opt for a short trip of four miles from Keller Park in South Bend back to St. Patrick's County Park or a 10-mile- long trip from Keller Park to the Niles (Mich.) dam. Both include all the equipment, including life jackets, and shuttle service.
Explore The History Museum and Studebaker National Museum
History and/or car buffs should take a little time out over Father's Day weekend to visit The History Museum and Studebaker National Museum. The History Museum dives deep into the history of our region and has an exhibit on the All-American Girls Baseball League, which was showcased in the movie "A League of Their Own."
Studebaker National Museum highlights the rise and fall of Studebaker Corporation with dozens of vehicles on display. Its collection also includes several carriages used by past presidents, including the one that carried Abraham Lincoln to Ford's Theatre the night of his assassination.
Head Outside at Potato Creek State Park
If you want to spend a day outside, pack some snacks and head to Potato Creek State Park. There are miles of hiking and biking trails to explore. You can also do some paddling or fishing on Worster Lake, the park's centerpiece.
Take a Craft Brewery Tour
If dad is a craft beer enthusiast, you can spend a day exploring The Bend's breweries. Crooked Ewe Brewery & Ale House, South Bend Brew Werks, Evil Czech Brewery and Public House and Bare Hands Brewery are among the must-visits.
