6 Picks: Summer in The Bend Bucket List
Summertime is arguably The Bend's best season. These are some of the things to do that should be on every visitor's summer bucket list during a trip to South Bend and Mishawaka.
Raft Down the East Race Waterway
If part of your travel planning is to seek out the occasional thrill, the East Race Waterway is your type of place. Hop into a raft solo or with friends to take on thee challenge of Class 2 rapids right in the heart of downtown South Bend. You can relive the exhilarating experience at the restaurants, brewpubs and wineries in the nearby East Bank Village neighborhood afterward.
Dine Outdoors on the Perfect Patio
Patio season is the perfect time to pair The Bend's foodie culture with the best weather and scenery. Head to PEGGS for a great breakfast downtown, Ironhand Vineyards' wine bar for a view of the St. Joseph River while nibbling on an appetizer, The Lauber with your dog, Bar Louie for a rooftop. That's just the start of our many wonderful outdoor dining options.
Attend a South Bend Cubs Game
This is America's pastime on a South Bend scale. A minor league affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, the South Bend Cubs draw thousands of fans all season. Four Winds Field is considered one of the best Minor League ballparks in the country. It's complete with a play area for kids, splash pad, batting cages, amazing ballpark food and promotions every night.
Visit Potawatomi Zoo
Potawatomi Zoo, located right in South Bend, is home to over 400 animals. Red pandas, big cats and other cute creatures are all over the property. You don't want to miss feeding the giraffes, the chance to get up close to a Southern White rhino or the new bear exhibit and café.
Explore Area Parks and Trails
Warmer temperatures tend to call people outside. Potato Creek State Park is an outdoor lover's paradise with miles of trails and Worster Lake, a great place for paddling. Rum Village Park in South Bend is a local favorite for its wooded seclusion. St. Patrick's County Park is another wonderful place to explore or take part in one of our favorite summer activities: paddling the St. Joseph River.
Tour the University of Notre Dame
Visitors should always take the time to see Notre Dame's iconic campus for themselves. In fact, summer is one of our favorite times as campus activities slow down. Self-guided tours should include notable landmarks like the Golden Dome, Touchdown Jesus, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart and the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes.
Bonus Pick: Listen to Live Music
Yeah, it's difficult to stop at just six. Live music permeates through South Bend and Mishawaka all summer. It's not just shows at the Morris Performing Arts Center but smaller performances across the area. Fridays by the Fountain and the performing arts series at Potawatomi Park are local favorites. Mishawaka Parks also holds outdoor concerts all season.
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