Mishawaka, Indiana
South Bend's neighbor to the east, Mishawaka has all the charm of a small town with the amenities of a bigger city. Mishawaka is home to several parks that line the St. Joseph River, dozens of delicious locally-owned restaurants, a regional retail hub, and so much more.
Incorporated in 1833, the city developed along the St. Joseph River due to the area being rich with bog iron. The first factory in Mishawaka was named the St. Joseph Iron Works. Industry continued to flourish, most notably the Dodge Manufacturing Company and Red Ball-Band Footwear Company, which later became Uniroyal.
Learn more about the city’s rich history at the charming Mishawaka Historical Museum. For an immersive historical experience, enjoy an opulent B&B overnight at the former home of Ball-Band’s inventor and Mishawaka’s first millionaire, The Beiger Mansion.
Whether you’re staying at the mansion, one of the many hotels, or perhaps playing in a tournament at Mishawaka Fieldhouse, be sure to do some exploring in this area.
Mishawaka Parks
Mishawaka is home to nearly 30 beautiful parks lining the St. Joseph River, connected by the Mishawaka Riverwalk, a 2.5 mile loop that encompasses both sides of the river. It’s a perfect setting to walk, run or bike and is one of the most Instagram-worthy locations around The Bend.
RELATED CONTENT: Parks
Ironworks Plaza
Adjacent to Beutter Park, Ironworks Plaza is home to the Ball Band Biergarten, just across from Sun King Brewery. Winter is exciting as Ironworks Ice Rink opens for the season. Enjoy ice skating, ice bumper cars, and more. During warmer months, the plaza is home to the Mishawaka Market.
Central Park is home to a large playground, splash pad, pickleball courts and more. You can find the summer concert series taking place on the main stage during the summer. Battell Park is home to the historic bandshell and a terraced rock garden that dates back to the 1930s. There are also tennis courts, a playground and more. Don’t forget to walk through Veterans Plaza, a powerful tribute to honor fallen soldiers.

Mishawaka Restaurants
Many restaurants, bars and shops are within walking distance in Downtown Mishawaka. The local dining scene is truly special with gems like Jesus Latin Grill & Tequila Bar which offers authentic Latin American flavors. Craft One Half, Mishawaka Public House, Chicory Café, Doc Pierce’s, Prized Pig and Vinyl Tap & Table are just a selection of favorites nearby.
Mishawaka Eats
Bar Louie
Bar Louie, the Original Gastrobar. Where people + great food + great drinks = a great time.
Brasserie 23
Bonjour, bienvenue! Allow us to introduce you to Brasserie 23: A locally owned restaurant…
Chick-fil-A of Mishawaka
Chicken for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Sandwiches, nuggets, strips, salads and wraps. Freshly…
Chili's Grill + Bar
Offers a distinct, fresh mix of grilled American favorites including their signature Baby Back Ribs.
Culver's Restaurant - Mishawaka
Culver's doesn't compromise on quality or flavor. That's why we use the most delicious, wholesome…
Culver's Restaurant - Granger
Culver's doesn't compromise on quality or flavor. That's why we use the most delicious, wholesome…
Dean's Barbecue and Restaurant
Hailing from Motor City and having worked under some top-tier chefs in the industry, we definitely…
Doc Pierce's Restaurant
Doc. Pierce’s Restaurant serves up quality American cuisine in the heart of historic downtown…
Generations AdventurePlex
Generations AdventurePlex is a modern multi-attraction entertainment mega-plex featuring bowling…
Hacienda Mexican Restaurant - Grape Road
Take a break from your daily routine and experience a Mexican fiesta, all without having to travel…
Hacienda Mexican Restaurant - Mishawaka Downtown
Take a break from your daily routine and experience a Mexican fiesta, all without having to travel…
Hana Yori of Japan
Hana Yori of Japan offers the finest Japanese cuisine in a unique and memorable setting. A Benihana…
Talking Horse
The Mishawaka Riverwalk’s favorite walk up ice cream stand. Conveniently located across from Central…
JC's Coal Oven Pizza Co.
Casual pizzeria offering coal-fired pies, plus comfort food, beer, and wine, in a dog-friendly spot.
Papa Vino's Restaurant
At Papa Vino's Italian Kitchen, you’ll start with a complimentary loaf of warm, fresh-from-the-oven…
Purely Pressed
Organic coffee and juice. Also serving mason jar salads, oatmeal, bowls and smoothies. You can also…
Rocky River Tap + Table
Partnerships with local farmers, brewers and winemakers paired with culinary creativity yield…
Ruth's Chris Steak House
We are open for dine in but still offering curbside takeaway and delivery options if you prefer to…
Saltgrass Steak House
Enjoy mouthwatering cuts of steak cooked over an open flame from our scratch kitchen. The ultimate…
South Bend Chocolate Cafe - Saint Joseph Hospital
Gourmet chocolates, fresh roasted coffees, and the world BEST Hot Chocolate! Also grab breakfast…
Aladdin's Eatery
Simple Lebanese-American chain offering traditional & vegetarian dishes plus smoothies, beer & wine…
Bare Hands Brewery
A small batch brewery specializing in hand crafted ales. Located right off the Indiana Toll road In…
Biebs & Ash Smashburger Social
Located inside of Sun King Brewing in downtown Mishawaka on the riverwalk, serving up west coast…
Bonnie Doon Drive-In
Old-timey joint since 1941 offering American fast food, plus drive-in service & cozy, indoor dining.
Bowl of Pho
Low-key Vietnamese eatery serving up soups, noodles & lots of veggie options in a simple setting…
Capri Italian Restaurant Granger
Capri Italian Restaurant is your little piece of Italy, specializing in elegant fine-dining, is sure…
CoreLife Eatery
We fuel healthy, active lifestyles and make all of our meals from scratch every single day.
Cosimo & Susie's A Bit of Italy
Comfortable locale for classic Italian cooking such as meatballs, ravioli, and garlic bread, plus…
Craft One Half
Craft|One|Half is a 21+, chef inspired scratch kitchen serving fresh ingredient dishes and unique…
El Rancho Viejo Mishawaka
If you looking for a family or friends time, Rancho Viejo its the best choice, delicious food, good…
Hawaii Poke
Hawaii Poke is a fresh restaurant that offers customizable poke bowls and milk teas in Mishawaka…
Hop Station Craft Bar
World class beer, a unique cocktail menu and simple yet well-prepared food will be sure to impress…
Iggy's Pizza Shop
Iggy's Pizza Shop is an independent, family-owned take-out pizza restaurant located in Granger.
Jimmy's Pizza and Ribs
Jimmy's serves pizza, ribs, calzones, subs, wings, and salads. At Jimmy's we pride ourselves on…
La Patrona
Welcome to La Patrona – Mishawaka’s go-to spot for authentic Mexican flavors! From sizzling…
Los Aces Mexican Food
Casual, kid-friendly Mexican eatery serving traditional plates such as tacos and burritos.
Ritter's Frozen Custard
Frozen custard is made fresh daily at this dessert chain serving up cones, sundaes & shakes.
Salsa's Mexican Grill
We designed Salsa’s to mimic the experience and architecture of the Plazas in Mexico. Choose to sit…
Salsa's Mexican Grill - Granger
Enjoy our homemade meals, crafted from recipes past down for generations. From sizzling fajitas, to…
Soho Japanese Bistro
Intimate Japanese dining in Heritage Square offering the finest in sushi and teppanyaki.
Urban Swirl & Scoop
Hand-dipped ice cream, frozen yogurt, cookies, and other frozen treats served in a fun setting.
Victory Roll Board Game Cafe
Nestled in the heart of Mishawaka, our cafe is a vibrant hub for board game enthusiasts and casual…
Yesterday's
Refined restaurant set in a cozy house showcasing creative American cuisine, desserts & cocktails…
Buffalo Wild Wings
If you love wings, beer and sports like we do, then this is the place for you. If you don’t like any…
Chicory Cafe of Mishawaka
A French Quarter Style Coffee House with Cajun New Orleans favorite dishes, vegetarian dishes, baked…
Corndance Tavern
Our food is carefully thought out, from our local farm, to the artfully crafted creation you will…
Evil Czech Brewery and Public House
Sometimes, for beer to be good, it has to get evil. We’re bringing hand-crafted brews with an evil…
Gigi's Cupcakes
Gigi’s Cupcakes Granger provides high quality and beautifully decorated cupcakes, with a rotating…
Jesus Latin Grill and Tequila Bar
We differ from a Mexican restaurant and the ubiquitous “chips and salsa”. Latin cuisine infuses…
Mishawaka Public House
Home of the Upside Down Burger, the Mishawaka Public House is locally owned and right in the heart…
Mission BBQ
Every day we work hard to prepare you authentic BBQ, made from the freshest ingredients. Serve it to…
Nothing Bundt Cakes
Opening Soon. From the first bite, sweet memories of your Mom's cake, fresh from the oven, gently…
Red Lobster
The menu includes fresh fish, traditional seafood courses, and unique wood-fire grilled steaks and…
Rise'n Roll
Rise'n Roll Bakery specializes in Amish style baked goods including, donuts, pies, cookies, cinnamon…
Social Cantina
Modern Mexican street fare, including a traditional-inspired taco menu. 125+ bottles of tequila.
Sun King Brewing
Sun King Mishawaka operates as a family-friendly tap room, as well as the concessions partner to the…
The Chief Ice Cream
The Chief started as a small ice cream shop in 1962. Over the years, it has grown into a community…
Uptown Kitchen
Quality, fresh, made from scratch foods. Breakfast and Lunch. Full Bar featuring craft beers…
Vanilla Bean Creamery
Hand crafted in small batches. We set ourselves apart through the use of REAL ingredients in our ice…
Villa Macri Ristorante
Over 40 years ago, we started as a small 36 seat diner known as Macri’s Deli. We decided to take…
West End Bakery
The West End Bakery is located in Mishawaka, IN. Reestablished in 2020, West End is home of the…
Wings Etc. Grill & Pub
Whether it’s gameday or any other day, there’s something for everyone at our Mishawaka grill and…
Retail District of Mishawaka
Beyond local eats, you might be surprised to learn the north side of town is one of the region’s busiest retail hubs. University Park Mall anchors a stretch along Grape Road and Main Street that includes hundreds of shops. Inside the mall you’ll find major retail stores and national brands as well as several eateries.

If locally owned boutiques are more your style, there are plenty of options as well. Indiana Rug Co., is fashioned after an old-time neighborhood mercantile with a wide variety of items. They have gifts inspired by life in The Bend and the Midwest. It’s a perfect place to pick up a memorable souvenir from your visit!
RELATED CONTENT: Around The Bend: InRugCo.
Indoor Adventures in Mishawaka
While there is plenty to explore outdoors, there are great indoor adventures to jump into as well. Sky Zone, Strikes & Spares Entertainment Center, Apex Climbing Gym and Generations AdventurePlex are local favorites with an abundance of fun activities to do for all ages.

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FAQ: Mishawaka
Q: What is Mishawaka, IN known for?
Mishawaka formed in the 1830s after the discovery of bog iron deposits. It prospered as a manufacturing city along the St. Joseph River. The city is now known for a fantastic parks system with several along the river making up the Mishawaka Riverwalk. It is also home to a regional shopping district along Grape Road and Main Street anchored by University Park Mall.
Q: Is Mishawaka in Indiana or Michigan?
Mishawaka is in St. Joseph County, Indiana. It is adjacent to South Bend, which is to the west.
Q: Is Mishawaka the same as South Bend?
Mishawaka is the second biggest city in St. Joseph County, behind South Bend. They are connected but do have distinct boundaries.
Q: What does Mishawaka mean?
According to The History Museum, the name "Mishawaka" is a Native American-derived word that may mean "big rapids." There are many disagreements, however, over the origin of the name. Some believe Mishawaka was a local Native American princess. This too, however, is widely disputed.
Q: How do you pronounce Mishawaka?
Here is the best way to think about pronouncing Mishawaka: Mish-uh-wahk-uh.