South Bend, Indiana

South Bend is the county seat of St. Joseph County, and is located in north central Indiana, along the Michigan border. The city is located 15 miles (24 kilometers) west of Elkhart and 96 miles (155 kilometers) east of Chicago. South Bend is a four-season city, with January highs average at 31F (-1C) and July highs average at 83F (28C).

It's no surprise that collegiate sports play a major year-round role in South Bend, particularly since it's home to the famous Fighting Irish of Notre Dame! On top of all the collegiate action, the city is home to the South Bend Silver Hawks of the Midwest League of baseball.

When you want to get out and active yourself, you can head to any of the South Bend's 90 city parks and facilities, or exploring the 23-acre (nine-hectare) Potawatomi Zoo with your kids. The city also operates three golf courses, in addition to those courses in the surrounding area, where you can enjoy a day on the links. And only 12 miles (19 kilometers) southwest of the city you'll find Potato Creek State Park, which offers warm-weather opportunities for camping, hiking, horseback riding, swimming, boating, and more. When winter comes, enjoy tubing, cross-country skiing, and ice fishing.

People of all ages will enjoy South Bend's downtown, whether they're looking to visit shops, restaurants, nightclubs, museums, the zoo, special events (such as Football Fridays Tent Parties), or a the first man-made whitewater course in North America!

But I mentioned museums a few words back, and South Bend has a variety to explore. The South Bend Regional Museum of Art, which opened in 1996 and has more than 850 works in the permanent collection. For area and Notre Dame history, as well as a children's museum, stroll through the 38-room Victorian mansion that is home to the Northern Indiana Center for History. Automotive buffs won't want to miss the Studebaker National Museum, home to more than 70 vehicles from the late 1800s to 1934. And football fans will charge to the College Football Hall of Fame. Even better is the South Bend Chocolate Company's Chocolate Museum!

When you feel the need for performing arts, see what's playing at the Morris Center, the South Bend Symphony Orchestra, or the South Bend Civic Theatre.

And of course, what's a new home town without events and festivals to enjoy? In South Bend, just a few of these are Folk Faire in July, the St. Joseph County 4-H Fair in July/August, and downtown's Art Beat in September.

It's easy to see that South Bend is great for football fans and everyone else!

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