Spring Break is just upon us, and while many may think that you have to go on a vacation to have a fun spring break, you can have just as much fun here in South Bend!.
South Bend has three notable museums full of unique exhibits and insights into local history to keep your brain active during the time away from school. The South Bend Museum of Art, on Doctor M.L.K. Jr Blvd., includes pieces that display cultural history in South Bend, but also includes art by local creatives. On April 2 from 5:30 p.m. to 7p.m. The art museum will host a Mixed Media session, including a performance from the South Bend Youth Symphony and displays of the Scholastic Art Exhibits from students in the Northern Indiana region. Conveniently, South Bend also has two more within the same building! The Studebaker National Museum and The History Museum are both located on the same campus near downtown on Chapin Street. The Studebaker National Museum has three floors that take you through the generations of the Studebaker car company from early carriages to modern cars. The History Museum highlights local history from South Bend and Northern Indiana with an exhibit for the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. Also on that same campus is the historic Oliver Mansion. This mansion was owned by the Oliver family, who were known as a very successful family in South Bend accredited for their plows and farming equipment; the mansion is available for guided tours everyday!
South Bend’s most notable park is Howard Park. Slightly east of downtown South Bend, Howard Park is full of fun for all ages. The park consists of a large playground for kids to play on, while also having pathways through the park for those interested in taking a nice stroll during the nice spring weather or maybe interested in taking the bike path that follows along the St. Joseph River. Surrounding the park are a series of restaurants such as Barnaby’s, The General, Cellar Wine Bar and Kitchen and Chimichurri to dine at after you have concluded your day of fun.
Potawatomi Zoo has been a local piece of history since it was founded in 1921. This year, the Zoo’s opening day is March 29! From then until June they will be open from 10 a.m.to 5 p.m.. This zoo is full of full animal exhibits and you even have the opportunity to feed the animals! The zoo is a good opportunity to take advantage of the nice spring weather while also getting to see some fun and unique animals you may not otherwise see.
South Bend has a series of other local places to visit such as Generations Adventureplex which has bowling, axe throwing, laser tag, arcade games, rock climbing walls and many more. The Putt-Putt Fun Center on Main Street is also a fun place to spend an afternoon. The St. Joseph Library also has fun events daily and some special events over spring break like the Symphony To-Go on April 4.
Overall South Bend has many fun activities to keep you entertained over the break. Keep an eye out on social media for more local events that may interest you over the break!
