Fun Things To Do In The South Bend / Mishawaka Area

If you are looking for fun things to do in the South Bend, Mishawaka area always hit ZZZippy first. We bring you the most interesting, most enjoyable and very best things to do in South Bend, Mishawaka, Notre Dame, Elkhart and Goshen, Indiana as well as Niles, New Buffalo, St Joe and the southwest Michigan area. We showcase fun things to do around the entire Michiana area and its surrounding communities.

So next time you're looking for things to do in the South Bend Mishawaka market hit us back on ZZZippy.

NIKKI ROBERT

Notre Dame’s Climbing and Bouldering Wall - South Bend, Indiana

For all of our “physical activity” adventurers, Notre Dame’s Climbing and Bouldering Wall is the newest edition to our areas “Hidden Gems”. New to 2018, these rock climbing walls tower over 37 feet in the air and over 70 feet from one side to the other.

Head over to the Smith’s Center and climb up one, two, three or all of their rock climbing routes; paths set to be easy to children and other paths challenging for our more experienced and advanced climbers. These walls are free to students, staff and faculty but are inexpensive for the rest of the community. At only $3 per person, you can clamber up these rocks from open to close. Don’t have your own climbing shoes? No worries, they’ve got you covered — and at free of charge!

Before your escalade escapade begins, on-sight trained professionals will assist you in a 15 minute rock climbing tutorial, assuring you are fully prepared for a full day of fun! Notre Dame’s Climbing and Bouldering Wall also offers a free, two hour, Belay Certification Clinic for anyone who would like to climb freely, without a spotter!

For more information on updates and hours, visit Notre Dame’s Recreational Sports Website at
RecSports.ND.edu

Rumors Record Store - Niles, Michigan

This one is geared more towards those of us who are more than happy to keep our feet placed firmly on the ground. Rumors in Niles, Michigan is one of the most laid back, snuggly spots in the Michiana area. If you like rummaging through all of your beloved bands’ classic records, then this hotspot will most definitely go down in history as one of your favorites! Anything from Dean Martin to The Man in Black himself, Johnny Cash, things you would consider a goldmine, will be spinning in your fingertips with every vinyl crate you come across, which is plentiful in this shop.

I mean it when I say, every Beatles or Led Zeppelin album you could ever think of is secured within the four walls of Rumors.

Along with the shopping, Rumors also has a stage at the very front corner of their store for live bands and artists to come in and show off their own talent. Showcasing exalting and grandiose lighting, a lifted, platform stage and great acoustics to illustrate your strong musical sound; impress your friends and family at this “not-so-hole-in-the-wall” record shop!
Facebook.com/RumorStore


Kersting’s Cycle Center & Museum - Winamac, Indiana

Hop in your car and head over to Winamac for a short-drive road trip to The World of Motorcycles Museum. Here’s a destination for the entire family, including grandma and grandpa, where you can discover the evolution of the chopper bike, dating all the way back to 1916.

Kersting’s has over 100 bikes to their collection, each one in running condition and no two are the same, assuring your time here is fulfilled to the upmost extent. This museum has been open to the public for over 55 years and has won the attention of thousands. Softails, Sportsters, Dynas,Touring bikes, Street bikes — anything from Harley Davidson’s to Yamaha’s, antiques to pre-owned, you can even go home with one for yourself!

Admission is only $5 and can take you from open at 9am all the way to nightfall.
KerstinsCycle.com/Museum

ONE EYED JACK'S
When you’re done at the museum, head over to the infamous One Eyed Jack’s, just a few minutes down the road and have yourself their acclaimed, disgustingly amazing, Breaded Pork Tenderloin for only $10! Check out the rest of their menu at
OneEyedJacksWinamac.com


Fear Itself at Legend Park - Mishawaka, Indiana

Legend Park, one of the largest and most exciting Scream Parks anywhere, there really is no place like it, in fact, people visit from all over the globe Legend Park, one of the largest and most exciting Scream Parks anywhere. Born and raised in Michiana, Legend Park has garnered a reputation for thrills and chills. This is another example of gems in the community and while it is certainly not hidden it is still growing in popularity each and every season.

The Fear Itself Show at Legend Park features several haunted house style attractions including the world-famous, Cuckoo’s Nest and the largest dark circus (Sinister Circus) on earth. In addition visitors experience a monster Midway filled with music, video, fire pits, festival food, live entertainers and even spectacular firework displays.

If you are interested in a fun-filled night of excitement, scares, laughs and screams visit Fear Itself at Legend Park this fall.

Also watch for other events throughout the years as Legend is expanding into other activities and adventures, celebrations and experiences.

LegendPark.com

The Kitchen BMX Skatepark - South Bend, Indiana

Designed by a local BMX legend, Brett Banasiewicz - professional rider by the age of 13, The Kitchen Skatepark was made for people of all ages, male and female, to kick back their tricks on bicycles and on scooters. This massive indoor park offers a setup so well constructed that anyone can come in and ride.

With a street section right at the entrance of the park, this is perfect for beginners looking to learn a new skill or just to try something new in this area.
The Kitchen’s Park Riding section offers ramps, vertical walls, box jumps and other unique structures for the more experienced riders.

Come in to the Kitchen and rub elbows with the young man who built this park with his own hands, Brett himself, as he is often seen riding his own ramps throughout the park.
A truly fun environment to check out!

TheKitchenSkatePark.com

  • East Race Waterway - South Bend, Indiana

    Most people know of the Saint Joseph River and of the South Bend River Light’s Plaza, creatively located just east of Downtown, but have you heard that you can actually go white water rafting down the East Race at the River Lights? The majority of people in the Michiana area have missed out completely every summer on this extravagant adventure purely because of not having the knowledge that this experience even existed.

    An experience that will leave you laughing like you haven’t in years only costs between $12 and $85. This may seem a bit pricey but just remember, The East Race Waterway encourages you to bring your friends.

    Kayaking for 1 to 2, Party Rafts for 3 to 4 people and Cruise Liners for 4 to 5 people assures that there is plenty of fun to be had for all age groups, all types of adventurers and for as many times as you desire!

    For more information on rates and availability, click on their website!
    SVPA.org


    • Market Street Catacombs - Indianapolis, Indiana

    This one here, although not in Michiana, is still perfect for a day trip! Less than a three hour drive from South Bend, you can discover the underground like you never knew it existed in the United States, let alone in Indiana. Directly below City Market’s Whistler Plaza, where over 30 local businesses come together for the Farmer’s Market once a week, are the crypt ruins of what once was a beautiful hall for community goers to enjoy.

    Indianapolis offers “Catacomb Tours” throughout the year so that the general public can explore the over 20,000 square foot wreckage of a 130 plus year old devastation for themselves.

    Averaging at about $12 per ticket per person, these tickets must be purchased online and in advance, promising you your next 30 minute adventure, chiseling away at the chilling history below your feet.

    Experience this underground at
    IndianaLandmarks.org


    South Bend River Lights Music Festival - South Bend, Indiana

    Known as “The Best Week Ever” South Bend River Lights Music Festival is the perfect place for a weekend with the family, a weekend with your other half, a weekend with your close group of friends or for all of them included!
    This is a 3 day festival that will assure you are enjoying ceaseless entertainment from Thursday to Saturday and thoroughly exhausted by Sunday.
    Friday night starts out with an incredible fireworks display simultaneous to food trucks galore, an on-scene bar and bands that you will undeniably fall in love with. Friday and Saturday are jam-packed with an assortment of local and “fairly” local bands that have caught huge excitement from all over, playing right here in South Bend’s back yard.
    Alongside the constant music on several different stages, sorted by genre and popularity, local businesses come in to set up tents and food trucks for all of the River Lights Music Festival comers to enjoy delicious foods from all walks of life.
    This is an amazing way to support and enjoy local businesses and local talent whereas at the same time, you can relish the great environment with friends, family and loved ones!
    Tickets can be found online at their Facebook, on their website or right at the entrance to the festival! Tickets are absolutely free, not including food and drinks    !
    https://www.facebook.com/RiverLightsMusic/
    http://www.riverlightsmusic.com/

    South Bend River Lights Music Festival - South Bend, Indiana

    Known as “The Best Week Ever” South Bend River Lights Music Festival is the perfect place for a weekend with the family, a weekend with your other half, a weekend with your close group of friends or for all of them included!
    This is a 3 day festival that will assure you are enjoying ceaseless entertainment from Thursday to Saturday and thoroughly exhausted by Sunday.
    Friday night starts out with an incredible fireworks display simultaneous to food trucks galore, an on-scene bar and bands that you will undeniably fall in love with. Friday and Saturday are jam-packed with an assortment of local and “fairly” local bands that have caught huge excitement from all over, playing right here in South Bend’s back yard.
    Alongside the constant music on several different stages, sorted by genre and popularity, local businesses come in to set up tents and food trucks for all of the River Lights Music Festival comers to enjoy delicious foods from all walks of life.
    This is an amazing way to support and enjoy local businesses and local talent whereas at the same time, you can relish the great environment with friends, family and loved ones!
    Tickets can be found online at their Facebook, on their website or right at the entrance to the festival! Tickets are absolutely free, not including food and drinks    !
    https://www.facebook.com/RiverLightsMusic/
    http://www.riverlightsmusic.com/

    South Bend River Lights Music Festival - South Bend, Indiana

    Known as “The Best Week Ever” South Bend River Lights Music Festival is the perfect place for a weekend with the family, a weekend with your other half, a weekend with your close group of friends or for all of them included!
    This is a 3 day festival that will assure you are enjoying ceaseless entertainment from Thursday to Saturday and thoroughly exhausted by Sunday.
    Friday night starts out with an incredible fireworks display simultaneous to food trucks galore, an on-scene bar and bands that you will undeniably fall in love with. Friday and Saturday are jam-packed with an assortment of local and “fairly” local bands that have caught huge excitement from all over, playing right here in South Bend’s back yard.
    Alongside the constant music on several different stages, sorted by genre and popularity, local businesses come in to set up tents and food trucks for all of the River Lights Music Festival comers to enjoy delicious foods from all walks of life.
    This is an amazing way to support and enjoy local businesses and local talent whereas at the same time, you can relish the great environment with friends, family and loved ones!
    Tickets can be found online at their Facebook, on their website or right at the entrance to the festival! Tickets are absolutely free, not including food and drinks    !
    https://www.facebook.com/RiverLightsMusic/
    http://www.riverlightsmusic.com/

    South Bend River Lights Music Festival - South Bend, Indiana

    Known as “The Best Week Ever” South Bend River Lights Music Festival is the perfect place for a weekend with the family, a weekend with your other half, a weekend with your close group of friends or for all of them included!
    This is a 3 day festival that will assure you are enjoying ceaseless entertainment from Thursday to Saturday and thoroughly exhausted by Sunday.
    Friday night starts out with an incredible fireworks display simultaneous to food trucks galore, an on-scene bar and bands that you will undeniably fall in love with. Friday and Saturday are jam-packed with an assortment of local and “fairly” local bands that have caught huge excitement from all over, playing right here in South Bend’s back yard.
    Alongside the constant music on several different stages, sorted by genre and popularity, local businesses come in to set up tents and food trucks for all of the River Lights Music Festival comers to enjoy delicious foods from all walks of life.
    This is an amazing way to support and enjoy local businesses and local talent whereas at the same time, you can relish the great environment with friends, family and loved ones!
    Tickets can be found online at their Facebook, on their website or right at the entrance to the festival! Tickets are absolutely free, not including food and drinks    !
    https://www.facebook.com/RiverLightsMusic/
    http://www.riverlightsmusic.com/

    South Bend River Lights Music Festival - South Bend, Indiana

    Known as “The Best Week Ever” South Bend River Lights Music Festival is the perfect place for a weekend with the family, a weekend with your other half, a weekend with your close group of friends or for all of them included!
    This is a 3 day festival that will assure you are enjoying ceaseless entertainment from Thursday to Saturday and thoroughly exhausted by Sunday.
    Friday night starts out with an incredible fireworks display simultaneous to food trucks galore, an on-scene bar and bands that you will undeniably fall in love with. Friday and Saturday are jam-packed with an assortment of local and “fairly” local bands that have caught huge excitement from all over, playing right here in South Bend’s back yard.
    Alongside the constant music on several different stages, sorted by genre and popularity, local businesses come in to set up tents and food trucks for all of the River Lights Music Festival comers to enjoy delicious foods from all walks of life.
    This is an amazing way to support and enjoy local businesses and local talent whereas at the same time, you can relish the great environment with friends, family and loved ones!
    Tickets can be found online at their Facebook, on their website or right at the entrance to the festival! Tickets are absolutely free, not including food and drinks    !
    https://www.facebook.com/RiverLightsMusic/
    http://www.riverlightsmusic.com/

    Water Sailing at the Wawasee Yacht Club - Goshen, Indiana

    Here’s something you’ve probably never considered but might now that you know it’s available in our area! Sailing is actually quite big in Michiana due to the closeness of the Great Lakes and the heavy winds we often bear. Unlike the other great things to do on our Top Ten Hidden Gems list, this one can be a bit more pricey due to the heavy equipment necessary to preform in this water sport.
    Any child that is able to swim, ages 8 to 15, can actually sail for free at the Fidler Pond Park in Goshen on Saturday’s from 11am to 2pm, reserving your spot by the Friday before your enterprise.
    Along with free lessons for children, Fidler Pond Park also offers “Sailing Camp” from June 19th to the 23rd. The cost is $110 and will unquestionably leave your child with the expertise that comes with sailing.
    This is most definitely an experience that will help shape your child’s future in the most positive of ways, while you can sit back, relax and enjoy the view from the waters edge!
    Check out their Facebook for more information!
    Facebook.com/FriendsOfTheFidler

    France Park - Logansport, Indiana

    France Park is on the list for another one of those road trips you’ve
    been meaning to take, yet is less than two hours away from any spot in the Michiana area making it is to cross off of your bucket list. With an abundance of outdoor activities, this number on the list just may need to wait for the weather to warm up, yet again.
    Thousands of people commute to this scenic spot each year for camping, scuba diving, swimming, hiking, fishing, biking, frisbee golf, miniature golf and zip lining.
    This recreational area is home to a gorgeous waterfall, clear swimming lake with charming and picturesque cliffs and a great lake for fishing.
    To fish, you must provide your valid fishing license and remember that there are no gas motors allowed.
    A clean, fascinating place to visit and only $3 per person with children under 5 years of age who get in for free. Camping rates apply and vary per package and duration. See their website for further details on planning your next trip!
    FrancePark.com

    South Bend River Lights Music Festival - South Bend, Indiana

    Known as “The Best Week Ever” South Bend River Lights Music Festival is the perfect place for a weekend with the family, a weekend with your other half, a weekend with your close group of friends or for all of them included! This is a 3 day festival that will assure you are enjoying ceaseless entertainment from Thursday to Saturday and thoroughly exhausted by Sunday.

    Friday night starts out with an incredible fireworks display simultaneous to food trucks galore, an on-scene bar and bands that you will undeniably fall in love with. Friday and Saturday are jam-packed with an assortment of local and “fairly” local bands that have caught huge excitement from all over, playing right here in South Bend’s back yard.

    Alongside the constant music on several different stages, sorted by genre and popularity, local businesses come in to set up tents and food trucks for all of the River Lights Music Festival comers to enjoy delicious foods from all walks of life.

    This is an amazing way to support and enjoy local businesses and local talent whereas at the same time, you can relish the great environment with friends, family and loved ones!

    Tickets can be found online at their Facebook, on their website or right at the entrance to the festival! Tickets are absolutely free, not including food and drinks!
    Facebook.com/RiverLightsMusic
    RiverLightsMusic.com