Here Are the Best South Bend Museums
The city of South Bend is home to many incredible attractions, outdoor activities, sporting, and entertainment events. You can walk around the downtown area and go from the restaurant to the riverfront to a minor league baseball game all in a matter of minutes. We recommend visiting at least one of the museums in South Bend during your visit. Whether you’re a car enthusiast or an art lover, you’ll find an absolutely fascinating showcase of hidden gems around town.
The Top Museums in South Bend
Studebaker National Museum
The Studebaker National Museum offers a glimpse back into the history of this South Bend automobile manufacturer. An extensive collection of carriages, electric car models, WWI and WWII vehicles, and classic cars from the 50s and 60s built by Studebaker grace the interior of this multi-story museum. This exterior of the building features a design that matches the architectural style of most Studebaker factory buildings in the area. It’s only two blocks from the downtown area and shares parking with The History Museum.
The History Museum of South Bend
What do the Potawatomi Indians, the University of Notre Dame, and Studebaker all have in common? They all have an important place in the history of South Bend. You can learn about and explore exhibits highlighting these cornerstones of the area at this South Bend museum. A rotating selection of other popular exhibits for seven to eight-month stints throughout the year. This complex also connects The Oliver Mansion, which was the home of J.D. Oliver and the namesake of our beautiful Inn!
South Bend Museum of Art
Housed in the same building as the Century Center, this downtown South Bend museum along the banks of the St. Joseph River is a fantastic place to stop in during a cold winter or warm summer day. The South Bend Museum of Art houses a wide variety of artistic styles and collections. They also host fun and exciting exhibition events like First Friday, Meet Me, and ArtLights.
Raclin Murphy Museum of Art
Classic but contemporary, the Robert A.M. Stern-designed facility features 23 galleries and numerous site-specific commissions by internationally renowned artists such as Jenny Holzer, Maya Lin, Mimmo Paladino, Jaume Plensa, and Kiki Smith. In addition to presenting the storied permanent collection and dynamic temporary exhibitions, the Museum features the Mary Queen of Families Chapel, a sacred space for contemplation and Masses, offering a unique curatorial opportunity to consider important works from the collection.
Indiana Dinosaur Museum
When you visit, you will be introduced to some creatures that haven’t seen the light of day for 70 million years. You’ll also see the exhibits through the lens of the 21st century. Instagrammable, understandable, and fun. We want you to come face-to-face with the past.
Military Honor Park & Museum
The indoor portion of the Military Honor Park & Museum might be small, but it packs in plenty of fascinating artifacts, weapons, and more from past wars and international conflicts. It highlights each of the five U.S. Military branches, and the outdoor portion of the park contains a tank, a helicopter, missiles, and artillery guns. Kids and adults will love visiting this incredible South Bend Museum.
Book Your Stay at The Oliver Inn
Make The Oliver Inn your home base for all of your South Bend adventures. Our beautiful and stately Bed & Breakfast sits only a few blocks from the heart of downtown, Four Winds Field, and The History Museum of South Bend complex, allowing you to walk everywhere easily! Pamper yourself in one of our elegant, accommodating rooms, featuring comfortable beds, beautiful furnishings, and plenty of natural light. Wake up to a gourmet breakfast before heading out to see all of the outstanding things to do that South Bend has to offer.
Book one of our rooms today and start planning your getaway today! We look forward to welcoming you to our Inn.