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DESTINATION

South Bend

South Bend resident James Oliver took his place in agricultural history in 1855 when he discovered a cooling process that resulted in a smoother and more durable cast iron blade for plows. In addition to being harder, the treated steel resisted the tendency of moist earth to build up on and clog plow blades. Factories producing goods ranging from automobile parts to guided missiles represent the importance of manufacturing to the economy of South Bend.

Tippecanoe Place, now a gourmet restaurant, was the home of the Studebakers, who founded an automobile dynasty. Balancing South Bend's industrial image are its fine city parks. Leeper Park is noted for its fragrance garden; Pinhook provides a lagoon; and Rum Village has a nature center and hiking and nature trails.

The East Race Waterway is one of the first man-made white-water raceways in the world. Capable of matching the Colorado River in power, it offers kayaking and rafting during the summer. National and international competitions take place on the raceway at 126 N. Niles Ave.; phone (574) 299-4783. A fitness trail is part of a 5-mile system of interlocking parks that stretches through downtown and along the St. Joseph River.

The 5,000-seat Four Winds Field at Stanley Coveleski Regional Stadium is home to the Silver Hawks minor league baseball, other sporting events and concerts; phone (574) 235-9988.

St. Patrick's Park is a favorite spot for cross-country skiing, while Bendix Woods' sledding hill attracts low-key thrill seekers. Ferrettie/Baugo Creek County Park provides inner tubing, disc golf and canoeing opportunities. Nearby Potato Creek State Park has a full spectrum of recreational facilities.

Visitor Centers

Visit South Bend Mishawaka 401 E. Colfax Ave. Suite 310 South Bend, IN 46617. Phone:(574)400-4009 or (800)519-0577

Shopping

University Park Mall, at the junction of SR 23 and Grape Road in nearby Mishawaka, counts JCPenney, Macy's and Sears among its more than 120 stores.

Things to Do

The History Museum

Potawatomi Zoo

The South Bend Chocolate Company

Studebaker National Museum

University of Notre Dame

Basilica of the Sacred Heart

Main Building (Golden Dome)

Snite Museum of Art

Theodore M. Hesburgh Library

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