South Bend

South Bend serves as the county seat of St. Joseph County in northern Indiana, roughly 90 miles (145 kilometers) east of Chicago. The city spreads along a bend in the St. Joseph River through neighborhoods of brick houses, old factory buildings, and tree-lined streets that shift with the seasons.

The settlement became a city in 1865 and grew around river-powered industries like the Studebaker Corporation and Oliver Plow Company. Heavy manufacturing declined sharply in the 1960s, reshaping the downtown and pushing the community toward service and education sectors.

The University of Notre Dame shapes the rhythm of daily life with fall football weekends, public lectures, and a campus that draws visitors year-round. Local businesses along the riverfront and downtown streets reflect a mix of college energy and working-class traditions.

Parks and walking paths follow the river through several neighborhoods that are easier to explore on foot or by bike during spring and fall. Winter brings cold temperatures and snow that affect driving conditions, while summer can be warm and humid with frequent afternoon thunderstorms.

Dyngus Day is celebrated every year on the Monday after Easter with Polish-American traditions that also mark the start of the local political campaign season. Residents gather in taverns and community halls for polka music, kielbasa, and speeches from candidates hoping to connect with voters.