The cities of South Bend and Mishawaka are located just south and east of Saint Mary’s campus. South Bend is both a collegiate community and a town experiencing a high-tech Renaissance. The city sits at the center of six national fiber routes — a focal point of the information superhighway. It’s a midsize city attracting attention from the tech world typically reserved for larger destinations.

In 2008, the city opened Ignition Park on former Studebaker land. South Bend saw an opportunity to leverage the Studebaker corridor’s power capacity to turn blighted industrial land into a base for technology firms. Tech firms like Data Realty are up and running, with more businesses on the way. Many of these businesses are moving over from Notre Dame’s Innovation Park, a technology park that facilitates commercialization by convening innovators and entrepreneurs.

South Bend also has a vibrant culture, sports, and entertainment scene. The Morris Performing Arts Center is home to both the Broadway Theatre League and the South Bend Symphony Orchestra.

The South Bend community is also the Midwest’s pre-eminent venue for Shakespeare Studies.
South Bend is one of only a handful of communities in the United States to be awarded Bicycle Friendly Community status for “remarkable commitments to bicycling.”

Downtown South Bend (DTSB) also hosts First Friday every month. The events feature special promotions, events, and activities at downtown shops, galleries, and restaurants. We also host an annual arts festival called ArtBeat, which features over 200 visual, performing, and culinary artists from the area.

Mishawaka is a shopper’s delight. Many national retail stores and restaurants have locations on Grape Road or Main Street — 5 miles from Saint Mary’s campus.

The College is also in close proximity to Lake Michigan beaches and sports; Chicago and Indianapolis are easy day trips, with regular South Shore Train service from South Bend International Airport to downtown Chicago.

For more information on a community full of culture, go to VisitSouthBend.com.​