OUR REGION
Explore the Region
From numerous venues for outdoor activity to miles of beaches on Lake Michigan, and arts and culture to dining and sports, the South Bend - Elkhart region has it all. You’ll fall in love with our corner of northern Indiana and southwest Michigan and its proximity to everything you need without the traffic and high costs of a major metropolitan area. The multi-county region which straddles the Michigan-Indiana border is home to more than 800,000 people and a landscape that varies from Lake Michigan sand dunes to Amish country farms. And if you ever want a change of scenery, you can easily hop on a nearby train for a day trip to Chicago.
Embrace Quality Living in South Bend - Elkhart Region
Living in the South Bend - Elkhart region doesn’t break the bank, but it certainly doesn’t skimp on quality. You can live comfortably in the region even with a modest budget. With a wide range of housing options including apartments, condos, and houses for rent, Fellows can find the right living accommodations at a reasonable price.
In South Bend, Mishawaka, Elkhart, Granger, Niles, and beyond, nearly every amenity you need is within reach. Throughout the year, you’ll find an abundance of free events, concerts, and festivals to enjoy.
Private developers have spent more than $100 million to renovate historical buildings and add hundreds of apartments to the South Bend city center. The momentum downtown has spread across the St. Joseph River to the East Bank Village neighborhood, which is home to art galleries, coffee shops, and small bars and restaurants. South of downtown, the industrial section of the city is coming back to life as buildings once used to manufacture Studebaker automobiles, where enFocus is located, have been converted to technology centers for local startup companies. South Bend residents have also directed more attention to the St. Joseph River by investing in a riverside trail system and upgrading waterfront parks.
Discover Elkhart's Downtown Charm and Niles' Rich History and Beauty
While Elkhart is known for recreational vehicles, the city and county has a lot to offer. The charming downtown area is filled with unique shops, restaurants, and art galleries giving visitors a real sense of what makes this city special. Close to the city center you can enjoy the tranquil surroundings, gardens, and sculptures at Wellfield Botanic Gardens or discover classic American architecture and history at Ruthmere.
Niles, MI, a vibrant community in southwest Michigan, is a city on the St. Joseph River with two distinctions; four countries — France, Great Britain, Spain and the United States — flew their national flags during the city’s 300+-year history. It lies along the St. Joseph River 10 miles north of South Bend, Indiana. It developed as a center for the farm produce of the St. Joseph River valley; manufactures include paper products, industrial and assembly-line equipment, wire, and commercial refrigerators. It’s also a place you can immerse in Southwest Michigan’s natural beauty. When you come, take time to explore both its historical and natural sides.
Experience Dining, Events, and Sports
There are many free and low cost events, concerts, and festivals throughout the year. If you enjoy art, theatre, live music, dance, or comedy, venues throughout the region will keep you entertained by the talents of local, regional, and national performers. For sports lovers, you can walk two blocks from our South Bend office campus for top-tier collegiate and minor league sports.
DTSB First Fridays
This monthly event in downtown South Bend featuring live music,art receptions, and kid-friendly activities. Held year-round with different themes each month, most events are free.
River Bend Film Festival
Founded in 2002 in South Bend, moved to Goshen in 2016. Screens 50-75 films yearly with guests including Academy Award winners Rachel Shenton and Chris Overton.
Elkhart Jazz Festival
Since 1988, the Elkhart Jazz Festival has drawn 20,000 attendees each summer to enjoy over 100 performers, combining small-town hospitality with big-city jazz, and is uniquely volunteer-delivered, with over 200 volunteers making the event possible.
Hunter Ice Festival
Held annually in downtown Niles each January, this festival celebrates the legacy of the Hunter Brothers Ice and Ice Cream Company with over 150 ice sculptures, live carving shows, and various family-friendly activities.
South Bend Cubs
The South Bend Cubs, a High-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs in the Midwest League, play their home games at Four Winds Field in South Bend, Indiana.
Notre Dame's Collegate Sports
The Fighting Irish teams, compete in 26 NCAA Division I sports, with several teams affiliated with the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) while participating in various NCAA divisions.
Explore the Arts and Culture
Venues throughout the region showcase the talents of top local, regional, and national performers. Check out a sample of the venues listed below.
The Acorn Theater
The Acorn in Three Oaks, Michigan, offers a cool vibe, drinks, and entertainment, including shows and open mic nights, close to South Bend.
South Bend Museum of Art
On display here are works by historical Indiana artists as well as contemporary works in all media by artists from South Bend and beyond, enriching the arts and culture landscape.
DeBartolo Performing Arts Center
DeBartolo on Notre Dame campus has seven venues, including a THX cinema, a 10-story concert hall, and theaters. Saint Mary's students receive discounts or free entry.
Moreau Center for the Arts
Situated on Saint Mary’s campus, Moreau houses the Little Theatre, Art Galleries, and O’Laughlin Auditorium for cultural experiences.
Morris Performing Arts Center
The renowned Morris in downtown South Bend hosts a variety of performances, from symphony and dance to national touring musical concerts, comedians, and Broadway theater.
South Bend Civic Theatre
This community theater company puts on more than a dozen productions annually, showcasing local talent and contributing to the local arts scene.
The Lerner Theatre
This 1920s movie theater now serves as a performing arts venue with a 1,700-seat theater and ballroom. It offers various performances and events throughout the year.
South Bend Symphony Orchestra
The top orchestra in the area, the South Bend Symphony, involves the community in exploring all types of orchestral music.
Adventure into the Great Outdoors
There are several parks which offer something for everyone in each of the region’s distinct seasons. The park system in South Bend, Mishawaka, and St. Joseph County presents an array of activities, including mountain biking, hiking, cross-country skiing, tubing, disc golf, and camping. The St. Joseph River provides a great course for canoeing, kayaking, and even whitewater rafting. Within an hour’s drive enjoy downhill skiing, the beautiful beaches of Lake Michigan, wine tasting, and much more.
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