Things to do in South Bend

Bet you didn't know a museum for mobile homes even existed. I didn't either until I got to South Bend. I curiously checked this place out while in town for work and was surprisingly intrigued by the collection of over 100 well-restored trailers and motor homes that spanned 8 decades of production. Turns out there's quite a bit of history regarding the RV. If you're someone who romanticizes about the classic American road trip, you gotta see these soon-to-be relics of the past.

Studebaker had about a century-long run as one of the largest automakers in the country (it went defunct in 1967), but these days about all they have to show for it is this museum in South Bend. Car enthusiasts will enjoy the archives, which feature thousands of images of the car, films it was used in, advertising materials, engineering drawings, etc. The museum also has exhibits about other car companies (there's currently a Presidential Carriage Collection on display).

It's fitting that the College Football Hall of Fame is in South Bend, since it's in many ways - with Notre Dame - has served as the center of the college football universe. That said, this is a great place for any college football fan to visit. It has everything: Lists of all the players that have won the major awards and teams that have won bowl games. There's a games and player of the year display. And ots of interactive displays like a locker room, weight facility, and a strategy theater.

Ideally, if you go to South Bend, it's during a fall Saturday when the Irish football team has a home game. Even if you don't have tickets to the game (which can be hard to come by), you've got to check out the tailgating and get a view of historic Notre Dame Stadium, a shrine of college football. Perhaps the most successful program of all time, Notre Dame is synonymous with college football. Check out “Touchdown Jesus,” and before kickoff should go to Bond Hall and listen to the band prep.