Mishawaka is a lively city filled with handsome heritage buildings. It’s set on The Bend, a scenic stretch of the St. Joseph River lined with parks, promenades and sun-drenched patios. Stroll around the historic downtown district, shop along Main Street and find out how Mishawaka earned its “Princess City” nickname.
Things to do in Mishawaka
Set off on a self-guided walking tour of Downtown Mishawaka. Beautiful brick buildings recall the city’s past as a peppermint growing hub in the 19th century. Stop by the Mishawaka Historical Museum to get up to speed on the people, places and events that have shaped the city over the years.
Meet tigers, lions, rhinos and giraffes at Potawatomi Zoo. The family-friendly zoo is home to more than 400 animals, including rare snow leopards. There’s also a special focus on native animals like North American river otters and enormous American bison.
Stretch your legs on the Mishawaka River Walk. The paved trail skirts the banks of the St. Joseph River and takes you past a series of beautiful parks. In summer, the park moonlights as a venue for farmers markets, festivals and outdoor concerts.
Shiojiri Garden is a slice of Japan in the heart of Indiana. Paths meander through the traditional Japanese garden and take you past ornamental ponds, boulders and pavilions. Stroll across the picturesque wooden bridge and stop for a refreshing pot of green tea in the teahouse.
Learn about everything from classic cars to the Civil Rights movement in the South Bend Museum District. Admire gleaming Presidential carriages at the Studebaker National Museum and visit the History Museum housed in an elegant 19th-century stone mansion.
Getting around Mishawaka
Downtown Mishawaka is compact and easy to get around on foot, but you’ll need a car to explore surrounding sights and attractions in St. Joseph County. Mishawaka is a two-hour drive from Chicago and 10 minutes from South Bend, a sister city just down the St. Joseph River. O'Hare International Airport in Chicago is a two-hour drive away.