South Bend travel guide

South Bend is a city in St. Joseph County, Indiana, United States. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total of 107,789 residents; its metropolitan area had a population of 316,663. It is the fourth largest city in Indiana and county seat of St. Joseph County It is the economic and cultural hub of the region commonly known as Michiana, and is best known as the home of the University of Notre Dame.
South Bend lies along the Indiana Toll Road at the south most turn in the St. Joseph River, from which it derives its name. The area was originally settled in the early 19th century by fur traders, and established as a city in 1865. The St. Joseph River shaped South Bend's economy through the mid 20th century. River access led to heavy industrial development that peaked with Studebaker being based out of the city, along with Oliver Chilled Plow Company and several other industrial companies.
The population of South Bend has steadily declined since its peak at around 133,000 in the 1960s. This is in large part to the demise of Studebaker and other heavy industry. Today, the largest industries in South Bend are health care, education, and small businesses. A large tourism sector also exists, mainly supported by the University of Notre Dame. Despite the decrease in population, South Bend still remains the focal point for Michiana, with the second busiest airport in Indiana, interurban rail service to downtown Chicago, and several large businesses including Crowe Chizek and AM General. (...) more....