South Bend, Indiana, USA

SOUTH BEND : Overview

OVERVIEW

South Bend, Indiana, is located approximately 90 miles east of Chicago and offers a variety of activities for visitors who are physically challenged. South Bend is probably best known as the home of The University of Notre Dame, a college well known and respected for its academic strength and sports programs.   In addition to Notre Dame, South Bend offers a variety of large parks, shopping, and a growing arts scene for visitors with disabilities. Accessibility in South Bend is relatively good.

LANGUAGE

The official language of the United States is English.

CURRENCY

The official currency of the United States is the U.S. Dollar.

QUICKLINKS

LOGISTICS: Air – Water – Ground
ACCOMMODATIONS: Hotels – Resorts
ENTERTAINMENT: Tours – Activities – Restaurants & Nightlife
EMERGENCY SERVICES: Hospitals – Medical Equipment
ABILITYTIPS: Precautions

SOUTH BEND : Logistics

AIR TRANSPORTATION/AIRPORT

South Bend Regional Airport: The South Bend Regional Airport is all on one level and contains no visible obstacles.  The airport is only serviced by regional jets so travelers should check with their airline for flight specifics. Smaller planes can be a challenge for loading an electric wheelchair if it doesn’t dismantle.

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GROUND TRANSPORTATION

TAXI

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RENTAL VEHICLE

Superior Van and Mobility: Superior Van offers wheelchair accessible vans for rent in various areas of Indiana, including South Bend.

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SHUTTLE

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BUS

TRANSPO: All of the public fixed bus routes are wheelchair accessible. Please visit the TRANSPO website for more information regarding accessibility or schedules.

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TRAIN (Light Rail)

NICTD: South Bend is served by the Northern Indiana Commuter Rail. The train offers daily roundtrip service from Chicago to South Bend.  Not all stations are wheelchair accessible, so check the website for station-specific accessibility features.

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TRAIN (Heavy Rail)

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SOUTH BEND : Accommodations

HOTELS

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SOUTH BEND: Entertainment

SIGHTSEEING TOURS

Notre Dame offers a great campus walking tour led by students.  It is a perfect way to learn about the campus.  To book a campus tour, contact The Eck Visitor Center or the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

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ACTIVITIES

Notre Dame: The campus of The University of Notre Dame is largely accessible thanks to renovations that have taken place over the past decade. The beauty of the campus grounds and architecture are worth a visit.

 Basilica of the Sacred Heart: The Basilica of the Sacred Heart is a Catholic Church located on the Notre Dame campus and is arguably one of the most beautiful churches in the world. The Basilica is ornately decorated with murals, gold ribbing in the ceilings with rich, blue accents. There are stained glass windows throughout this neo-gothic designed church. Stairs are located at the front of the church, but there is wheelchair accessible access via ramp around the east side of the church. The door is marked with an accessible symbol and has an electric actuator that can be activated by the large blue button.   

Grotto of our Lady of Lourdes: The Grotto is a popular place where students and visitors go to light candles and pray. It’s typically tough to find a candle that is not already lit. The Grotto is located on the University campus, and is fully wheelchair accessible.

 Hammes: The Hammes Bookstore is located on campus and is a destination in of itself where one can find any relevant Notre Dame paraphernalia. 

Theodore Hesburgh Library: The Theodore Hesburgh Library facade is painted with a mural of Jesus. Since the mural of Jesus faces the stadium, students and fans have informally named the painting, “Touchdown Jesus” due to the position of his arms and him facing the stadium. 

The Golden Dome Building: The golden dome building located on campus is the administration building and is wheelchair accessible through doors which have the international wheelchair accessible symbol posted. There are also elevators located inside the building. Inside the Golden dome, there is beautiful artwork, murals, and tapestries. 

Notre Dame Stadium: Attending football games is no problem for travelers with disabilities. The stadium is complete with ramps and accessible restrooms.  Wheelchair seating at the stadium is located on the 2^nd level. There are multiple elevators that take passengers to the 2^nd level. Note that the elevator can get crowded, and it can take a while to get down after a game. Across the street from the stadium is the JACC, the basketball / hockey facility which provides an alternative football venue complete with large TVs for viewing the game when the weather is poor.   

Parking for a football game at Notre Dame can be quite hectic. Multiple signs are posted on campus directing to disabled parking. The remote lot is located north-east of the library for people with disabilities. There is a shuttle service which does frequent round trips between the stadium and the lot, but it’s not too far of a walk if the weather’s nice. The shuttle bus is equipped with a lift for wheelchair access. 

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RESTAURANTS/NIGHTLIFE

South Bend is home to many types of restaurants and bars.  Most of the restaurants are national chains, which are predominantly wheelchair accessible.  Many of the more hometown bars are difficult to access due to steps and other obstructions.

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Emergency Services

MEDICAL SERVICES/HOSPITAL

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MEDICAL EQUIPMENT RENTALS

A Licks Home Medical

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SOUTH BEND : AbilityTips

PRECAUTIONS

During the winter months, it can get quite cold in South Bend, especially for those attending a Notre Dame football game or touring the campus. Be prepared by bringing extra clothing layers or blankets along.