Top Things to do in Mishawaka, Indiana This Weekend
Mishawaka is a small, riverside city with a big heart. Located just east of South Bend (the home of the University of Notre Dame), the two cities are connected by the southwesterly flow of the St. Joseph River. Mishawaka is home to cherished restaurants, hidden nature spots, and inspiring activities and entertainment venues. Our team at River Pointe Apartments has done the research for you and put together this list of Mishawaka favorites.
Fun Things To Do In Mishawaka
The Mishawaka River Walk is one of the city’s most cherished features— a paved loop that runs parallel to the St. Joseph River, crossing through Battell Park, Central Park, Kamm Island Park, Lincoln Park, and the Ball Band Biergarten. Visitors are treated to pristine landscaping, eclectic sculptures, glimpses of local wildlife, of course, unobstructed views of the mighty tributary. Centered around Mishawaka’s downtown area, residents of River Pointe Apartments can get to the river walk with an easy, 15-minute drive to the west. Strolling the Mishawaka River Walk is the perfect way to enjoy the sun on a day off or weekend.
Many people know about the Midwest’s pivotal role in American automobile manufacturing, but did you know that one of the country’s most famous auto companies was headquartered in South Bend, Indiana? The Studebaker Museum, located just 20 minutes west of Mishawaka, is dedicated to preserving and highlighting the history of Studebaker, a family-owned auto manufacturer that built everything from horsedrawn carriages to sleek convertibles throughout its 100+ year tenure. At the Studebaker Museum, car enthusiasts have an opportunity to see rare collectibles up close, including Abraham Lincoln’s personal carriage.
3. Central Park
The name says it all! Mishawaka’s Central Park is located in the center of town on the northern bank of the St. Joseph River. It is one of the city’s best-loved parks with features like walking trails, an impressive playground, a pavilion, sport courts, a splash pad, one-of-a-kind sculptures, and stunning views of the river. Central Park also hosts many different types of events with music, food, and entertainment. Located just 10 minutes west of River Pointe Apartments, residents have easy access to Central Park and the many gatherings that happen there throughout the year.
If you’re needing a dose of retail therapy, then make your way over to University Park Mall, Mishawaka’s largest shopping mall. With over 120 unique stores, visitors can browse through department stores such as Macy’s and JCPenney, clothing giants like Lululemon and Victoria’s Secret, as well as a long list of dining options that include Chick-Fil-A and Cinnabon. They also host a series of events throughout the year, with an emphasis on holiday activities like the annual tree lighting and visits with Santa Claus. University Park Mall is your one stop shop in Mishawaka.
5. Mega Play
With over 39,000 square feet of space to explore, Mega Play is Mishawaka’s top destination for games and activities. The fun center features everything from mini golf, to jousting, to an expansive arcade with a myriad of gaming options (Pac-Man, Air Hocky, Dance Dance Revolution, and more). It’s the perfect place for celebrations and parties of all sizes are welcome. Mega Play is located just off McKinley Avenue 15 minutes west of River Pointe Apartments. This is the perfect way to add some excitement to your day, so head on over to Mega Play and get your game on!
Best Restaurants In Mishawaka
The Prized Pig
Mishawaka and South Bend sit just below the Michigan-Indiana border and are part of a region that people playfully call “Michi-ana.” The Prized Pig has proudly declared itself to be the barbeque king of Michi-ana and has the numbers and experience to back it up! The well-loved barbeque joint specializes in smoked meats and has perfected dry rubbed pulled pork, beef brisket, pork belly, sausage, rotisserie chicken, ribs, and rib tips. Patrons can pair their meals with a variety of classic sides like cornbread, mac & cheese, sweet corn, baked beans, and more. Visit The Prized Pig and see what the excitement is all about.
Fanellos
Tucked away in a stunning wooden A-frame, Fanellos specializes in Italian cuisine and features cherished family recipes that have stood the test of time. Owners Kristina Ungerecht and her husband Eric started Fanellos in 2019 and decided to build the menu around Eric’s great-grandmother’s recipes. Everything, from the meat sauce to the pizza dough to the salad dressing, is made from scratch and visitors can taste the freshness for themselves. The most popular dishes on the menu are the stuffed shell pasta, the chicken carbonara, the veal marsala, and of course, the handmade cannoli for dessert. Buon appetito!
Craft|One|Half
Chef Michael Horvath and cocktail specialist LaRae Perrin describe Craft One Half as “upscale comfort food— like being at home but with better cooking and no mess!” The one-page menu is focused & concise with entrees like the grilled chicken with potato gnocchi, the black & blue burger, and a wild mushroom ragout. Regular patrons also love the inventive appetizers such as the tempura battered baby bok choy, grilled watermelon feta salad, and the imported Prince Edwards Island mussels. Highlights on LaRae’s cocktail menu include the “COH Painkiller” made with rum and topped with tropical fruits as well as the “Yes, Mr. Lewis,” a creative twist on the classic old fashioned. Craft One Half is truly one of Mishawaka’s local gems.
Jesús Latin Grill
The team at Jesús Latin Grill has created an eclectic menu inspired by cuisine throughout South and Latin America. The result is one of Mishawaka’s most exciting restaurants where patrons can choose from a wide range of flavors and culinary traditions. More familiar dishes such as quesadillas and ceviche stand tall among meals like Peruvian street chicken, Mayan pozole, and an Argentinian gaucho-style steak served with papas bravas, and chimichurri. Jesús Latin Grill also has specials throughout the week such as Monday Margaritas (only $8 a drink), Taco Tuesday, and Chaufa Wednesday (a Peruvian stir fry). The restaurant allows you to explore the flavors of South & Latin America without ever leaving Indiana.
Phoenix Bar & Grill
Since 2002, Phoenix Bar & Grill has been a tried-and-true establishment dedicated to good eats, good vibes, and live music. The menu features a wide range of barroom classics like nachos, buffalo wings, jalapeño cream cheese poppers, stacked burger combos, and hand-tossed pizzas. On top of this, Phoenix Bar & Grill is one of Mishawaka’s main hubs for live music, featuring local and national talent on a regular basis and hosting karaoke and open mics nights throughout the week. Located in downtown Mishawaka, River Pointe Residents are just a short car or bus ride away.