2 Day/1 Night - Outdoor Itinerary

The Great Outdoors

Day 1:

University of Notre Dame

Start your walking tour of this legendary campus at the Eck Visitors' Center with a brief video. The Basilica of the Sacred Heart, the Hesburgh Library with its 132-foot high mural depicting Christ the Teacher, the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes and the recently restored Main Building with its famed Golden Dome are among the most widely known university landmarks in the world. Shopping available at the Hammes Bookstore and dining options are available on campus. Length of visit: 120 minutes

Lunch at South Dining Hall on the campus of Notre Dame

Length of visit: 60 minutes

College Football Hall of Fame

The game of college football comes to life through interactive exhibits, video, sound and the nation's largest collection of football memorabilia. Hands-on and educational packages available. Length of visit: 60 minutes

Studebaker National Museum and the Center for History

The new Studebaker National Museum opened on November 1, 2005. Its exhibits include topics relating to the Studebaker Family, great local industrial giants, Studebaker's critical role in the country's war effort, and others. The largest collection in the world of Presidential Carriages is located in Hail to the Chiefs: The Presidential Collection. Visitors will follow the area's industrial past from the early 1800s to the present.   Connected to the Center for History via a walkway, the two museums offer a campus-like experience for visitors. The History Center tells the story of the people of the St. Joseph River Valley. Several media presentations are offered. Length of visit: 120 minutes

Check in hotel

Dinner at Rocco's

Open since 1951.  First original pizza in town!  Length of visit: 90 minutes

Day Two:

Breakfast at hotel

Tour Richard Clay Bodine State Fish Hatchery

Learn about our ecosystem and the amazing story of fish farming in this hatchery that produces 225,000 trout and 250,000 salmon annually to be released to Lake Michigan tributaries. Length of visit: 60 minutes

Shiojiri Niwa Friendship Garden

A Japanese strolling garden located in Merrifield Park that symbolizes the Sister-City relationship between Mishawaka and Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture, Japan.  It contains more than 20 different varieties of large plant material, over 200 large boulders, a donated statue and a teahouse pavilion.  Length of visit:  45 minutes

Lunch at the Emporium 

Offers a full menu for lunch and dinner with the option of dining outside along the river.  Length of visit:  60-90 minutes

Potowatomi Greenhouse and Conservatories  

The lush jungle feel of the Morris Conservatory with its large rubber trees, bamboo and citrus trees and the relaxing sound of the small waterfall surrounded by bougainvillea, bird of paradise and many other exotic plants found in the Muessel-Ellison Conservatory invites visitors to explore nature's beauty.  The Potawatomi Greenhouse features growing houses that grow the flowers and plants for three seasonal flower shows and supply the conservatories and South Bend parks, as well as an Arizona Desert Dome.   Length of visit:  90 minutes