South Bend is the 4th largest city in the State of Indiana, with a population of 104,905. (2007) It is located in northern Indiana, just 8 km s from the Michigan border.
The city sits on the banks of the picturesque St. Joseph River which was instrumental in playing a large role in the citys development, first with fur traders settling here in the late 19th century & later by the mid 1920 s with the arrival of the Studebaker Company. In US history, Studebaker became one of the largest automobile manufacturers. To showcase the 150 year production history, the Studebaker National Museum was built.
Another of the manufacturing giants attracted to the city was the Singer Sewing Company.
The city s major claim to fame is of course, the Fighting Irish, of the University of Notre Dame. Much of South Bend s tourism is credited to the fans coming for the Saturday football games.
For those avid water sport enthusiasts, South Bend created the 1st artificial whitewater waterway in North America. Rafting, canoeing & kayaking can all be done here both competitively & recreationally.
South Bend Regional Airport is located 5 kms northwest from the city & is Indiana s second busiest airport. Of historic note, Amelia Earhart landed her Lockheed Electra here in 1936 which was shortly before her attempted around-the-world flight, in which her aircraft disappeared.