The best things to do in St. Joseph County

Since 1916, South Bend Country Club has been the place to sharpen your game on a classic 6,576-yard track with bent-grass fairways and lightning-quick greens. Thinking about a home course or a polished spot for weddings and parties, this is a local staple worth a look.

From the South Bend newsletter, October 14, 2026

Morris Park Country Club, a South Bend fixture celebrating 100 years in 2023, keeps things dialed with pristine, fast greens that host Indiana state events, a zero-entry pool with slides, multiple dining spaces, a fitness center and class studio, and a social calendar, so this week you can golf, splash, eat, then call…

From the Mishawaka newsletter, October 22, 2026

Chain of movie theaters, some with multiple screens, stadium seats & self-service ticketing kiosks.

Mega Play packs 39,000 square feet with classic and new arcade hits, mini-golf, a jousting challenge, and a sprawling Play Land that keeps kids buzzing while you chase high scores. Consider it your easy, rainy-day or beat-the-heat plan that actually entertains everyone this week.

From the Mishawaka newsletter, October 15, 2026

Potawatomi Zoo keeps things lively with up-close giraffe feeding, a breezy train or carousel spin, and animal encounters that make you feel like a kid again. Check the calendar for seasonal happenings like Brew at the Zoo, Zoo Luminate, and Zoo Boo, then go say hi to your favorite animals.

From the Mishawaka newsletter, October 2, 2026

Golf facility offering a 9-hole course with some challenging greens at an affordable price.

Studebaker Park is South Bend’s oldest course, a historic 9-hole par 29 with bent grass greens, bluegrass/fescue underfoot, and a couple of water hazards that love golf balls. Perfect for sharpening wedges or easing friends into the game this week, plus the popular Junior Golf program keeps kids swinging.

From the Plymouth newsletter, October 20, 2026

Designed by Dr. Michael Hurdzan, Blackthorn Golf Club pairs broad fairways with wetlands, ponds, and 94 artful bunkers that make every swing feel like a plan, not a prayer. Bentgrass greens roll true, the practice areas are legit, and it’s the kind of round South Bend golfers brag about.

From the South Bend newsletter, October 21, 2026

South Bend’s first 18-hole public course, Erskine Park Golf Course is a sweet excuse to tune up the swing this week. Bentgrass greens, bluegrass fairways, a real short-game practice area and a teaching pro on deck, plus a friendly snack bar, make nine feel like a mini-vacation.

From the South Bend newsletter, October 2, 2026

18 holes amid 250 wooded acres at University of Notre Dame, site of multiple national tournaments.

Between junior electric go-karts for ages 8 and up and Putt Mania, a techy mini golf with digital scoring and gamified challenges, Generations Raceway nails that sweet spot of friendly competition. Reserve a session online, rally the group, and let the digital scoring settle your family or team-building debates.

From the Mishawaka newsletter, October 20, 2026

Elbel Park Golf Course lines up tree-lined bentgrass tees and immaculately manicured fairways in a parkland layout that winds by Mud Lake wetlands and animal habitats. Warm up at the practice facility, then chase that 18-hole, par-72 satisfaction this week like the local you are.

From the South Bend newsletter, October 5, 2026

Burke Golf Course is a 9-hole, par-31 track tucked into Notre Dame’s campus, with Golden Dome and Basilica views and a friendly vibe perfect for a quick nine after work. Open to the public and famously lively for football tailgating, it’s an easy local go-to when you’ve got a free afternoon.

From the South Bend newsletter, September 8, 2026

Ninja Golf! brings a landscaped Japanese garden style 27-hole mini-golf experience across three courses, plus a laser maze, a Kabuki Theater and Karaoke Lounge, and a cafe stocked with Mochi Boats, Pocky, and Ramune. Grab a crew this week for the Throwing Star Challenge (ages 12+) and see who sticks it first.

From the South Bend newsletter, August 25, 2026

Strikes & Spares Entertainment Center is basically Mishawaka’s group-activity cheat code, with indoor electric go-karts, black light Magic Circus mini-golf, cosmic bowling, bumper cars, and a large arcade with VR.

From the Mishawaka newsletter, September 29, 2026