Road trip from Des Moines to South Bend
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ITINERARY
7h 46m407 miles25 stops
1
World Food Prize Hall of Laureates
The Norman E. Borlaug Hall of Laureates - home of The World Food Prize - is a public museum, educational facility and a place of inspiration for all. This magnificently restored Beaux Arts space celebrates the spirit of giving, emphasizing the importance of global food security.
2
Brenton Skating Plaza
3
Capitol Building
4
Iowa State Fairgrounds
For 11 days in August, it’s a fairground, but for the other 354 days of the year, the Iowa State Fairgrounds is home to auto shows, livestock exhibitions, flea markets, antique shows, concerts, trade shows and more. See what’s happening this month at the Iowa State Fairgrounds.
5
Fitness Sports
Iowa's first Specialty Running & Walking store with a emphasis on personal service. Ou r stone motto is "Where You have the Right to B-Fit". Est. in 1984.
6
German American Heritage Center
7
Freight House Farmers Market
8
1 Hundred West
1 Hundred West, in Davenport, IA, is the leading bar and grille serving Davenport and surrounding areas. We offer craft cocktails and a supper club inspired menu, along with drink specials, nightly features, wings, burgers, beer, family-style chicken fry, ribs, signature drinks, all you can eat fish fry and much more. For your next meal, visit 1 Hundred West in Davenport.
9
Endless Brews
We are a bottle shop & craft beer bar with 20 taps and over 300 select bottles and cans for carry-out.
10
Bix Beiderbecke Museum & Archive
11
Quad Cities Symphony Orchestra
12
Chocolate Manor
13
Wrigley Field
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the legendary home of the Chicago Cubs with Wrigley Field Tours. Built in 1914, this must-see Chicago attraction houses more than 100 years of history. New this year, fans can join us on a non-gameday Ivy Tour which includes the opportunity to take a photo in front of Wrigley Field’s historic ivy wall.
14
Boystown
Located in Chicago's North Side, this vibrant neighborhood is known for its exciting nightlife and for being one of the largest LGBTQIA+ communities in the city. It's the host of the annual Chicago Pride Parade, and a must-see in the area is the Legacy Walk on Halsted Street, where you can learn about the contributions of the LGBTQIA+ community while admiring the colorful street art and rainbow crosswalks. Check out the unique shops and then grab a bite at one of the area's delicious Thai or Mexican restaurants. At night, visit one of the neighborhood's bars to enjoy a drag show, concert, and tasty cocktail. Consider taking a food or walking tour of Chicago that stops by Boystown. – Tripadvisor
15
The Chopping Block
The Chopping Block, Chicago's premiere recreational cooking school and gourmet retail store, offers demonstration and hands-on cooking classes, as well as wine classes, private cooking parties and corporate team building events. Classes at Lincoln Square cover subjects from cooking basics to intensive Boot Camps as well as seasonal, date nights, healthy and kids classes. We have a food-friendly wine selection so students can select beverages to pair with the menu of their class. Sorry, BYOB is not allowed.
16
The Drop Comedy Club
Complete with major renovations and a partnership with the Dew Drop Inn, THE DROP COMEDY CLUB is downtown South Bend's newest, coolest and funniest nightspot. With the schedule full months in advance, THE DROP will be hosting some of the best comedians currently touring the country. Touted as a comedy club for comedians, by comedians, THE DROP brings a mix of well-known comedians who have appeared on Comedy Central, HBO, NBC, FOX, CBS and ABC, along with some of the best rising stand-up comedians from all over the U.S.. With a full bar and restaurant attached to the club, THE DROP is committed to providing entertainment to comedy aficionados and general audiences alike. THE DROP is the premier destination for comedy, as well as being an excellent place for a good time with friends, the perfect date night, or just a place to enjoy tasty food with the lowest priced drinks in town for everyone over 21 years old. Comedians and owners Jonathan Baldizon, Ben Konowitz, Bradford Oman, Zachery Boyce, Jake Wells and Daniel Janicki all agree, "Comedy is something that is never out of demand, and we're dedicated to bringing big laughs to our corner of the Midwest with comedians that everyone will love." Regular shows at THE DROP COMEDY CLUB happen at 9pm Eastern time on Friday and 8pm & 10pm Eastern time on Saturday with tickets costing just $10.
17
Corby's Irish Pub
18
South Bend Farmer's Market
19
Museum Of Illusions Chicago
20
Michigan Avenue Bridge
The view from the bridge is one of the best vistas the city has to offer.
21
The 900 Shops Mall
22
Basilica of the Sacred Heart
23
O'Rourke's Public House
24
The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Show - South Bend
America’s largest interactive murder mystery dinner show! The Dinner Detective provides a hilarious evening of murder mystery, a 4-course meal, and a prize package for the top sleuth. Just beware, the killer might be sitting right next to you!
25
Compton Family Ice Arena
Customize this Trip
OVERVIEW
Des Moines to South Bend
1
Start:World Food Prize Hall of Laureates
Des Moines, Iowa·
5.0
(81) review
The Norman E. Borlaug Hall of Laureates - home of The World Food Prize - is a public museum, educational facility and a place of inspiration for all. This magnificently restored Beaux Arts space celebrates the spirit of giving, emphasizing the importance of global food security.
2
Start:Brenton Skating Plaza
Des Moines, Iowa·
4.5
(9) review
520 Robert D Ray Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309-1824
3
Start:Capitol Building
Des Moines, Iowa·
5.0
(890) review
1007 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50319-1001
4
Start:Iowa State Fairgrounds
Des Moines, Iowa·
4.5
(882) review
For 11 days in August, it’s a fairground, but for the other 354 days of the year, the Iowa State Fairgrounds is home to auto shows, livestock exhibitions, flea markets, antique shows, concerts, trade shows and more. See what’s happening this month at the Iowa State Fairgrounds.
5
Start:Fitness Sports
Des Moines, Iowa·
5.0
(9) review
Iowa's first Specialty Running & Walking store with a emphasis on personal service. Ou r stone motto is "Where You have the Right to B-Fit". Est. in 1984.
6
Start:German American Heritage Center
Davenport, Iowa·
4.5
(84) review
712 W 2nd St, Davenport, IA 52802-1410
7
Start:Freight House Farmers Market
Davenport, Iowa·
4.5
(75) review
421 W River Dr, Davenport, IA 52801-1136
8
Start:1 Hundred West
Davenport, Iowa·
4.0
(8) review
1 Hundred West, in Davenport, IA, is the leading bar and grille serving Davenport and surrounding areas. We offer craft cocktails and a supper club inspired menu, along with drink specials, nightly features, wings, burgers, beer, family-style chicken fry, ribs, signature drinks, all you can eat fish fry and much more. For your next meal, visit 1 Hundred West in Davenport.
9
Start:Endless Brews
Davenport, Iowa·
4.5
(9) review
We are a bottle shop & craft beer bar with 20 taps and over 300 select bottles and cans for carry-out.
10
Start:Bix Beiderbecke Museum & Archive
Davenport, Iowa·
5.0
(8) review
129 N Main St Red Stone Building, Corner of Main and Second Streets, Davenport, IA 52801
11
Start:Quad Cities Symphony Orchestra
Davenport, Iowa·
4.5
(8) review
327 Brady St, Davenport, IA 52801-1508
12
Start:Chocolate Manor
Davenport, Iowa·
5.0
(71) review
110 E 2nd St, Davenport, IA 52801-1502
13
Start:Wrigley Field
Chicago, Illinois·
4.5
(9953) review
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the legendary home of the Chicago Cubs with Wrigley Field Tours. Built in 1914, this must-see Chicago attraction houses more than 100 years of history. New this year, fans can join us on a non-gameday Ivy Tour which includes the opportunity to take a photo in front of Wrigley Field’s historic ivy wall.
14
Start:Boystown
Chicago, Illinois·
4.5
(98) review
Located in Chicago's North Side, this vibrant neighborhood is known for its exciting nightlife and for being one of the largest LGBTQIA+ communities in the city. It's the host of the annual Chicago Pride Parade, and a must-see in the area is the Legacy Walk on Halsted Street, where you can learn about the contributions of the LGBTQIA+ community while admiring the colorful street art and rainbow crosswalks. Check out the unique shops and then grab a bite at one of the area's delicious Thai or Mexican restaurants. At night, visit one of the neighborhood's bars to enjoy a drag show, concert, and tasty cocktail. Consider taking a food or walking tour of Chicago that stops by Boystown. – Tripadvisor
15
Start:The Chopping Block
Chicago, Illinois·
4.5
(98) review
The Chopping Block, Chicago's premiere recreational cooking school and gourmet retail store, offers demonstration and hands-on cooking classes, as well as wine classes, private cooking parties and corporate team building events. Classes at Lincoln Square cover subjects from cooking basics to intensive Boot Camps as well as seasonal, date nights, healthy and kids classes. We have a food-friendly wine selection so students can select beverages to pair with the menu of their class. Sorry, BYOB is not allowed.
16
Start:The Drop Comedy Club
South Bend, Indiana·
4.5
(7) review
Complete with major renovations and a partnership with the Dew Drop Inn, THE DROP COMEDY CLUB is downtown South Bend's newest, coolest and funniest nightspot. With the schedule full months in advance, THE DROP will be hosting some of the best comedians currently touring the country. Touted as a comedy club for comedians, by comedians, THE DROP brings a mix of well-known comedians who have appeared on Comedy Central, HBO, NBC, FOX, CBS and ABC, along with some of the best rising stand-up comedians from all over the U.S.. With a full bar and restaurant attached to the club, THE DROP is committed to providing entertainment to comedy aficionados and general audiences alike. THE DROP is the premier destination for comedy, as well as being an excellent place for a good time with friends, the perfect date night, or just a place to enjoy tasty food with the lowest priced drinks in town for everyone over 21 years old. Comedians and owners Jonathan Baldizon, Ben Konowitz, Bradford Oman, Zachery Boyce, Jake Wells and Daniel Janicki all agree, "Comedy is something that is never out of demand, and we're dedicated to bringing big laughs to our corner of the Midwest with comedians that everyone will love." Regular shows at THE DROP COMEDY CLUB happen at 9pm Eastern time on Friday and 8pm & 10pm Eastern time on Saturday with tickets costing just $10.
17
Start:Corby's Irish Pub
South Bend, Indiana·
3.5
(9) review
441 E Lasalle Ave, South Bend, IN 46617-2723
18
Start:South Bend Farmer's Market
South Bend, Indiana·
4.5
(66) review
1105 Northside Blvd, South Bend, IN 46615-3920
19
Start:Museum Of Illusions Chicago
Chicago, Illinois·
4.5
(97) review
25 E Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602-1708
20
Start:Michigan Avenue Bridge
Chicago, Illinois·
4.5
(985) review
The view from the bridge is one of the best vistas the city has to offer.
21
Start:The 900 Shops Mall
Chicago, Illinois·
4.0
(96) review
900 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611-1542
22
Start:Basilica of the Sacred Heart
South Bend, Indiana·
5.0
(700) review
114 Coleman Morse Ctr University of Notre Dame, South Bend, IN 46556-4617
23
Start:O'Rourke's Public House
South Bend, Indiana·
4.5
(9) review
1044 E Angela Blvd, South Bend, IN 46617-1374
24
Start:The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Show - South Bend
South Bend, Indiana·
4.5
(7) review
America’s largest interactive murder mystery dinner show! The Dinner Detective provides a hilarious evening of murder mystery, a 4-course meal, and a prize package for the top sleuth. Just beware, the killer might be sitting right next to you!
25
Start:Compton Family Ice Arena
South Bend, Indiana·
5.0
(67) review
100 Compton Family Ice Arena, South Bend, IN 46556-4642
CHECKLIST
GPS device or app
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Car charger and portable battery
Water bottles and snacks
Travel pillow and blanket
Sunglasses and sunscreen
First-aid kit
Trash bags
Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
Driver’s license and vehicle registration
Cash and cards
Camera or smartphone
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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the driving distance between Des Moines and South Bend?
The distance is 407 miles
What's the travel time between Des Moines and South Bend?
The driving time can vary depending on traffic conditions, but it is typically 7h 46m mins in normal traffic
What are some of the best cities to visit between Des Moines and South Bend?
Some popular stops include
Are there any cool sights or attractions I shouldn't miss on my drive to South Bend?
There are plenty! Here are some stops you shouldn’t miss on your way to South Bend
What’s the weather like in South Bend?
The weather in South Bend is generally mild year-round, with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. See the links below for more information
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Where else can I travel to if I'm starting my trip in Des Moines?
We have a lot of great trip options for Des Moines! See the links below for all the itineraries we created for you