Road trip from Madison to South Bend
All Category
Museums
Nature & Parks
Concerts & Shows
Nightlife
Sights & Landmarks
Spas & Wellness
Classes & Workshops
Show more (3+)
All Category
Museums
Nature & Parks
Concerts & Shows
Nightlife
Sights & Landmarks
Spas & Wellness
Classes & Workshops
Outdoor Activities
Food & Drink
Reset
Show less
ITINERARY
4h 44m235 miles13 stops
1
First Unitarian Meeting House of Madison
2
Alliant Energy Center
Our premier downtown multi-venue complex features four unique and versatile venues: Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Exhibition Hall, the New Holland Pavilions, and Willow Island. A top choice for expositions, conventions, meetings, concerts, sporting events, ag events, and much more, the Alliant Energy Center complex is a one-stop-shop for all your events. Ample parking, mouthwatering catering, dedicated staff, and a full range of rental equipment & high speed internet make AEC an event planners delight!
3
Anderson Japanese Gardens
Anderson Japanese Gardens is proud of its longstanding reputation as one of the highest quality Japanese gardens in North America. Our passion, however, is how the Garden positively impacts individuals and the communities where they live. We are committed to presenting first-class programs, events, and opportunities that bring people together in this uplifting natural setting.
4
Arista Spa & Salon
Arista Spa & Salon in Naperville, Illinois has been artfully designed with attention to the finest details to soothe the body and enrich the soul. In this special place we bring together ancient Mediterranean healing with modern innovation, cherished rituals for cleansing and wellness with the best science has to offer your skin, hair and body. All in inspiring surroundings with a staff that is both nurturing and world class. The Arista Spa & Salon and its services have been crafted to meet the needs of both men and women. You may also enjoy our inspiring couples' room, allowing you to experience complete relaxation with someone special.
5
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.
6
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
7
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.
8
Michigan Avenue Bridge
The view from the bridge is one of the best vistas the city has to offer.
9
Basilica of the Sacred Heart
10
O'Rourke's Public House
11
Corby's Irish Pub
12
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.
13
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!
Customize this Trip
OVERVIEW
1
Start:First Unitarian Meeting House of Madison
Madison, Wisconsin·
4.5
(96) review
900 University Bay Dr, Madison, WI 53705-2298
2
Start:Alliant Energy Center
Madison, Wisconsin·
4.0
(99) review
Our premier downtown multi-venue complex features four unique and versatile venues: Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Exhibition Hall, the New Holland Pavilions, and Willow Island. A top choice for expositions, conventions, meetings, concerts, sporting events, ag events, and much more, the Alliant Energy Center complex is a one-stop-shop for all your events. Ample parking, mouthwatering catering, dedicated staff, and a full range of rental equipment & high speed internet make AEC an event planners delight!
3
Start:Anderson Japanese Gardens
Rockford, Illinois·
4.5
(863) review
Anderson Japanese Gardens is proud of its longstanding reputation as one of the highest quality Japanese gardens in North America. Our passion, however, is how the Garden positively impacts individuals and the communities where they live. We are committed to presenting first-class programs, events, and opportunities that bring people together in this uplifting natural setting.
4
Start:Arista Spa & Salon
Naperville, DuPage County, Illinois·
4.0
(9) review
Arista Spa & Salon in Naperville, Illinois has been artfully designed with attention to the finest details to soothe the body and enrich the soul. In this special place we bring together ancient Mediterranean healing with modern innovation, cherished rituals for cleansing and wellness with the best science has to offer your skin, hair and body. All in inspiring surroundings with a staff that is both nurturing and world class. The Arista Spa & Salon and its services have been crafted to meet the needs of both men and women. You may also enjoy our inspiring couples' room, allowing you to experience complete relaxation with someone special.
5
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.
6
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
7
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.
8
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.
9
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
10
Start:O'Rourke's Public House
South Bend, Indiana·
4.5
(9) review
1044 E Angela Blvd, South Bend, IN 46617-1374
11
Start:Corby's Irish Pub
South Bend, Indiana·
3.5
(9) review
441 E Lasalle Ave, South Bend, IN 46617-2723
12
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.
13
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!
CHECKLIST
GPS device or app
Download Offline Map
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
Unlock Effortless Travel Planning
Create your dream trip in minutes by this prompt. Try now!
EXPLORE MORE
Discover Exciting Road Trip Inspirations
Madison to Little Rock
711 miles
13h 13m
17 stops
Fun & GamesTraveler ResourcesSights & LandmarksNature & ParksTours
Madison to Spokane
1,629 miles
28h 11m
10 stops
Sights & LandmarksFood & DrinkShoppingNightlifeMuseums
Madison to Greenville
833 miles
16h 19m
24 stops
Outdoor ActivitiesShoppingSights & LandmarksNightlifeNature & Parks
Madison to Denton
999 miles
18h 3m
22 stops
ShoppingNature & ParksFun & GamesNightlifeTraveler Resources
Madison to Lancaster
839 miles
15h 38m
27 stops
Nature & ParksMuseumsNightlifeSights & LandmarksOutdoor Activities
Madison to Oakland
2,090 miles
36h 13m
24 stops
Sights & LandmarksNature & ParksWater & Amusement ParksMuseumsFun & Games
EXPLORE OTHER
Check Out Different Road Trip Options
Oakland to Spring Valley
552 miles
10h 16m
29 stops
Fun & GamesShoppingOutdoor ActivitiesNature & ParksSights & Landmarks
Birmingham to Stockton
2,284 miles
40h 9m
26 stops
MuseumsSights & LandmarksNature & ParksToursFun & Games
St. Louis to Fredericksburg
819 miles
15h 34m
22 stops
Sights & LandmarksToursWater & Amusement ParksMuseumsNature & Parks
Staten Island to Thousand Oaks
2,819 miles
50h 33m
42 stops
Traveler ResourcesNature & ParksFun & GamesMuseumsSights & Landmarks
Worcester to High Point
723 miles
14h 37m
28 stops
Fun & GamesToursSights & LandmarksFood & DrinkNature & Parks
New York to Boston
213 miles
4h 38m
16 stops
Fun & GamesConcerts & ShowsNightlifeNature & ParksSights & Landmarks
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the driving distance between Madison and South Bend?
The distance is 235 miles
What's the travel time between Madison and South Bend?
The driving time can vary depending on traffic conditions, but it is typically 4h 44m mins in normal traffic
What are some of the best cities to visit between Madison 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
Weather in South Bend in January
Weather in South Bend in February
Weather in South Bend in March
Weather in South Bend in April
Weather in South Bend in May
Weather in South Bend in June
Weather in South Bend in July
Weather in South Bend in August
Weather in South Bend in September
Weather in South Bend in October
Weather in South Bend in November
Weather in South Bend in December
Interested in a detailed plan for your time in South Bend?
Plan your dream South Bend trip with our daily itineraries featuring must-see attractions! See them here!
A 1-day itinerary in South Bend
A 2-day itinerary in South Bend
A 3-day itinerary in South Bend
A 4-day itinerary in South Bend
A 5-day itinerary in South Bend
A 6-day itinerary in South Bend
Where else can I travel to if I'm starting my trip in Madison?
We have a lot of great trip options for Madison! See the links below for all the itineraries we created for you