The kids' area of The History Museum is located downstairs, and it's super fun for little kids…read more There are lots of interactive things to do, like play in a pretend grocery store, ride in a canoe, ride in a wagon, build a pretend fire. On certain days, they have activities for kids down there. On the main floor are the permanent and rotating exhibits. Some of them are bigger and more interesting than others, but all of them give you some information about Indiana history. There was an exhibit for the Teachers Credit Union, which at first I thought was odd, but it's interesting that they chose that topic to highlight, and I learned things I never knew about Indiana's credit union. There is a (free and optional) tour of Oliver Mansion offered at the museum, which goes a couple of times per day. We didn't have time to tour the mansion this time, but you can see the outside of it from the museum, and it looks vintage and huge (just like I like my old houses). Connected to The History Museum is the Studebaker Museum, which is a separate entry fee.

As part of our visit to the Studebaker Museum, we also decided to visit the History Museum mainly…read moreto tour the Oliver Mansion that was adjacent. Fortunately we arrived at the right time as there are only two tours per day. We had ample time to tour the Studebaker Museum and then joined the mansion tour. The mansion has 38 rooms and was built in 1895-96 and was beautifully finished in almost every part. J. D. Oliver was president of the Oliver Chilled Plow Works and grew the company into one of the largest in the world in the late 1800's. The home was called, "Copshaholm" which was the name of the Scottish village the Olivers were from. Of interest to me was the degree of finish quality especially the woodwork. The home remained totally furnished which from my perspective was nice as many tours we've been on featured large, empty rooms. Despite the home being so old, there was a pretty good air handling system that even on this brutally hot day, we remained comfortable. After visiting the Studebaker and History Museums, we hit a favorite restaurant before driving home. All in all a very good day.

It's tiny but a well-curated small town art museum that is usually free to enter and some good…read morepermanent pieces in the year round collection. Some temporary exhibits are better than others... and that's all I'll say about that... The temporary exhibit featuring the work of Melanie Daniel and Max Kauffman that is about to end was phenomenal! I'll likely be moving to SB in the next year or so, so I anticipate coming here a lot more often.

When you enter - there are 2 separate galleries - one on your left and one on your right. Each are…read moreseparate into about three different areas. The focus is on artists from the geographic area. All is worthy of being displayed - maybe not for a major metro area but ideal for South Bend. And it is free! Very easy to see everything. There are actual teachers providing courses for kids to learn as well. Took me just under an hour.

I'm a big fan of this little gem. Most people come to ND and rightfully enjoy the grotto, Basilica,…read morestadium, library, admin building (Golden Dome) and the many other great spots and happen to walk right past one of the neatest museums around. Its quiet and serene and enjoyable to just walk through the exhibits and take a little time to enjoy, read and learn. It has old and new and the staff is really helpful especially if you want to learn. By the way did I mention it was free. Yup. High quality and no cost but I bet you'll leave a little gift in the donation box. Make sure you see this on your next visit to Notre Dame campus. You will be very happy you did.

Recently renovated, the Raclin Murphy museum was a first for me in that I've never visited a museum…read morewith a chapel inside. Sculpture is a large focus for the museum, but they do have works by more well known artists. I appreciated the descriptions next to many of the artworks as they provided additional context. Restrooms were available on all floors and they have space for rotating exhibits. There is a very, very small gift shop on the first floor next to the cafe.

I have to admit that I fell into my superhero fascination much later in life and I came in through…read morethe movies more than the comic books. As a kid, I was completely taken with Batman - the 1966 version. I could watch and talk that Batman for hours. The rest was interesting to me - but I didn't really get a lot of comics as a kid. I did get The Three Stooges comic books - but not much more. As an adult, my appreciation has spread to Daredevil, Black Adam, and the first two Deadpool movies among others. When I walked into the Hall of Heroes in Elkhart, Indiana, I was blown away. The first element of this five-star experience is the off-street parking. That sounds innocuous, but I am a Chicago guy and parking is always a consideration. The next delightful surprise was the price. It was 10 bucks. I had a HoH coupon for a buck off that I had picked up at another museum, the gentleman applied it to my ticket and my buddy's ticket. This gentleman - Allen Stewart - was quick to give us the rundown on the place. He was thorough, before setting us free in the small - but perfectly packed and maintained - museum. The building is divided by Marvel, D.C., and Independents with no one get preferential treatment. This is how a museum should be - just present what you have and let the visitor enjoy. As we worked our way up one aisle and down the next, we saw every kind of action figure you can imagine and some you couldn't. (Who knew they made Hong Kong Fuey action figures?) I got to pose on the bike that Nic Cage rode in "The Ghost Rider," I also got to lay on the Shelby from "Iron Man." (Stewart diligently took pix until I was totally satisfied. I can be kind of a diva.) We also got up close and personal with Batman and Superman and Wonder Woman. There were so many ancillary super-hero themed novelties from Crazy Foam to metal lunch boxes and so many other things I had completely forgotten about. Suddenly my childhood was displayed in pristine display cases. Hall of Heroes covers generations of comic books and comic book iconography that your grandparents will love it as much as your children. If the little ones get bored - there are free arcade games on hand to keep them satisfied. There are bins of reasonably priced comic books and a small shelf for the obligatory souvenirs. Walking back out into the misty autumn Indiana day, my buddy and I discussed how much Stewart knew and his love for the industry. He made the visit exciting. He isn't a ticket-taker. He is the gateway into the superhero universe.

If you're a comic fan this place is fun. If not, the best thing about it is the arcades, which is…read morecool to see. SO it's okay overall. Just a decent historical covering of comics and tons of memorabilia. I wish the back issues were cheaper and they were better organized as I feel whenever things get too tight to peruse it's too filed up, and perhaps a cheapo cutout section might be cool.

Nice! The Railroad Museum is a beautiful place to visit. Not only is it a perfect place to visit…read morewith children, it also teaches a lot about the railroad history in the US. I loved the observation/ dining car and to learn about how trains were operated in the early 20th century.

Great museum. Just the right size. Has a lot of interactive hands on opportunities. Even has a…read moredemonstration of model trains. Many historical pictures. They even have an area that the kids can do crafts. My recent visit they had a list for you to discover or find things throughout your tour to the museum. I highly recommend visiting here. Great for all ages. I discover something new each time I visit this museum.

Best for smaller kids. Not really a children's museum of its own, but a children's section of the…read moreHistory museum. (Pairs well with the small kids "pit stop" exhibit inside the Studebaker museum.) Especially worth checking out for the 3-6 set. But I wouldn't expect to spend more than about 30 minutes unless you go during one of the programs. South Bend residents can borrow museum passes for free at the library with their library card.

We have brought our small home daycare here many times. Love the fact it's clean, and has new items…read moreeach time we come and the children just love it, so many new experiences ! Thanks so much!!

Absolutely adorable. Such a hidden gem i couldn't get my 6 and 4 year old to leave! So much to…read moreexplore and so much imaginative play to be had! Really wonderful. We stopped on our way cross country and will stop again for sure!