Studebaker National Museum
South Bend, IN
A museum tracing a South Bend company's path from horse-drawn wagons to automobiles, with carriages and cars displayed in period settings. Good for a rainy-day stop, and an easy detour from the Notre Dame campus.
The Studebaker National Museum on South Chapin Street in South Bend tells the story of a manufacturer that built vehicles in the city for more than a century. According to Wikipedia, the collection includes more than 70 vehicles, among them the carriage in which Abraham Lincoln rode to Ford's Theatre on the night of his assassination, other presidential carriages, a 1902 Studebaker Electric, and military vehicles from World War I and World War II. Packard cars are also on display, since the two companies merged.
The new building opened in November 2005; its design echoes the style of older Studebaker factory buildings in the area. The museum is connected to the neighboring History Museum, and a combined ticket is available. Plan on one to two hours for your visit. The location is a good choice in bad weather; if you are traveling in a larger vehicle, check parking in advance.
- Nearest town
- South Bend, IN
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 41.6704, -86.2576
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. Cold, short days in December–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Spaulding Lake CampgroundMotorhome stopover9 mi from Studebaker National MuseumMotorhomes
- Maple Ridge CampgroundMotorhome stopover9 mi from Studebaker National MuseumTentsMotorhomes
- Elkhart RV ResortMotorhome stopover9 mi from Studebaker National MuseumMotorhomes
- Riverfront Park CampgroundMotorhome stopover12 mi from Studebaker National MuseumMotorhomes
- Mini Mountain CampgroundMotorhome stopover12 mi from Studebaker National MuseumTentsMotorhomes
- Fuller's Resort & CampgroundMotorhome stopover14 mi from Studebaker National MuseumTentsMotorhomes
All campsites in Indiana · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Studebaker National Museum?
Studebaker National Museum is in South Bend, IN, at GPS 41.6704, -86.2576. It is about 33 mi from Michigan City.
Can you camp near Studebaker National Museum?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Camp Ray Bird, about 6 mi away; within 25 mi there are 22 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Studebaker National Museum?
Places worth a stop nearby: University of Notre Dame (2 mi), Shipshewana (34 mi), Mount Baldy (35 mi) and Indiana Dunes State Park (42 mi).
When is the best time to visit Studebaker National Museum?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)