River Lights Plaza image

River Lights Plaza

Tourist attraction β€’ Park

πŸ‘ If you're looking for a short activity to do in South Bend at night, I recommend this. The light displays are pretty, and the changing colors are oddly calming. The 5 structures each have interesting backstories you can read on the signs, and the whole walk is only a few tenths of a mile. Conveni... People often mention South, Bend, beautiful, visit,


Address

340 E Colfax Ave, South Bend, IN 46617

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (254 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Tuesday: Open 24 hours
  • Wednesday: Open 24 hours
  • Thursday: Open 24 hours
  • Friday: Open 24 hours
  • Saturday: Open 24 hours
  • Sunday: Open 24 hours
  • Monday: Open 24 hours

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: South (6) Bend (6) beautiful (6) visit (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 4/5 Torin M. 2 years ago on Google β€’ 382 reviews
    If you're looking for a short activity to do in South Bend at night, I recommend this. The light displays are pretty, and the changing colors are oddly calming. The 5 structures each have interesting backstories you can read on the signs, and the whole walk is only a few tenths of a mile. Convenient parking is close by as well. Family friendly, etc.
    14 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Tonya J. 9 months ago on Google β€’ 351 reviews
    Passing through and saw this cool local attraction in the middle of town. Had to share a few pics we took. Parked on the street and saw some people relaxing on the shore.
    2 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 1/5 Jeff W. 5 months ago on Google β€’ 481 reviews
    Visited while under construction, so the ambiance was affected. Looking forward to seeing the final result.

  • 5/5 Mayuresh A. 1 year ago on Google β€’ 123 reviews
    Great place to spent evening in fall with your loved one, kids dogs. Great view of river lights with ice staking next to howard park.
    4 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Alex W. 4 years ago on Google β€’ 211 reviews
    A real gem when it comes to things to do in South Bend. I haven’t found a whole that’s impressed me about this city but this for sure blew me away. It’s pretty neat night life area. There’s a park with a couple of benches but why sit? Standing against the railing is was relaxing.
    2 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Jaeigh A. 1 year ago on Google β€’ 43 reviews
    It is so beautiful at night! And honestly it's my absolute favorite place to go while being in South Bend. If you ever visit the South Bend / Mishawaka area than it's a must that you visit this place! You will not regret it, that I guarantee you!
    3 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 3/5 J. G. 4 months ago on Google β€’ 46 reviews
    Think about this. In the name of progress this park has been closed for over 5 years.
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Margaret S. 5 years ago on Google β€’ 43 reviews
    I love River Lights Plaza on warm sunmer evenings. My husband and I often go there for walks. It is beautiful and fun to watch the changing colors on the water.

  • 5/5 Jennifer H. 1 year ago on Google β€’ 30 reviews
    It was beautiful!! Unfortunately the gates were locked around 9pm and we couldn't find a place to get in and see the 3 pillars. It also looked like a lot of the Riverwalk was under construction. There was parking directly across the river from the art museum but we didn't know until later. There are ramps to get down to the river and it's not that steep. Fun experience! Will have to go back when construction is finished for full access though

  • 5/5 Jamie J. 2 years ago on Google
    Such a beautiful park! Definitely 1 of my favs

  • 5/5 chris d. 1 year ago on Google
    Was spectacular display.

  • 4/5 Jeanne L. 1 year ago on Google
    From Emporium parking lot I was drawn to the lights. I took some great shots. It was beautiful

  • 5/5 Penny G. 1 year ago on Google
    This was beautiful. My husband and I will definitely be back

  • 5/5 Edward E. 1 year ago on Google
    Stopping by this DTSB South Bend venue always brings a smile to my face. The lights bring additional focus to the East Race water way. It is marvelous to see the development in the area, including the new water turbo system that Notre Dame has installed to reduce the Universities carbon footprint. Beautiful and innovative!

  • 5/5 Katie F. 9 months ago on Google
    Nice walk on the river. Wonderful restaurant & park with equipment for the kids.

  • 5/5 Kevo F. 2 years ago on Google
    Best place to visit for free to take the kids so the can enjoy themselves i highly recommend it

  • 2/5 Zachary J. 7 months ago on Google β€’ 4 reviews
    Construction when I went was discouraging. Nothing like advertised. On a bright side. There is a kayaking event there yearly I didn't know about

  • 5/5 Steven V. 2 years ago on Google
    Cool place to visit while in South Bend Indiana

  • 3/5 Bridget M. 2 years ago on Google
    I was actually very disappointed in our visit to this location. While I get that it was under construction, even the areas that weren't were not really very impressive despite the positive reviews that were left by other visitors. I may try to visit again once the updates have been made to find out if it's worthy of a better review.


Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Pets
    • βœ“οΈ Dogs allowed
  • Accessibility
    • βœ“οΈ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • βœ“οΈ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Trends



Last updated:

Similar Tourist attractions nearby

Potawatomi Zoo image
1
Potawatomi Zoo
Zoo
Open since 1902, this zoo supplements its exhibits with educational programs, train rides & more.
4.50 (5K reviews)
Studebaker National Museum image
2
Studebaker National Museum
Museum
Spacious museum with 3 floors of presidential carriages, car culture history & sleek vintage cars.
4.80 (1.4K reviews)
Pinhook Park image
3
Pinhook Park
Park
Compact waterfront park & fishing spot with playground equipment & a picnic area.
4.50 (657 reviews)
Potawatomi Park image
4
Potawatomi Park
Park
πŸ‘ South Bends' best park beside the new Howard Park, which ranks no.2 due to its eradication of all the trees. Potawatomi, named after the Native American people that once lived there, is full of tall old-growth trees, so shade is easy to find, even for parking spots. Four main features make this par...
4.60 (495 reviews)
Rum Village Nature Center image
5
Rum Village Nature Center
Park
Nature center featuring a bird-viewing window, an animal feeding station, a beehive & more.
4.60 (298 reviews)
Last updated:
()