Studebaker National Museum
Studebaker National Museum things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
Description
cultural
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The Studebaker National Museum is a museum in South Bend, Indiana, United States, that displays a variety of automobiles, wagons, carriages, and military vehicles related to the Studebaker Corporation and other aspects of American history.
attractions: Griffon Bookstore, The History Museum, The Oliver Mansion, Friends of the Library Bookstore, The Avanti House, Downtown South Bend Inc, Union Station Technology Center, Copshaholm House Museum, The Birdsell Mansion, restaurants: Fiddler's Hearth, PEGGS, Woochi Japanese Fusion & Bar, Cafe Navarre, Flamingo's Supermarket & Mexican Restaurant, Cambodian Thai, Tippecanoe Place Restaurant, Bruno's Pizza Downtown, Linden Grill, CINCO International
Ratings
Description
The Studebaker National Museum is a museum in South Bend, Indiana, United States, that displays a variety of automobiles, wagons, carriages, and military vehicles related to the Studebaker Corporation and other aspects of American history.
Posts
Buckle up, gearheads, because the Studebaker National Museum in South Bend, Indiana, just blew my doors off! This ain't your grandpa's dusty car collection – it's a chrome-plated, high-octane thrill ride through automotive history. From the moment you step into the sleek, modern building, you're transported to a world of gleaming Studebakers, from the earliest horseless carriages to the futuristic bullet-nosed dream machines. These aren't just cars, they're rolling works of art, each one a testament to American ingenuity and craftsmanship. The exhibits are more than just static displays – they're interactive, immersive experiences. You can hear the engines roar, smell the leather seats, and practically feel the wind in your hair as you cruise through vintage ads and historical footage. And the stories! Every car has a tale to tell, from presidential parades to Hollywood roadsters, and the knowledgeable docents are there to spin those yarns like master mechanics. But the museum ain't just about Studebakers, it's about the whole darned history of South Bend. You'll see how this little Hoosier town became the "Gear City," churning out wagons, carriages, and even military vehicles that shaped the nation. And let's not forget the Presidential Carriage Collection – talk about rolling history books! You'll come face-to-face with the carriage Lincoln rode to Ford's Theatre, and trust me, chills will run down your spine. Whether you're a gearhead grease monkey or just a history buff with a sense of adventure, the Studebaker National Museum is a must-visit. It's a place where imagination fuels the engine, and the past roars back to life in glorious technicolor. So hit the gas and head to South Bend – you're in for a ride you won't forget! **Bonus points:** Don't miss the gift shop – it's a treasure trove of vintage car memorabilia, perfect for finding that unique souvenir or stocking stuffer. And if you're feeling peckish, the Tippecanoe Place Restaurant on-site serves up some mean comfort food that'll refuel your engine for more exploring. **Final verdict:** Five out of five wrenches! The Studebaker National Museum is a polished gem, a purring masterpiece, a guaranteed good time for anyone with a pulse and a love for history (or hot rods!). Take my word for it, you'll leave with a smile wider than a '57 Studebaker Hawk's grille. Now go, vroom vroom!
Todd LohenryTodd Lohenry
10
Having come from Dayton, OH, which is home to the Packard car museum, it was neat to see the other car company they merged with. Having always heard references to Studebaker's (but knowing very little about them) I was impressed with what a stand-up company they were; from being the first car company to offer its industrial might to the government to help during WWI to providing their employees some of the best wages post-WWII. There are alot of cars and history to absorb here! The only complaint I have is that some of the cars in the lower level (visible storage) are not that visible because they have them up on car lifts, which really only shows off a bit of the front and their underbelly. Overall, it's well worth a stop!!
MichaelMichael
00
Our visit to the Studebaker Museum was an absolute delight! We were enthralled by the impressive collection of early Studebaker models and the intriguing display showcasing which presidents used Studebakers. The museum's beautiful building provided the perfect backdrop to explore the rich history of Studebaker, dating back to its early carriage days. The wealth of information presented in the exhibits was impressive, offering a comprehensive journey through the evolution of this iconic brand. Whether you're a Studebaker enthusiast or simply curious about automotive history, the Studebaker Museum is a must-visit destination that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the brand's enduring legacy.
Phillip Dasha (The Corvette Couple)Phillip Dasha (The Corvette Couple)
00
I didn't know much about the Studebaker company but I found this museum really interesting. The horse and buggies that the company started with were neat to see. I really liked the 1930s President series cars they had on display. Some of the later models were not my cup of tea haha. I enjoyed reading about the huge testing area that they had nearby. I thought it was super interesting that they had an all electric car in 1911 and an 8 cyl engine in 1928. There were numerous other facts I read that jumped out to say they were way before their time. It's too bad they couldn't continue Mr. Studebaker's company well after his death. Really enjoyed learning about this American history.
B HB H
10
My family and I wanted to experience some of the cultural and historical sites around South Bend, and we have a passion for cars (particularly fast ones, given my dad's teenage hot rod years and my grandfather's drag strip conquests in the 50's). While I don't believe there were any Studebakers in the McFarland stable, we're equal opportunists, and so reading about the history of Studebaker way back in the wagon days, as well as through their evolution to electric cars, military equipment, people movers, and Bonneville stars was fascinating. Fun for the whole family, and I can't recommend highly enough that you visit here.
Torin McFarlandTorin McFarland
00
Long before the BIG 3 were thinking of building automobiles, Studebaker who was in the business of making wagons and carraiges even for the U.S. Cavalry. One carriage was built for President Abraham Lincoln. It's truly sad that no one could foresee the benefit of helping the Non Big 3, Hudson Packard LaSalle Nash Rambler and Studebaker to stay in business a little longer. If you ever get to South Bend you'll want to stop at this Museum it's well worth it and there's more than one floor of cars and wagons and some of the most beautiful cars I've ever seen.
JimJim
50
Nearby Attractions Of Studebaker National Museum
Griffon Bookstore
The History Museum
The Oliver Mansion
Friends of the Library Bookstore
The Avanti House
Downtown South Bend Inc
Union Station Technology Center
Copshaholm House Museum
The Birdsell Mansion

Griffon Bookstore
4.8
(303)Click for details

The History Museum
4.6
(146)Click for details

The Oliver Mansion
4.6
(106)Click for details

Friends of the Library Bookstore
4.8
(77)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Studebaker National Museum
Fiddler's Hearth
PEGGS
Woochi Japanese Fusion & Bar
Cafe Navarre
Flamingo's Supermarket & Mexican Restaurant
Cambodian Thai
Tippecanoe Place Restaurant
Bruno's Pizza Downtown
Linden Grill
CINCO International

Fiddler's Hearth
4.6
(1K)$$
Click for details

PEGGS
4.4
(697)$
Click for details

Woochi Japanese Fusion & Bar
4.4
(661)$$
Click for details

Cafe Navarre
4.6
(544)$$$
Click for details