Two of the most iconic Studebaker models in our galleries.
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Studebaker National Museum South Bend

4.8
·2k reviews·South Bend, United States

Explore three floors of automotive history, from presidential carriages to iconic Studebaker cars and military memorabilia.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing

CrowdLow
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Two of the most iconic Studebaker models in our galleries.

Studebaker National Museum South Bend

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore three floors of automotive history, from presidential carriages to iconic Studebaker cars and military memorabilia.

4.8
(2k reviews)

"A fantastic museum on the history of Studebaker in South Bend and an Outstanding car collection. Highly Recommend!!!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ Buy Tickets On-Site

Tickets must be purchased at the museum; online sales are not available.

🚶‍♀️ Allow Ample Time

Plan for 2-3 hours to explore all three floors of exhibits.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.8 · 1,834 reviews

Type

Museum

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Presidential Carriages

Presidential Carriages

First Floor

See the actual carriage Lincoln rode to Ford's Theatre and the one made for Lafayette's return.

Reddit
Iconic Studebaker Cars

Iconic Studebaker Cars

Second and Third Floors

Marvel at the evolution of Studebaker vehicles, from early models to the last car produced in 1966.

Reddit
Military Memorabilia

Military Memorabilia

Throughout the museum

Explore Studebaker's significant contributions during World War II, including military vehicles.

Instagram
Horse-Drawn Vehicles

Horse-Drawn Vehicles

First Floor

Journey back in time with a diverse collection of antique horse-drawn wagons and carriages.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Plan Your Visit to the Studebaker National Museum

Discover the rich automotive heritage of Studebaker in South Bend. This museum spans three floors, showcasing everything from presidential carriages to iconic vintage cars. Plan for at least 2-3 hours to fully explore the exhibits and immerse yourself in automotive history. Instagram

Tickets and Timing

Tickets for the Studebaker National Museum must be purchased on-site; online purchasing is not available. Reddit The museum is open Monday-Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm and Sundays from 12 pm to 5 pm. Instagram Consider visiting on weekdays to avoid larger crowds, especially if you're interested in a more in-depth experience. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons
Why
Tour groups thin out
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Part 5 Making Fozzie Bear! Check out the @studebakermuseum too! #fozzie #muppet #studebaker
@puppetnerd
5.7K likes • 80.9K views

🎟️ Buy Tickets On-Site

Tickets must be purchased at the museum; online sales are not available. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Allow Ample Time

Plan for 2-3 hours to explore all three floors of exhibits. Instagram

🚗 The Studebaker National Museum in South Bend celebrates one of the most iconic automotive companies in the United States. But there’s not just cars — the museum tracks all of automotive history, from horse-drawn carriages to military memorabilia to electric vehicles today. Learn more about the Studebaker National Museum on the latest episode of Journey Indiana!
journeyindiana
40 likes • 1.5K views
Car enthusiast? Ride on over to the Studebaker National Museum for some fun! Each Monday in March we will be featuring a different museum. If you want to check out the Studebaker National Museum yourself, here are the hours: Monday- Saturday: 10am-5pm Sunday: 12pm-5pm 📍201 Chapin St. South Bend, IN 46601 #visitsouthbend #onlyinthebend #studebaker #nationalmuseum #march
visitsouthbend
210 likes • 4.6K views

🚗 Parking Availability

Parking is generally available near the museum, check local signage.

🎁 Gift Shop Treasures

Find unique collectibles and children's toys in the museum gift shop. Reddit

The Studebaker National Museum, located in South Bend, showcases rich history of the Studebaker Corporation, which was one of America’s most innovative and influential automobile manufacturers. ABROS roots can be traced all the way back to the Studebaker Corporation! @studebakermuseum
abro__usa
7 likes • 237 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Buy Tickets On-Site

Tickets must be purchased at the museum; online sales are not available. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Allow Ample Time

Plan for 2-3 hours to explore all three floors of exhibits. Instagram

🚗 Parking Availability

Parking is generally available near the museum, check local signage.

🎁 Gift Shop Treasures

Find unique collectibles and children's toys in the museum gift shop. Reddit

👨‍👩‍👧 Interactive Displays

Engaging exhibits make it fun for families and kids. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Studebaker National Museum for its impressive collection of well-maintained vehicles and historically significant carriages, particularly those linked to Lincoln and Lafayette. The museum offers a comprehensive look at Studebaker's legacy, with engaging displays suitable for families. Some visitors noted a desire for more 'bullet nose' models, but overall, the experience is highly recommended for its unique historical insights and automotive treasures.

"Loved the museum! We’re traveling with a trailer and stayed overnight in the parking lot (thanks Harvest Host!). Great location. Quiet and exactly what we needed. Enjoyed the museum once it opened the following day. Both museums were a fantastic way to spend a couple hours."

Keely Mahony

"It’s as much a story about an immigrant family named Studebäcker who came to America and first started out building Conestoga Wagons that carried many Settlers across this great land in the 1700’s. Learn how they built that company into a major modern Automobile and Vehicle manufacturer producing storied examples, mixing top technology and gorgeous design like the Avanti, Hawk and futuristic concepts like the Sceptre.
They produced some of the finest Cars in the industry, only to suffer like many others and die off in the mid 60’s.
What is forgotten is what Studebaker meant to this country, the South Bend Indiana factory once employed 26,000 workers, the company owned a major executive multi story building downtown New York and was also a producer supplier of WW 1 and 2 Tanks and Troop Vehicles as well as the production of many many products and innovations.
Folks this 3 story museum is a wonderful walk through history and it can be enjoyed by all ages. You can see it in less than 2 hours or take the “audio tour” and enjoy it in a day like we did."

James Kuenzi

"So, until a recent major 2nd visit to IN from Wisco, I had no idea of the state's rich auto heritage. The many stunning well maintained or restored cars are industrial design artworks, but I was really moved by two antique carriages. One was the cabriolet made for Lafayette on his triumphal return and procession through the United States he helped to create, and the other was the actual carriage Lincoln rode in to his fatal visit to Ford's theater. I was not expecting either and was completely dumbfounded. These are the type of treasures you see in the Smithsonian. Lovely to have them in the Midwest. In perusing the reviews, I noticed many Lincoln mentions, no Lafayette. He was part of George Washington's military "family", and it's quite possible that without his heroics the French may not have entered into an alliance with the budding United States against Great Britain to win our freedom in the Revolutionary War of Independence.
His return tour was a very big deal, and many places proudly tout that he spoke, ate or slept there."

S. Krug

What People Like

Historical carriages
Studebaker car collection
Rich automotive history

What People Dislike

Fewer 'bullet nose' models

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Studebaker National Museum is located at 201 Chapin St, South Bend, IN 46601. Instagram It's easily accessible by car, with parking available nearby. Public transportation options may also be available; check local transit schedules for routes serving the downtown South Bend area. Instagram

Yes, parking is generally available near the museum. It's advisable to check local signage upon arrival for specific parking instructions and any associated fees. Instagram

If you're driving, use GPS navigation to 201 Chapin St, South Bend, IN 46601. The museum is centrally located and accessible via major roads in South Bend. Instagram

Yes, the museum is located near other South Bend attractions like the University of Notre Dame and the Basilica of the Sacred Heart. Instagram You can also enjoy a walk along the Old East Race. Reddit

Absolutely! Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in South Bend and can drop you off directly at the museum's entrance. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Tickets for the Studebaker National Museum must be purchased on-site at the museum. Online ticket purchasing is not available. Reddit

The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm, and on Sundays from 12 pm to 5 pm. Instagram

Admission prices are typically available at the ticket counter upon arrival. It's best to check the museum's official website or call ahead for the most current pricing information. Instagram

Discounts may be available for seniors, students, or military personnel. Inquire at the ticket counter when purchasing your admission. Instagram

Yes, group visits are welcome. It's recommended to contact the museum in advance to arrange group tours and discuss any special group rates. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Most visitors find that 2-3 hours is sufficient to explore the museum's three floors of exhibits. Instagram If you're a dedicated car enthusiast, you might want to allocate a bit more time. Reddit

Don't miss the historical carriages, including the one Lincoln rode to Ford's Theatre, and the impressive collection of Studebaker automobiles spanning decades of production. InstagramReddit

Yes, the museum offers interactive displays that are engaging for children, making it a great family outing. Reddit

Restrooms and other visitor facilities are available within the museum for your convenience. Instagram

Photography is generally allowed for personal use, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions on flash photography or tripods. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The museum itself does not typically have a full-service restaurant. However, there is a small gift shop that may offer snacks or beverages. Reddit

South Bend offers a variety of dining options. You can find everything from casual eateries to more upscale restaurants within a short drive or walk from the museum. Instagram

It's generally recommended not to bring outside food and drinks into museum exhibits. Please check the museum's policy upon arrival. Instagram

Yes, South Bend has many family-friendly restaurants. Ask museum staff for recommendations or explore options in the downtown area. Instagram

South Bend offers a diverse culinary scene, including American comfort food, international flavors, and local specialties. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, personal photography is generally permitted inside the museum. However, always check for any posted signs regarding flash photography or professional shoots. Instagram

The beautifully restored Studebaker cars, the historic carriages, and the exterior architecture of the museum offer excellent photo opportunities. Instagram+1

Tripod usage might be restricted to ensure the safety of exhibits and the flow of visitors. It's best to inquire at the information desk. Instagram

The 1941 Champion Coupe Delivery is a favorite for many visitors. Instagram The presidential carriages also make for striking and historically significant photos. Reddit

Weekday mornings or late afternoons can offer softer lighting and fewer crowds, making for better photographic conditions. Instagram

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