History Museum
Explore local history, iconic Studebaker vehicles, and a grand 38-room mansion, all with bundled admission.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Mansion tours are scheduled
History Museum
Best Time
Mansion tours are scheduled
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore local history, iconic Studebaker vehicles, and a grand 38-room mansion, all with bundled admission.
"Well worth the time to see all three fantastic places: History Museum, Studebaker Museum, and Oliver Mansion."
💰 Senior Discount Available
Ask about the senior discount for a great value on admission to all three sites!
🚶♀️ Mansion Stairs Required
Be prepared for stairs in the Oliver Mansion; an elevator is only available in the Studebaker Museum.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Studebaker Museum
Attached to History Museum
Explore iconic vehicles and the legacy of American automotive innovation. An elevator is available here.
Oliver Mansion Tour
Adjacent to History Museum
Step back in time in this grand 38-room mansion, a testament to local history and architecture.
Dollhouse Exhibit
Changing Gallery
Discover intricate dollhouses, including special exhibits that showcase miniature artistry and history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Bundle Your Museum Visits
Check Mansion Tour Times
Best Times
Insider Tips
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💰 Senior Discount Available
Ask about the senior discount for a great value on admission to all three sites!
🚶♀️ Mansion Stairs Required
Be prepared for stairs in the Oliver Mansion; an elevator is only available in the Studebaker Museum.
📅 Check Monday Closures
The Oliver Mansion is not open on Mondays, so plan your visit accordingly.
🧒 Children's Gallery
A dedicated lower-level gallery offers engaging exhibits for young, grade-school-aged children.
Tips
from all over the internet
💰 Senior Discount Available
Ask about the senior discount for a great value on admission to all three sites!
🚶♀️ Mansion Stairs Required
Be prepared for stairs in the Oliver Mansion; an elevator is only available in the Studebaker Museum.
📅 Check Monday Closures
The Oliver Mansion is not open on Mondays, so plan your visit accordingly.
🧒 Children's Gallery
A dedicated lower-level gallery offers engaging exhibits for young, grade-school-aged children.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find great value in the bundled admission, which covers the History Museum, Studebaker Museum, and Oliver Mansion. The Studebaker collection and the historic mansion are frequently praised. Some visitors note the lack of elevator access in the main museum and mansion as a drawback.
"Visited on 6.17.2025. The history museum is part of a trifecta of museums as admission also gets you into the Studebaker museum and the Oliver Mansion. Highly recommend doing all three of these fantastic places."
Rick White
"We purchased entrance to the History Museum, Studebaker Museum and Oliver Mansion tour. It's well worth the time to see all. The mansion was donated by the grandchildren and is in great condition."
Cheryl Corrigan
"60+ Sr. Discount, ask for it. $13 for all 3, History (of South Bend) museum, studebaker museum, attached to each other. Elevator available in Studebaker, not in history museum. Oliver mansion tour only at 1 p.m. and 2:00 p.m., included in that price. Stairs required in the 38 room mansion separate dollhouse exhibit until June of 2025 included in the History Museum"
Mona Goatley
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The History Museum is located in South Bend, Indiana. It's often visited in conjunction with the Studebaker Museum and Oliver Mansion, which are attached or nearby. Check local navigation apps for the best route to the museum complex.
While specific parking details aren't always highlighted, museums of this type typically offer visitor parking. It's advisable to check the museum's official website or call ahead for the most current parking information.
Information on public transport accessibility is limited in the provided tips. It's recommended to consult South Bend's public transit schedules for routes that may serve the museum district.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission typically includes access to the History Museum, Studebaker Museum, and Oliver Mansion tour. Seniors can often get a discounted rate of around $13 for all three.
No, admission usually covers all three attractions. This bundled ticket offers great value for exploring the automotive history, local heritage, and the historic mansion. +1
Yes, a senior discount is often available. Inquire at the ticket counter for current pricing and eligibility for discounts.
The Oliver Mansion tour is typically offered at 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM. It's important to check the schedule as it may vary.
The dollhouse exhibit is mentioned as a special or changing gallery exhibit, with one noted to be available until June 2025. It's best to confirm its availability if this is a primary interest.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The complex features the History Museum itself, the Studebaker Museum with its impressive car collection, and the historic 38-room Oliver Mansion. There's also a children's gallery and special exhibits like the dollhouses. +1
The Studebaker Museum has an elevator, but the History Museum and Oliver Mansion do not. Visitors with mobility concerns should be aware of this limitation, especially for the mansion tour.
Expect exhibits covering local history from the 1600s onward, including the impact on the Potawatomi Tribe, alongside temporary exhibits like the popular dollhouse collection.
Yes, there is a dedicated children's museum area on the lower level, designed for young, grade-school-aged children.
The Oliver Mansion is a historic 38-room home donated by the grandchildren of its original owners, offering a glimpse into the past with its preserved condition and architecture. +1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The provided tips do not mention on-site dining facilities. Visitors may need to explore nearby restaurants in South Bend for food and refreshments.
Information regarding outside food and beverages is not specified. It's generally recommended to consume food and drinks in designated areas or outside the museum galleries.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary. While not explicitly mentioned, personal photography for non-commercial use is often permitted in general museum areas. Flash photography might be restricted. It's best to check for signage or ask staff upon arrival.
The Studebaker Museum with its vintage cars and the grand architecture of the Oliver Mansion are likely prime spots for photography. The intricate details of the dollhouse exhibits can also make for unique shots. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider planning your visit around the mansion tour times if your children are interested in exploring a historic home. The special dollhouse exhibits can also be a captivating draw for children, showcasing intricate details and miniature worlds.
💰 Budget Travelers
By dedicating a good portion of your day to explore all three sites, you get a comprehensive historical and cultural experience without needing to purchase multiple separate tickets. Pack snacks and drinks to save on additional expenses, as on-site dining options are not prominently mentioned.
🏛️ History Buffs
The Oliver Mansion provides a tangible connection to the past through its preserved architecture and furnishings, offering insights into the lives of prominent families. Combined with rotating special exhibits, such as the detailed dollhouse collections, history enthusiasts will find a rich and varied experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Studebaker Legacy
Unlike the main History Museum, the Studebaker Museum is equipped with an elevator, making it more accessible for visitors with mobility challenges. This ensures that everyone can enjoy the impressive display of automotive history. The collection provides context not only for the Studebaker brand but also for the broader story of American industrialism and transportation.
Exploring the Studebaker Museum is often highlighted as a key part of the overall museum experience, offering a distinct yet complementary historical perspective to the local history and mansion tours.
Exploring the Oliver Mansion
Access to the Oliver Mansion is typically via guided tours, which have specific scheduled times, usually at 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM. It's crucial to plan your visit around these times to avoid disappointment. A significant point to note is that the mansion requires navigating stairs, as there is no elevator access within the building itself.
Despite the stair requirement, the tour is highly recommended by visitors for its historical insights and the sheer beauty of the preserved estate. It complements the other attractions by offering a more personal and domestic perspective on the region's history.
Special Exhibits: Dollhouses and More
These temporary exhibits, like the dollhouses, provide a unique reason to visit at different times. For instance, a specific dollhouse exhibit was noted to be available until June 2025, showcasing its appeal and the museum's effort to present diverse historical artifacts. The museum also draws parallels to other notable dollhouse collections, such as those found at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago.
Beyond dollhouses, the museum's changing galleries can feature a variety of historical topics, ensuring that repeat visits can offer new discoveries. It's always worth checking the museum's schedule for current and upcoming special exhibitions.
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