SOUTH BEND, Ind., – Summer is right around the corner, which may make you want to take a trip. But with gas prices over $5 a gallon, you might want to take this road trip a little closer to home. However, here are plenty of adventurous activities to explore right here in our own backyard that will make you feel like you’ve left the Midwest behind.

You don’t have to go to Utah to go rafting or kayaking, you can do it right here in downtown South Bend with the skyline in the background!

Jonathan Jones, Director of Recreational Experiences for South Bend Venues Parks and Arts, said the East Race is one of the most unique in our area.

“At one time it was the nation’s first artificial whitewater rafting attraction,” Jones said.

You can rent gear at South Bend Parks and Arts and go rafting or bring your kayak on the run all summer long. Every weekend the dams are lowered and the race is on, providing whitewater rafting for all. You can buy day passes or season passes if you want to raft multiple times, which Jones says happens often.

“A lot of people have been here, and it’s their first time and they’re becoming repeat customers over and over again,” Jones said.

If the water isn’t quite your speed, you can head for the trees at Rum Village. The Edge Adventure Parks in Rum Village is a short drive south of the heart of downtown.

Rum Village has something for all ages, a playground, disc golf, hiking and mountain biking, but the main event is the adventure park which attracts all ages seven and up!

Cheyenne O’Keefe, assistant manager of Edge Adventure Parks, said anyone can bring their tree party.

“We have two hour birthday group packages and it can be a bachelorette party or any other type of party of eight or more people. We have a lot of fun here. It’s just a happy environment. And you have people who are scared and facing their fears and it’s great to see them facing their fears,” O’Keefe said.

So, I faced my fears and tried aerial climbing, but what scared me the most was the 60ft zip line. So, I practiced and did a lap, after a few deep breaths. I didn’t quite make the landing.

There are plenty of fun adventures here in the heart of South Bend that can save you some cash.

You can find more SBVPA recreational experiences here.