The East Race Waterway is a 1,900-foot artificial whitewater course cut from the St. Joseph River through downtown South Bend. When the water is running — typically from late spring through summer on weekends — you can rent a kayak or raft and ride the rapids, which reach class III-IV difficulty. Spectators line the walkways along both banks for free.
The channel was built in the late 1970s as part of an urban renewal effort and has hosted the US Olympic kayak trials. Even when the course is not operating for recreation, the surrounding riverfront park makes for a pleasant walk. The nearby Howard Park has been attractively redeveloped with a splash pad and gathering spaces.