New Carlisle, Indiana

New Carlisle is a picturesque small town with historic charm, friendly community vibes, and a quaint downtown that captures the essence of classic Americana.

Located 15 miles west of South Bend, there are many reasons to visit this Indiana small town.

Historic New Carlisle Museum

Start your visit to New Carlisle by visiting its museum and gift shop. In the museum you'll find more about New Carlisle's roots as a place for commerce along the Lincoln Highway. Exhibits detail some of the town's historic figures, including former vice president Schuyler Colfax. There's also a gift shop. Consider the museum a hub for the rest of your visit.

Historic New Carlisle

Authentic Dining Destination

Another area where New Carlisle shines — through its dining destinations.

Moser's Austrian Café screams authenticity. Have you ever been served by waitresses wearing dirndls or had to "try" to pronounce menu items like jaegerschnitzel or zigeunerschnitzel? Since opening in 1999, Moser's Austrian Café has been serving up Austrian/German cuisine.

RELATED CONTENT: Around The Bend: Moser's Austrian Cafe

Moser's Austrian Cafe

Another authentic experience awaits at Kate O'Connor's Irish Pub. Originally from Cork, Ireland, its owners wanted to bring a real Irish pub to the States. They’ve done it.

It's a cozy gathering place that bursts at the seams on St. Patrick’s Day. As for the food, you can't go wrong with shepherd’s pie or fish and chips.

RELATED CONTENT: Authentic Irish Eats in The Bend

Other top dining spots in New Carlisle include Billy Goat 9 & Dine, Longshots Bar and Grill, and The Diner, a classic breakfast spot. Pizza is prime at Black Cat Lanes where you can also bowl. Don’t forget to grab a coffee or treat at Carlisle Coffee and Sweets.

Black Cat

New to downtown is Studebaker Brewing Co. Stop in for a tasting to include brews such as the “Lark,” the “President,” the “Manta Ray,” and the “Avanti.”

Studebaker Brewing Co.

New Carlisle Eats

Browse Can't-Miss Shops

Retail isn’t just part of New Carlisle’s heritage. Many historic buildings in downtown now hold small shops.

Feeney's Hometown Goods is an eclectic shop with goods from local artisans.

Feeney's Hometown Goods located in New Carlisle, Indiana

Explore Nearby Parks

Working off all that grub is easy as heading to one of the nearby parks.

Two St. Joseph County Parks — Bendix Woods and Spicer Lake Nature Preserve — aren’t far from New Carlisle's downtown. Both offer ample opportunity to immerse yourself in nature, especially if hiking is one of your pastimes.

RELATED CONTENT: Explore Our County Parks

Bendix Woods covers about 195 acres. Hiking and mountain biking are among the staple activities here. Visit during February and March and you’ll be around for Sugar Camp Days when maple syrup making takes place from trees in the park.

Spicer Lake Nature Preserve (320 acres), located just north of New Carlisle near the Michigan border, is a geologic wonder with a couple "kettle lakes." There’s a boardwalk that allows for exploration of some wetland areas. Both “lakes” include observation decks.

Bendix Woods

Check our events calendar for exciting things happening in New Carlisle