“Through preservation, turn South Bend region’s watershed into a leading ecotourism destination, fostering a vibrant, united community that celebrates our natural assets, highlights cultural history, and develops a sustainable future.”

The Vision

A Continental Divide

1 drop of water flows in 2 directions.

The Midwest Continental Divide is the boundary between the Great Lakes Watershed and the Mississippi River Watershed. The Midwest Continental Divide has served as a natural and cultural commencing point that includes key natural assets and tells the American story of cultural formations and reconciliation through the lens of quintessential Midwest city.

Locally in St. Joseph County, the continental divide is defined by the watersheds of the Kankakee River (flows to the Mississippi River) and the St. Joseph River (flows to the Great Lakes).

Map of North America showing the watersheds divided by the Midwest continental divide. One going north to eh Great Lakes, and one going south to the Mississippi delta.

The heart of the Midwest Continental Divide in St. Joseph County is a rich place because of its…

CULTURE

People dressed in colorful traditional Native American regalia with feathered headdresses and embroidered vests, participating in a cultural ceremony outdoors on a bright sunny day with green trees in the background.

HISTORY

Historic image of two people in a small boat paddling on a narrow river or canal surrounded by trees and open land, with a cloudy sky overhead.

ECONOMY

Crowd shopping at a farmers market stall with fresh vegetables and flowers, inside a wooden building.

GEOGRAPHY

A peaceful wetland scene with calm water, green vegetation, and trees in the background, with a bird wading in the water.

PEOPLE

The Big Ideas

1) Seamlessly connect the South Bend region’s watershed’s key natural attractions into one system, that turns the South Bend region into a leading ecotourism destination.

2) Foster a Vibrant, united community that preserves and regenerates our natural assets, highlights our cultural history, and develops a sustainable future.

3) Drive new visitors and new residents to the South Bend region.

People riding snowmobiles through a snow-covered forest trail with tall, snow-laden trees

Three women riding bicycles outdoors, wearing colorful cycling gear, with trees and grass in the background.

Ride the Divide

A man and two children riding horses on a dirt trail through a lush, green forest.

Four people riding all-terrain vehicles on a forest trail, wearing helmets and smiling.

A boy holding the outstretched hand of a statue of Martin Luther King Jr. holding hands in solidarity, surrounded by a crowd of people at an outdoor event.

A man is speaking to a group of young teenagers sitting on the floor indoors. The teenagers are attentively listening, some with serious expressions, wearing casual clothing.

Bridge the Divide

Group of children with disabilities using adaptive bikes and wheelchairs walking outdoors on a grassy path, accompanied by caregivers.

A woman dressed in a Native American costume playing a drum in front of a group of children and two older women outdoors near a wooden building in a wooded area.

A man and a woman sitting around a campfire in a wooded area, with a large canvas tent in the background, enjoying outdoor camping.

Bison herd viewing on a covered wagon with a group of children and adults, in a grassy field with trees in the background.

Live the Divide

People gathered outdoors around a large, round, wooden structure, listening to a speaker during a sunny daytime event.

Interior of The Indiana Dinosaur Museum exhibit with dinosaur skeletons, including a large Tyrannosaurus rex and other fossils, with signs and displays.