The East Race Waterway was the first of it's kind in the world as the first manmade whitewater rafting course in North America.
The Civil-War era channel was once a thriving industrial beacon in South Bend. When the industry died, so did the importance for the channel. The East Race was soon after abandoned and filled in to its surrounding land.
When construction completed of the course in 1984, the race was filled with it's channels which it has overcome over the years. Since then, the East Race has served as a catalyst for development along the east bank.
As the only course in the Midwest, the East Race Waterway continues to draw thousands each year to appreciate the whitewater experience close to home.