South Bend History

Raymond in the past | South Bend - County Seat |
Long Beach Peninsula - tourist hub | Wilson Point - home to many elk

South Bend

South Bend has the flair of a sleepy fishing village and claims to be the 'Oyster Capitol of the World'. Many people throughout the world only eat oysters grown in the pristine waters of Willapa Bay. South Bend is home to four nationally registered historic sites, one of which is the court house (pictured); a majestic building set on a hill overlooking the Willapa River, with a Tiffany- like interior glass dome. A walking tour guide provides a great opportunity to explore all four sites. Yearly festivals include the Oyster Stampede when, during the mating season, oysters stampede down the main street. Our big festival is titled "Come And Play on Labor Day." Traveling south on Highway 101, the historic remnants of Bruceport, Nemah, and the town of Bay Center rest along 25 miles of Willapa Bay Shoreline. Sightings of men and barges working in the oyster beds at low tide, elk herds, deer, birds, and other wildlife are bountiful. Canoeing and Kayaking along the shoreline is an adventure of changing scenery, weather and tides. Campsites are available at Bruceport County Park and parks in Bay Center and North River. Primitive campsites are also available on Long Island in South Willapa Bay and there are plans to develop more around the Willapa Shoreline.

South Bend Real Estate

South Bend's historic Courthouse building

Please direct all technical questions to the Site Administrator. Thank you!
This page last updated: