The University of Notre Dame du Lac simply referred to as Notre Dame, is a Catholic research university located in South Bend, Indiana, just 100 miles outside of Chicago. Some 8,000 undergraduates call the beautiful 1,265-acre campus home. The main building on campus, recognizable for its famous gilded Golden Dome and 19 feet tall statue of Mary is a centerpiece of campus. Faith is an essential part of the curriculum at Notre Dame, and students are encouraged to participate in the service of others. Notre Dame has a storied athletic history, and its teams are known collectively as the Fighting Irish. 

Travel Info: Arriving by air? South Bend Regional Airport is about 15 minutes by car from the Notre Dame campus. The University is about two hours by car from Chicago’s O'Hare International Airport and about 90 minutes from Midway International Airport. Coach USA maintains a bus shuttle several times daily between campus and both Chicago airports. The South Shore Line trains run directly from the Chicago Loop (corner of Michigan and Randolph) to South Bend Regional Airport in South Bend (about a two-hour trip). 

Visitor Information: Tour Notre Dame

Stay: The Morris Inn is your most convenient and best option, located right on the Notre Dame campus. Rooms were recently renovated and the in-house restaurant Sorin’s is one of South Bend’s best, popular at all times of the day from breakfast to dinner. The Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott is at the Eddy Commons, on the edge of campus. It’s just a short walk to campus from The Inn at Saint Marys, another solid choice when visiting the university. 

Coffee: Au Bon Pain is on the first floor of the Hesburgh Library, it opens bright and early at 7 am, a popular gathering spot on campus pre-class. There is a Starbucks in the La Fortune Student Center that opens at 7:30 Monday-Friday and 9:30 on Saturday and Sundays. For a later day pick up (opening at ten) Zen Cafe, located at Langlab (a multi-use artist co-work space facility) may be a bit tricky to find, but it’s worth it. Founder Shaun Maeyens is passionate about which coffee beans he buys, and he sells them in bags labeled with the grower's name, location, and harvest date. You’ll want to bring some home with you.

Breakfast: As mentioned above, Sorin’s at the Morris Inn is a great place to start the day. Students say they dream of the stuffed French Toast at Uptown Kitchen when their back at home, the menu also features an extensive selection of other breakfast options. Fresh donuts are a must at the Amish –run, Rise’n Roll Bakery, fans go early before the cinnamon caramel sell out for the day. Le Peep and Nick’s Patio are other favorite breakfast spots in South Bend. 

Lunch: Everyone loves Rocco’s, a family-owned Italian for pizzas and pasta where everything is made from scratch daily, order at least one of the garlic cheese toast to for the table.  Portions are big and prices are low at Pitt’s specializing in old-school southern style BBQ. Located on the south edge of campus, Eddy Street Commons is an urban development built to serve as a “college town” for Notre Dame students. It’s a mix of restaurants, shops, apartments and a bookstore with a Blaze and Chipotle perfect for a quick lunch break. At Legends, an on-campus restaurant and pub, Fighting Irish memorabilia line the walls. Legends is a happening spot for watching sporting events and a fun place to be on game days.

Dinner

Casual: Get immersed in Cambodian cuisine at family-run Cambodian Thai with many vegetable options for vegetarians. Traditional Irish Fare such as fish and chips, burgers and mash and shepherds pie can be enjoyed at Fiddler’s Hearth, an Irish pub. For a taste of New Orleans in South Bend head to Chicory Café. Woochi Japanese Fusion and Bar is known for its excellent sushi and sashimi, but there are also fusion dishes on the menu as well. 

A Step Up:  Housed in a historic church built in 1851, The Carriage House has won numerous awards and is one of South Bend’s finest dining establishments. Dine on contemporary American cooking at traditional steakhouse LaSalle Grill. Serving an eclectic, global menu Café Navarre is a local favorite.

Late Night Snack: The first Ritter’s Frozen Custard opened in 1989 in Franklin, Indiana, fulfilling a lifelong dream of founder John Ritter. Today with over 20 shops across the Midwest, you can enjoy the creamy ice cream right in Mishawaka, a seven-minute drive from campus.

Fun Fact: One of the top sports movies of all time, “Rudy," (1993) was filmed on Notre Dame’s campus and depicts the true story of Daniel "Rudy" Ruettiger, who defied all the odds to play football at Notre Dame. If you haven’t seen it yet, have your tissues ready. “Rudy, Rudy, Rudy!”

Local Attractions: The DeBartolo Performing Arts Center is the destination for premier cinematic and performing arts programs. Check the extensive schedule of art house film screenings and the Presenting Series’ season of music, dance, and theater before your visit. Allow some time to explore the Snite Museum of Art, located directly across from the NW corner of the football stadium. In nice weather, students flock to the East Race Waterway; with nine miles of riverside trails, parks, white water rafting, and kayaking.