Notre Dame/South Bend

Welcome to Notre Dame: Your Guide to South Bend's Vibrant Community

Nestled in the heart of South Bend, Indiana, the University of Notre Dame stands as an iconic beacon of academic excellence, Catholic tradition, and unyielding Fighting Irish spirit. Founded in 1842 by the Congregation of Holy Cross, Notre Dame spans a stunning 1,265-acre suburban campus just north of downtown, home to over 8,800 undergraduates and a tight-knit community of students, faculty, and alumni. With a student-faculty ratio of 8:1 and a semester-based calendar, the university emphasizes rigorous academics in fields like business, engineering, and philosophy—ranked among the nation's top programs—while fostering leadership, service, and faith. Whether you're a newcomer settling into dorm life, a faculty member diving into groundbreaking research, or an alumnus returning for game weekends, Notre Dame's golden-domed Main Building and serene lakes create a spiritual and intellectual haven that's as inspiring as it is welcoming.

South Bend itself is undergoing a remarkable resurgence, with Notre Dame at its core driving revitalization through arts, innovation, and community partnerships. Just 90 minutes from Chicago via the South Shore Line, this Midwestern gem blends small-town charm with urban energy—think tree-lined streets, the winding St. Joseph River, and a burgeoning food scene fueled by the university's 151,000-strong alumni network. For newcomers, students, faculty, and alumni, exploring the hotspots, restaurants, and neighborhoods around campus is the perfect way to feel at home. Here's a curated guide to get you started.

Notre Dame's campus is a hotspot in itself, but venturing just off it reveals South Bend's best-kept secrets:

• Golden Dome and Basilica of the Sacred Heart: Start with a self-guided tour of the iconic Main Building's golden dome and the breathtaking Gothic basilica—perfect for quiet reflection or alumni nostalgia. Open daily, with free tours available.
• Notre Dame Stadium: Home of the Fighting Irish football team (11 national championships strong!), it's electric on game days. Catch a practice or walk the tunnel on "Football Fridays" for that adrenaline rush.
• St. Joseph River Trail and Howard Park: Stroll or kayak along the scenic river path from Howard Park to Kernan Park, or catch live events at the public beach and splash pad. Ideal for students unwinding or families picnicking.
• South Bend Chocolate Factory and Studebaker National Museum: Indulge in a tour and tasting at the chocolate factory, or geek out on automotive history at the museum—great for rainy days or faculty-led field trips.

South Bend's dining scene is diverse and delicious, with options for every palate and budget. Notre Dame students rave about these spots, blending comfort food with global flavors.

• Rohr's (On Campus, Morris Inn): Upscale modern American in a historic setting—think prime rib, tahini penne, and patio views. A faculty favorite for elegant dinners ($25–$50 entrées).
• Legends of Notre Dame (Near Stadium): Dive into Irish lore with shareable apps, burgers, and craft beers in this all-ages tavern. Alumni tailgate heaven—open late on game days ($15–$30).
• Rocco's Pizza (Eddy Street Commons): Family-run since 1951, this South Bend staple serves the crispiest thin-crust pies. Student go-to for late-night slices ($10–$20).
• Fiddler's Hearth (Downtown): Cozy Celtic pub with buttery fish and chips and live music. Perfect for newcomers seeking pub vibes ($15–$25).
• The Livery (Eddy Street): Latin American flair with build-your-own tacos and vibrant cocktails. A trendy spot for students and young alumni ($15–$30).
• Chicory Cafe (Downtown): Quick caffeine and fluffy beignets in a chic setting—catered to ND events! Ideal for faculty brainstorming sessions ($5–$15).
• Nom Nom Pho (Downtown): Fusion Vietnamese with pho, pad Thai, and over 50 dishes. Budget-friendly for students exploring flavors ($10–$20).

For quick bites, hit Eddy Street Commons chains like Chipotle or Blaze Pizza, or downtown gems like Fatbird for southern comfort food.