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Welcome to the
University of Saint Mary of the Lake!

The founder of our seminary, George Cardinal Mundelein, is also the namesake for the town in which we are located. We ask you to keep a sense of sacredness while you visit the grounds, and maintain an atmosphere conducive to prayer, study, retreats, peacefulness, and safety for not only our students but also for you, our guests. Unescorted visitors must be at least 18 years of age.

Groups of visitors are encouraged to contact us in advance at 847-566-8290.

Contact USML Public Safety at 847-970-4815 for 24-hour on-campus questions and help. In case of emergency, call 911.

Thank you for your cooperation!

Fast Facts

  • The USML grounds are open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
  • The recommended entrance for guests or visitors is via Route 45. Guest parking is in the Purple Parking Lot.
  • Public restrooms are available in Mundelein Hall.
  • The bookstore is open Wednesday – Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Conference Center Location

The University of Saint Mary of the Lake is located at 1000 E. Maple Avenue in Mundelein, IL, approximately four miles west of Interstate 94. The closest airport is O’Hare International Airport, about 28 miles south of USML.

The USML Conference Center Lodge is in the 300P Building, and the Conference Center Meeting Hall is in the 400P Building on campus.  Guests are required to park in the Purple Lot. Taxis, car service, and limos should drop off guests in the Purple Lot.

A campus map and driving directions are available on the Campus Map page here.

The USML grounds are open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

The Purple Lot is designated for all visitor parking and is conveniently located next to the Welcome Center/Refectory. Public restrooms are available in the Welcome Center/Refectory and in the Main Chapel.

As a private campus and for the safety of our students, faculty, and guests, we do not allow weapons, alcohol, pets, use of the lake (including all water activities), or exploring the forest, unpaved, or other areas marked private or resident. 

We also prohibit using bicycles, motorcycles and roadside parking due to our narrow campus roadways. 

As a sacred space and as a home to theological students and faculty, we also do not allow picnics, sunbathing, fireworks, loud music, the use of drones, or use of the athletic field.

While on campus, please adhere to the campus dress code:

Men

Cut-off t-shirts and tank tops should have a shoulder width of at least 2 inches. The chest, back, and sides should not be exposed. Shorts should be past mid-thigh.

Women

Undergarments and sports bras must be covered by other attire. Tank tops should have a shoulder width of at least 2 inches and cover the back and sides. Shorts should extend to mid-thigh (for example, loose soccer or basketball shorts). Dresses and skirts should be a respectful length. Shorts or skorts should be worn over yoga pants/tights.  Low-cut tops and short or tight skirts are not allowed.

From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, USML invites you to walk around the lake at no charge and with no permit required. However, please remember to be aware of and yield to traffic, stay on the paved roads or sidewalks, stay along the roadside, and avoid walking in the center of the roadways.

Housed on over 900 acres among a breathtaking forest with a tranquil lake and historically and architecturally significant buildings, USML is a majestic and picturesque campus. You are free to take photos for personal use. We also invite you to tag us on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook: @mundeleinsem

Wedding/Graduation/Quinceañera/Photos (taken yourself or by a professional):

Professional Photos (Commercial and/or other for revenue generation and/or marketing awareness campaign):

Photos of school dance (Homecoming, prom, winter formal, etc.) are not allowed.

For more information, please call 847-566-8290.

*A formal tax letter will be sent if a donation is received.

For conservation and safety reasons, fishing in the lake is not allowed.

As with fishing, lake activities are not allowed for conservation and safety reasons. This includes wading, swimming, scuba diving, wind-boarding, kayaking and any other person-to-water contact.

Ice fishing or walking on the lake during winter is also not allowed.

Occasionally, seminary residents will have boats on the lake. This is the only exception to the rule.

Yes! Whether you are planning a retreat, board meeting, team-building event, or other function, our event team is prepared to help you plan, organize, and conduct your function. We have on-site lodging with 155 sleeping rooms and meeting space to serve up to 240 people. For more information, rates, and availability, call 847-566-8290 or email conferencecenter@usml.edu.

Walking tours are available from May – October, weather permitting.  For more information, to check availability and rates, call us today at 847-566-8290 or email us at conferencecenter@usml.edu

The University of St. Mary of the Lake is located at 1000 E. Maple Avenue in the town of Mundelein, Illinois, approximately four miles west of Interstate 94. The closest airport is O’Hare International Airport, about 28 miles south of USML.

Our main entrance off Route 176 is closed.  Please enter campus from Route 45 (Lake Street). This entrance is just north of the Route 176/Route 45 intersection. In your GPS, enter “Route 45 and Dunbar/University Mundelein, IL” for directions to this entrance. Once on campus, please follow the signs or the directions of our Public Safety officers to the Purple Parking lot (see map attached).

If you are heading North on Interstate 94:
To reach the seminary from Interstate 94, take the Hwy 176 exit and turn right at the foot of the ramp to head west (the ramp loops around). Continue on 176 to Route 45 and the entrance will be on your right at Dunbar/University street.

If you are heading South on Interstate 94:
To reach the seminary from Interstate 94, take Exit 10 for IL-21/Milwaukee Ave. Turn right onto Casey Rd and continue to U.S. Route 45. Turn left and continue on Route 45 until you reach the Dunbar/University street entrance.

Over a dozen uniquely crafted birdhouses are utilized by bluebirds, chickadees, and tree swallows, thanks to the care of Roger Kratz, a Mundelein native who designed the birdhouses with unique patented features to help keep nests cool and safe from ants, raccoons, snakes, and wasps.

Learn more here: https://usml.edu/birdhouses/

Visitors

Conference Center

Driving Directions / Campus Map
For more information:

General USML Information: (847) 566-6401
Conference Center Information: (847) 566-8290
USML Front Desk: (847) 970-4908
USML Bookstore: (847) 970-4901
Public Safety: (847) 970-4815