South Bend is the seat of St. Joseph County and the focus of a region known as "Michiana" that extends over six counties in Indiana and two counties in Michigan. Mishawaka lies to the east of South Bend; the two cities comprise a metropolitan statistical area and are in the heart of the nation's industrial belt. With a location on the beautiful St. Joseph River, South Bend is home to the University of Notre Dame, which is nationally recognized for its academic excellence and for "The Fighting Irish," its winning football team.