University of Notre Dame

University of Notre Dame showing a garden, wild flowers and heritage architecture
University of Notre Dame showing a park
University of Notre Dame showing cycling
University of Notre Dame
University of Notre Dame featuring a church or cathedral, a park and heritage architecture


Experience a day in the life of a student at one of the prettiest campuses in the United States. Admire iconic landmarks and experience the passion of a football match. 

Pay a visit to the University of Notre Dame for a glimpse into student activities at an esteemed educational institute. Discover architectural masterpieces, sacred shrines and a stunning football stadium set amid a campus of tree-shaded lawns.

Founded by Reverend Edward Sorin in 1842, the University of Notre Dame was governed by the priests of the Congregation of Holy Cross until 1967. Among its notable alumni are NASA astronauts, football coach Knute Rockne and politician Condoleezza Rice.

Start your tour of the glorious 1,250-acre (506-hectare) campus at the Eck Visitors Center. Here you can browse museum exhibits, watch a video about the university’s history and sign up for a free guided campus tour.

Alongside striking lecture and residence halls is a collection of monumental landmarks. Check out the Golden Dome, which towers above the Main Building, and then visit the neo Gothic-style Basilica of Sacred Heart.

Adjacent to the basilica is the Grotto of Our Lady Lourdes, a replica of a sacred shrine located in the French town of Lourdes.

Millard Sheets’ huge Word of Life mural is affectionately called Touchdown Jesus because its image of Jesus with raised arms resembles a football referee signaling a touchdown.

Notre Dame features some excellent arts and performing arts centers, including the Snite Museum of Art. Watch concerts, movies and theater shows at DeBartolo Performing Arts Center and Washington Hall. Hang out with students at the campus bars, cafés and pubs.

Pockets of greenery and natural beauty sit scattered around the campus and offer places for students to unwind. Among them is the Irish Green, Knott Knoll, St. Joseph Lake and St. Mary’s Lake.

If visiting between September and November, purchase tickets for a Notre Dame Fighting Irish football game. Take your seat among thousands of fans at Notre Dame Stadium and help cheer the team to victory.

University of Notre Dame is just 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) north of South Bend. There’s a visitor parking lot where charges are applicable after the first hour. Eck Visitors Center is open daily.

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

The Inn at Saint Mary's

The Inn at Saint Mary's

3.5 out of 5
53993 Indiana State Route 933, South Bend, IN
The Inn at Saint Mary's
Morris Inn

Morris Inn

4 out of 5
1399 Notre Dame Avenue, South Bend, IN
Morris Inn
Doubletree Hotel South Bend

Doubletree Hotel South Bend

4 out of 5
123 N Dr. Martin Luther King BLVD, South Bend, IN
Doubletree Hotel South Bend
Wingate by Wyndham South Bend/Notre Dame

Wingate by Wyndham South Bend/Notre Dame

3 out of 5
52890 State Rt 933 N, South Bend, IN
Wingate by Wyndham South Bend/Notre Dame
Motel 6 South Bend, IN - Mishawaka

Motel 6 South Bend, IN - Mishawaka

2 out of 5
236 N Dixie Way, South Bend, IN
Motel 6 South Bend, IN - Mishawaka
Embassy Suites by Hilton South Bend at Notre Dame

Embassy Suites by Hilton South Bend at Notre Dame

3.5 out of 5
1140 E Angela Blvd, South Bend, IN
Embassy Suites by Hilton South Bend at Notre Dame
Ivy Court Inn & Suites

Ivy Court Inn & Suites

2.5 out of 5
1404 Ivy Court, South Bend, IN
Ivy Court Inn & Suites
Baymont By Wyndham South Bend

Baymont By Wyndham South Bend

2.5 out of 5
215 South Dixie Way, South Bend, IN
Baymont By Wyndham South Bend
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott South Bend at Notre Dame

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott South Bend at Notre Dame

2.5 out of 5
1220 East Angela Boulevard, South Bend, IN
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott South Bend at Notre Dame
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near University of Notre Dame

At the University of Notre Dame, visitors can indulge in a variety of activities, from thrilling football games to engaging sports events. Art enthusiasts will appreciate local galleries, while baseball lovers can catch an exciting showdown. For those seeking adventure, bike tours offer a unique way to explore the campus, and a visit to a billiards parlor provides a relaxed atmosphere for socialising. Wildlife enthusiasts can also enjoy nearby natural attractions.

Shopping

The nearest shopping destination is University Park Mall, located 4.8km from the University of Notre Dame, offering a lively atmosphere with entertainment and shopping options. If you're up for a drive, consider visiting Six Span Plaza or Round Barn Winery, located 18 and 30.6km away respectively.

Recreation

The Notre Dame Stadium, located 644m from the university, offers an exhilarating atmosphere filled with sports enthusiasm. The Compton Family Ice Arena, 1.1km away, provides a thrilling ice skating experience. Meanwhile, the Warren Golf Course, 1.4km distant, invites you to enjoy serene outdoor golfing amidst beautiful surroundings.

Adventure

The East Race Waterway, located 3.2km from the University of Notre Dame, offers thrilling water sports amidst vibrant outdoor settings. Leeper Park Tennis Center, 1.6km away, provides a fantastic venue for tennis enthusiasts seeking adventure. For motor racing fans, the South Bend Motor Speedway, 11.3km distant, promises exhilarating races and sports excitement.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at South Bend Civic Theater, just 3.2km away, offering culture and romance. For some thrilling fun, visit Strikes and Spares Entertainment Center, 4.8km away, perfect for adventure seekers. Don’t miss Cinemark South Bend Movies 14, also 3.2km away, for a delightful cinema experience.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near University of Notre Dame

Visitors to the University of Notre Dame can enjoy a mix of urban parks, historic college charm, and vibrant event venues. With options catering to families and outdoor enthusiasts alike, you can explore the beautiful campus, participate in various events, or simply soak in the lively city atmosphere. Nearby attractions also offer a wealth of experiences, making it an ideal destination for anyone seeking a blend of culture and recreation.

  • St. Mary's College: A historic institution steeped in tradition, St. Mary's College offers a serene campus atmosphere just 1.6km from the University of Notre Dame. Visitors can admire its beautiful architecture and lush gardens, providing a rich cultural experience.
  • Century Center Convention Center: Located 3.2km away, the Century Center Convention Center is a bustling venue for events and conferences. Its modern facilities and vibrant atmosphere make it a hub for business and networking activities, showcasing the city's professional spirit.
  • Basilica of the Sacred Heart: At a mere 0.1.6kms from the university, this stunning church is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. The Basilica’s intricate stained glass and tranquil ambiance create a unique cultural experience for all who visit.

Best time to go to University of Notre Dame

The best time to visit University of Notre Dame is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January25.2°F (-3.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February26.8°F (-2.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March37.9°F (3.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April47.8°F (8.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
May59.9°F (15.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
June68.9°F (20.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
July72.3°F (22.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
August70.9°F (21.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September64.9°F (18.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
October53.2°F (11.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
November41.0°F (5.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December32.4°F (0.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for University of Notre Dame

To save money on your visit to the University of Notre Dame, consider travelling between January and March when accommodation prices are lower. Tuesdays are the most affordable days to stay, while Saturdays tend to be pricier. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly hotels by sorting results from lowest to highest price and filtering for eco-friendly options. Additionally, look for package deals that combine hotels, flights, and activities for better savings. Walking is a cost-effective way to explore the campus and surrounding areas, making your visit both economical and enjoyable.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around University of Notre Dame are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to July and September to October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around University of Notre Dame is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around University of Notre Dame is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to view the most affordable hotels at the outset. Furthermore, you have the option to refine your selections by hotel type; for instance, by selecting the Eco-certified filter, you'll be presented with sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You might find it more economical to combine your hotel reservation near the University of Notre Dame with your flights and activities by opting for an Expedia package.