University of Notre Dame Tours and Activities

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


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 University of Notre Dame Hotel & Accommodation 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
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
Ivy Court Inn & Suites

Ivy Court Inn & Suites

2.5 out of 5
1404 Ivy Court, South Bend, IN
Ivy Court Inn & Suites
La Quinta Suites by Wyndham South Bend Notre Dame Area

La Quinta Suites by Wyndham South Bend Notre Dame Area

3 out of 5
52554 STATE ROAD 933, South Bend, IN
La Quinta Suites by Wyndham South Bend Notre Dame Area
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
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham South Bend/At Notre Dame Un

Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham South Bend/At Notre Dame Un

2 out of 5
222 S Dixie Way, South Bend, IN
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham South Bend/At Notre Dame Un
Hilton Vacation Club Varsity Club South Bend, IN

Hilton Vacation Club Varsity Club South Bend, IN

3 out of 5
3800 N Main St, Mishawaka, IN
Hilton Vacation Club Varsity Club South Bend, IN
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites South Bend by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites South Bend by IHG

2.5 out of 5
120 N Dixie Way, South Bend, IN
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites South Bend by IHG
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

Discover an array of activities near the University of Notre Dame, including thrilling football games and various sports events. Take time to explore the local wildlife and enjoy the vibrant campus atmosphere. While planning your visit, consider options for student accommodations and don't forget to check out the rottnest island ferries for a unique experience. Embrace the culture and excitement that South Bend has to offer.

Shopping

For a great shopping experience near the University of Notre Dame, visit University Park Mall, just 4.8km away, offering a vibrant atmosphere with entertainment and family-friendly options. If you're up for a drive, check out Six Span Plaza, located 29.0km away, featuring a mix of shops and city vibes.

Recreation

Notre Dame Stadium, a vibrant sports venue, offers an exhilarating atmosphere for fans and visitors alike, located 644m from campus. Compton Family Ice Arena provides exciting ice skating experiences, just 1.1km away, while Warren Golf Course, 1.4km from campus, invites you to enjoy a relaxing game amidst beautiful outdoor scenery.

Adventure

At East Race Waterway, enjoy thrilling water sports just 3.2km from the university, perfect for those seeking adventure. Leeper Park Tennis Center, located 1.6km away, offers a vibrant atmosphere for tennis enthusiasts. For motorsport fans, South Bend Motor Speedway, 11.3km away, promises an exhilarating racing experience.

Nightlife

At the University of Notre Dame, South Bend Civic Theater offers a charming cultural experience just 3.2km away, while Cinemark South Bend Movies 14 provides romantic cinema outings nearby. For adventure seekers, Strikes and Spares Entertainment Center is an exciting arcade just 4.8km from campus.

*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

At the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, you'll find a variety of attractions to explore, including urban parks, historic university buildings, and event venues. These points of interest offer a great mix of family-friendly activities, outdoor adventures, and vibrant city experiences, making it an ideal spot for any traveller seeking to immerse themselves in the local culture and scenery.

  • St. Mary's College: Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture at St. Mary's College, located just 1.6km from the University of Notre Dame. This beautiful campus features stunning architecture and offers a serene atmosphere, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
  • Century Center Convention Center: Positioned 3.2km from the university, the Century Center Convention Center is a vibrant hub for events and conferences. Experience its modern facilities and enjoy the bustling business vibes that attract professionals from around the region.
  • Basilica of the Sacred Heart: Situated a mere 0.1.6km away, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart is an architectural marvel. This stunning church is known for its intricate stained glass and peaceful ambiance, making it a must-visit for those seeking a cultural experience.

Best time to go to University of Notre Dame

The best time to visit University of Notre Dame can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around University of Notre Dame falls in July, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around University of Notre Dame falls in January, 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

For a budget-friendly trip to the University of Notre Dame, consider visiting between January and March, when accommodation prices are lower. Save on your stay by booking on a Tuesday, the cheapest day. Use Expedia to find eco-certified hotels and filter prices from low to high. Combining your hotel, flights, and activities in a package can also yield savings. Public transport options are available, and exploring the campus offers free activities, making for an enriching experience without breaking the bank.

  • 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: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified option will reveal sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and deals, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your University of Notre Dame hotel stay with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.