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


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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
Morris Inn

Morris Inn

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1399 Notre Dame Avenue, South Bend, IN
Morris Inn
The Inn at Saint Mary's

The Inn at Saint Mary's

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53993 Indiana State Route 933, South Bend, IN
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Embassy Suites by Hilton South Bend at Notre Dame

Embassy Suites by Hilton South Bend at Notre Dame

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Baymont By Wyndham South Bend

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Motel 6 South Bend, IN - Mishawaka

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Ivy Court Inn & Suites

Ivy Court Inn & Suites

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La Quinta Suites by Wyndham South Bend Notre Dame Area

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Larkspur Landing South Bend

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52709 Indiana State Route 933, South Bend, IN
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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 enjoy a range of activities including attending thrilling football matches and exploring the surrounding wildlife. Key attractions include area sightseeing, engaging in sports camps, and taking delightful day trips. This vibrant campus offers a unique blend of athletic excitement and natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for tourists seeking both adventure and relaxation.

Shopping

The nearest shopping destination is University Park Mall, just 1.9km away, offering a variety of shops and entertainment. If you're up for a drive, consider visiting Round Barn Winery, 11.8km away, or explore Six Span Plaza, located 11.2km from the university, both offering unique shopping experiences.

Recreation

Experience the exhilaration of Notre Dame Stadium, a hub for sports enthusiasts, located 249m from campus. For a tranquil retreat, head to Coquillard Park, a serene 1-mile stroll away, perfect for relaxation. Alternatively, enjoy ice skating at Compton Family Ice Arena, just 435m from Notre Dame.

Adventure

Experience thrilling adventures at Elkhart Tactical Laser Tag, located 8.1km from the University of Notre Dame, where you can engage in exciting tactical games. For a winter escapade, Swiss Valley Ski Area, 16.8km away, offers skiing and snow sports. Alternatively, enjoy outdoor water sports at East Race Waterway, just 1.2km away.

Nightlife

At the University of Notre Dame, the nightlife offers a vibrant mix of entertainment. Enjoy a show at the South Bend Civic Theater for culture, dive into fun at Strikes and Spares Entertainment Center for family adventures, or catch a film at Cinemark South Bend Movies 14 for a romantic evening.

Find the best attractions near University of Notre Dame

The University of Notre Dame offers a variety of attractions, including urban parks, historic college buildings, and event venues, making it an ideal spot for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy a vibrant city experience while exploring the campus and its surroundings. For a comfortable stay, consider searching for hotels near the university to enhance your trip.

  • Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes: Nestled just 124m from the University, this serene shrine offers a peaceful retreat, where visitors can reflect and find solace among its beautiful stone carvings and vibrant flowers, embodying a rich cultural heritage.
  • St. Mary's College: Located 621m away, this historic college boasts stunning architecture and lush grounds. It's a place where the legacy of women's education thrives, making it a significant cultural landmark in the area.
  • Studebaker National Museum: Approximately 1.2km from the university, this engaging museum showcases the iconic Studebaker automobiles, blending cultural history with family-friendly exhibits that delight visitors of all ages.

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 LowAverage
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 SunnyAverageAverage
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 SunnyAverageSlightly High
December32.4°F (0.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for University of Notre Dame

To save money on your trip to the University of Notre Dame, consider visiting between January and March when accommodation prices are lower. Tuesdays are the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays are the priciest. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly hotels by sorting options from lowest to highest price and filtering for eco-certified accommodations. Additionally, bundling your hotel, flights, and activities can lead to further savings. Take advantage of free activities on campus and explore on foot to minimise transport costs.

  • 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 September to November, 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 various other preferences. You can organise your results to display prices from the lowest to the highest, allowing you to view the most affordable hotels at the outset. Additionally, you can refine your search by hotel category; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels ready for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel reservation at the University of Notre Dame with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.