University of Notre Dame

University of Notre Dame which includes heritage architecture, wild flowers and a church or cathedral
University of Notre Dame featuring 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 University of Notre Dame Hotel Deals

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
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
Morris Inn

Morris Inn

4 out of 5
1399 Notre Dame Avenue, South Bend, IN
Morris Inn
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
Ivy Court Inn & Suites

Ivy Court Inn & Suites

2.5 out of 5
1404 Ivy Court, South Bend, IN
Ivy Court Inn & Suites
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
Larkspur Landing South Bend

Larkspur Landing South Bend

2.5 out of 5
52709 Indiana State Route 933, South Bend, IN
Larkspur Landing South Bend
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 an array of activities, including exhilarating football games and various sports events. The campus offers splendid sightseeing opportunities, perfect for photo tours, allowing guests to capture its stunning architecture and vibrant atmosphere. Engaging with the local wildlife adds to the experience, making it a delightful destination for tourists seeking both excitement and relaxation.

Shopping

The nearest shopping experience is at the University of Notre Dame, where you can find unique campus merchandise. If you're up for a drive, visit Concord Mall, located 25.7km away, for a variety of shops and entertainment options, or explore Six Span Plaza at 29.0km for more local businesses.

Recreation

Notre Dame Stadium, a vibrant sports venue, offers an exhilarating atmosphere for fans and athletes alike, located 644m from campus. Compton Family Ice Arena, 1.1km away, invites you to enjoy ice skating and thrilling events. Warren Golf Course, situated 1.4km from Notre Dame, provides a peaceful outdoor golfing experience.

Adventure

At East Race Waterway, located 3.2km from the University of Notre Dame, you can enjoy exhilarating water sports amidst an outdoor adventure atmosphere. Leeper Park Tennis Center, 1.6km away, offers thrilling tennis experiences, while South Bend Motor Speedway, 11.3km distant, provides an adrenaline-pumping motor racing environment.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at South Bend Civic Theater for a cultural evening, or enjoy the fun at Strikes and Spares Entertainment Center for arcade adventures. For a romantic film night, catch a movie at Cinemark South Bend Movies 14, both conveniently located near the university.

*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

The University of Notre Dame and its surroundings offer a delightful array of attractions, including urban parks, historic college buildings, and event venues. This vibrant area caters to families and outdoor enthusiasts, providing a rich city experience. While exploring the university, consider visiting nearby attractions to enhance your trip and fully appreciate the local culture and charm.

  • St. Mary's College: This historic college offers a glimpse into a rich educational tradition, surrounded by beautiful architecture and serene gardens. The culture here is vibrant, making it a perfect spot to appreciate academic life and student spirit.
  • Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes: A serene shrine located close to the University, this sacred site is adorned with candles and flowers, inviting visitors for reflection and prayer. Its tranquil atmosphere is enhanced by the surrounding greenery, creating a peaceful retreat.
  • Boehm Park: Ideal for families, this urban park features sprawling green spaces and recreational facilities. Enjoy leisurely walks, picnics, or outdoor sports amidst a lively community atmosphere, perfect for a day of relaxation and fun.

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

To save 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 most expensive. Use Expedia’s search tool to find budget-friendly options and combine bookings for flights and activities to maximise savings. Take advantage of free activities available on campus and explore the area by walking to cut down on transport costs. This way, you can enjoy a memorable visit 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, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially reduce your expenses by combining your hotel reservation at the University of Notre Dame with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages. Book Flight + Lodging, save up to 100% of flight price - Savings based on flight + lodging package prices as compared to the price of the same components available for booking separately before all discounts and rewards applied. Your bundled savings cover up to 100% of your flight. Savings vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and travel suppliers. Savings not available on all flight + lodging package bookings.