University of Notre Dame Tours

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

Reviews of University of Notre Dame

4.7
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
582
5 - Excellent 80%
4 - Good
95
4 - Good 13%
3 - Okay
35
3 - Okay 5%
2 - Disappointing
4
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
7
1 - Terrible 1%

5/5 - Excellent

Felix

Always admired this university and today I saw it and it was awesome.

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler

Don't visit during football games or at the beginning of academic year

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Worth seeing, beautiful campus. Basilica is a must see. We were there for the US Senior Pro Am Golf Tournament and the Notre dame course was beautiful.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

The Senior U.S. Open Golf Championship tournament was held at Notre Dame's Warren golf course. A beautiful course to walk and watch the golfers close-up, with friendly spectators and staff. I would enjoy playing it on future trips. We took several pictures of the golfers including the legendary Tom Watson who played with Tom Kite and Retief Goosen. Spoke with Jack Nicklaus who was there watching his son play...very cool!!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Use of 'Parkwhiz' parking app super helpful

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Close to Carroll Hall.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near University of Notre Dame

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 enjoy a variety of activities, including attending thrilling football games and exploring the beautiful campus. Families can have a delightful picnic in the scenic surroundings, while nature enthusiasts can appreciate the local wildlife. Don't miss the chance to visit the iconic Notre Dame landmarks, which offer a glimpse into the university's rich history and culture.

Shopping

For a great shopping experience near the University of Notre Dame, visit University Park Mall, just 4.8km away, offering a variety of shops and entertainment. Heritage Square Shopping is also nearby at 6.4km. If you're up for a drive, check out Round Barn Winery, located 30.6km away.

Recreation

Experience the electric atmosphere at Notre Dame Stadium, just 644m away, where you can immerse yourself in thrilling sports events. For a unique adventure, skate at Compton Family Ice Arena, 1.1km away, or enjoy a round of golf surrounded by nature at Warren Golf Course, located 1.4km away.

Adventure

At East Race Waterway, enjoy thrilling water sports amidst beautiful surroundings, located 3.2km from the University of Notre Dame. Experience high-speed excitement at South Bend Motor Speedway, 11.3km away, or engage in an adventurous game at Elkhart Tactical Laser Tag, situated 20.9km from campus.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at the DeBartolo Performing Arts Center for captivating performances just half a mile from campus. For family fun, visit Strikes and Spares Entertainment Center, an arcade adventure only 4.8km away. Don’t miss the South Bend Civic Theater, 3.2km away, for a romantic cultural evening.

*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

During your visit to the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana, you can explore urban parks, the historic college campus, and various event venues. These attractions are perfect for families and those seeking outdoor and city experiences. Be sure to check out the Notre Dame campus, including its iconic buildings and beautiful surroundings, to fully appreciate what this renowned university has to offer.

  • St. Mary's College: A historic institution, St. Mary's College offers a serene campus with beautiful architecture and lush gardens. Its vibrant culture promotes a sense of community and learning, making it a picturesque spot for a leisurely stroll.
  • Basilica of the Sacred Heart: Located close to Notre Dame, this stunning church is known for its exquisite stained glass windows and impressive Gothic architecture. It serves as a spiritual haven, inviting visitors to appreciate its tranquil atmosphere and rich history.
  • Studebaker National Museum: This museum showcases the fascinating history of the Studebaker automobile. With engaging exhibits, it offers a family-friendly experience, combining culture and nostalgia through vintage cars and interactive displays.

Best time to go to University of Notre Dame

The best time to visit University of Notre Dame is dependent 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 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 CloudyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for University of Notre Dame

To save money on your visit to the University of Notre Dame, consider traveling between January and March when hotel prices are lower, especially on Tuesdays. Use Expedia to compare hotel rates and book packages that include flights and activities for additional savings. Look for Eco-certified accommodations for sustainable options. Don't forget to explore free activities on campus and utilize public transport or walk to keep travel costs down, as the area is pedestrian-friendly. Always check for beverage discounts and cancellation deadlines when booking your stay.

  • 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 makes it easy for you to choose your budget, desired location, and other preferences. You can arrange your results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you find the most affordable hotel options first. Additionally, you can refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will show you sustainable and environmentally-friendly accommodations that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay near the University of Notre Dame with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Explore a world of travel with Expedia