University of Notre Dame

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


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
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

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1399 Notre Dame Avenue, South Bend, IN
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Doubletree Hotel South Bend

Doubletree Hotel South Bend

4 out of 5
123 N Dr. Martin Luther King BLVD, South Bend, IN
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Motel 6 South Bend, IN - Mishawaka

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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

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

Ivy Court Inn & Suites

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1404 Ivy Court, South Bend, IN
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Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott South Bend at Notre Dame

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott South Bend at Notre Dame

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1220 East Angela Boulevard, South Bend, IN
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La Quinta Suites by Wyndham South Bend Notre Dame Area

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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

While visiting the University of Notre Dame, tourists can enjoy a variety of activities, including attending exciting football matches and exploring local wildlife. Educational tours and area sightseeing are essential for experiencing the rich history and culture of the campus. Don't miss the chance to immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere and unique attractions surrounding this iconic institution.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near the University of Notre Dame, visit University Park Mall, located 4.8km away, offering a vibrant selection of shops and entertainment. If you're up for a drive, explore Round Barn Winery and Six Span Plaza, both around 18-30.6km away, each providing unique local offerings.

Recreation

At Notre Dame Stadium, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of American sports, just 644m from campus. Experience thrilling ice skating at Compton Family Ice Arena, located 1.1km away, or enjoy a relaxing day on the greens at Warren Golf Course, 1.4km from the university.

Adventure

East Race Waterway offers thrilling water sports, located 3.2km from the university, where you can enjoy an adventurous day on the water. For tennis enthusiasts, Leeper Park Tennis Center is situated 1.6km away, providing an energetic atmosphere. For adrenaline seekers, South Bend Motor Speedway, 11.3km away, hosts exciting motor racing events.

Nightlife

The nightlife near the University of Notre Dame offers diverse entertainment options. Enjoy a performance at the South Bend Civic Theater, just 3.2km away, or embrace adventure at Strikes and Spares Entertainment Center, located 4.8km away. For a romantic film night, visit Cinemark South Bend Movies 14, also 3.2km away.

*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 in South Bend can enjoy a delightful mix of urban parks, historic college sites, and event venues. This vibrant area offers family-friendly activities, outdoor adventures, and a taste of city life. Whether you're exploring the picturesque campus or attending an event, there's something for everyone to appreciate in this charming locale.

  • St. Mary's College: A historic institution with a rich cultural heritage, St. Mary's College offers a serene campus atmosphere, perfect for leisurely strolls. You can appreciate its stunning architecture and vibrant gardens, which reflect the essence of education and community.
  • Century Center Convention Center: This modern event venue buzzes with business energy, hosting a variety of conferences and events. Its spacious layout and contemporary design make it an ideal place for networking and discovering local artwork during exhibitions.
  • Basilica of the Sacred Heart: A breathtaking example of Gothic architecture, this church is renowned for its stunning stained glass windows and serene ambiance. Visitors can immerse themselves in its spiritual atmosphere while exploring intricate religious art and history.

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 visit to the University of Notre Dame, consider travelling between January and March when accommodation prices are lower. Tuesdays tend to be the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays are the most expensive. Use Expedia's search tool to filter for affordable, eco-friendly hotels, and consider package deals that combine flights with accommodation and activities for additional savings. Explore free campus attractions and utilise public transport to keep costs down. Always compare prices and look for the best price guarantee to ensure you're getting the best deals available.

  • 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 set your budget, choose your desired location, and much more. You can organise your search results to display prices from the lowest to the highest, allowing you to identify the most affordable hotels right away. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search based on hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel reservation near the University of Notre Dame with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

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