University of Notre Dame Tours and Activities

University of Notre Dame featuring heritage architecture, wild flowers and a park


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.

Plan a trip to see University of Notre Dame

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Quality Inn Mishawaka near Notre Dame

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near University of Notre Dame

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
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
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
Ivy Court Inn & Suites
Ivy Court Inn & Suites
2.5 out of 5
1404 Ivy Court, South Bend, IN
Ivy Court Inn & Suites
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
The Clover Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection
The Clover Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection
3 out of 5
52890 State Rt 933 N, South Bend, IN
The Clover Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection
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
On Campus Home Updated Steps From Hesburgh - 10+
On Campus Home Updated Steps From Hesburgh - 10+
South Bend
On Campus Home Updated Steps From Hesburgh - 10+
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.