University of Notre Dame Tours and Activities

University of Notre Dame featuring heritage architecture, wild flowers and a park
University of Notre Dame which includes a park
University of Notre Dame showing cycling
University of Notre Dame
University of Notre Dame showing heritage architecture, a park 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.

Plan a trip to see University of Notre Dame

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Hotel O Daylight Inn Elkhart I-90, In

Hotel O Daylight Inn Elkhart I-90, In

2.5 out of 5
per person
Sep 5 - Sep 7
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Calgary (YYC) to South Bend (SBN)
3.8/10 (97 reviews)
Was a place in a pinch, it was what it was at the time. I wouldn't recommend it if I had options. You will get what you pay for. Turned on the light and immediately seen bugs running around the wall and bathroom floor. And the room had a smell to it.

Reviewed on May 4, 2025

Comfort Inn & Suites Mishawaka - South Bend

Comfort Inn & Suites Mishawaka - South Bend

2.5 out of 5
per person
Sep 5 - Sep 7
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Calgary (YYC) to South Bend (SBN)
7.2/10 Good! (856 reviews)
Room had smoky smell

Reviewed on Jul. 31, 2025

Baymont by Wyndham Elkhart

Baymont by Wyndham Elkhart

2.5 out of 5
per person
Sep 5 - Sep 7
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Calgary (YYC) to South Bend (SBN)
7.2/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
Was nice and a good price will stay again

Reviewed on Jul. 21, 2025

Popular places to visit

Basilica of the Sacred Heart showing a church or cathedral and heritage architecture as well as a small group of people

Basilica of the Sacred Heart

4.5/5(5 reviews)

A dazzling series of stained-glass windows adorn this Gothic Revival-style church set on the campus of the University of Notre Dame.

Basilica of the Sacred Heart
Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes which includes a park

Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes

Join devotees at a replica of a sacred French cave, where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared before St. Bernadette Soubirous.

Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes

Snite Museum of Art

You can spend an afternoon browsing the exhibits at Snite Museum of Art during your trip to Notre Dame. Attend a football game in this family-friendly area.

Snite Museum of Art

Hesburgh Library

3/5(1 review)

After visiting Hesburgh Library, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Notre Dame. Attend a football game in this family-friendly area.

Hesburgh Library

Notre Dame Stadium

4.5/5(22 reviews)

Catch an event at Notre Dame Stadium during your trip to Notre Dame. Attend a football game in this family-friendly area.

Notre Dame Stadium

Joyce Center

Catch an event at Joyce Center during your trip to Notre Dame.

Joyce Center

Best Lodging Options Near University of Notre Dame

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
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
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
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
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
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
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
See all 820 properties in University of 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 exciting football games and local sports events. Explore the campus through guided tours, partake in social evenings at a billiards parlor, or take in area sightseeing. Don't miss out on the vibrant First Fridays, where the community comes together for festivities. With its blend of athletic spirit and cultural experiences, Notre Dame offers a memorable vacation destination.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near the University of Notre Dame, visit University Park Mall, located 4.8km away, and Heritage Square Shopping, just 6.4km away, both offering family-friendly vibes. If you're up for a drive, check out Round Barn Winery, located 30.6km from the campus.

Recreation

Experience the excitement of Notre Dame Stadium, only 0.6.4km away, where you can soak in the vibrant sports atmosphere. Enjoy ice skating at Compton Family Ice Arena, 1.1km away, or tee off at Warren Golf Course, 1.4km away, surrounded by beautiful outdoor scenery.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of East Race Waterway, located 3.2km from the university, where you can enjoy exciting water sports amidst a vibrant outdoor atmosphere. For adrenaline seekers, South Bend Motor Speedway, 11.3km away, offers exhilarating motor racing. For a unique twist, try Elkhart Tactical Laser Tag, 14.8km away, for an adventurous challenge.

Nightlife

Experience the excitement at Four Winds Casino South Bend for a thrilling night of gaming and city vibes. For a cultural touch, enjoy a performance at South Bend Civic Theater. If you're looking for family fun, head to Strikes and Spares Entertainment Center for arcade games and adventures.

Find the best attractions near University of Notre Dame

Whether you're seeking family-friendly activities, outdoor adventures, or a vibrant city experience, the University of Notre Dame and its surroundings offer a wealth of attractions. Explore the stunning Notre Dame campus, delve into its historic college atmosphere, and attend events at various venues. Enjoy the urban parks and immerse yourself in the local culture while visiting this renowned institution in South Bend, Indiana.

  • St. Mary's College: Located only a mile from the University of Notre Dame, St. Mary's College boasts a rich history and stunning architecture. The college offers a serene atmosphere with beautiful gardens, making it a perfect spot for leisurely walks and cultural immersion.
  • Studebaker National Museum: This museum, situated 3.2km away, showcases the fascinating history of the Studebaker automobile company. With its impressive collection of vintage cars and interactive exhibits, it's a delightful experience for families and culture enthusiasts alike.
  • Century Center Convention Center: Also 3.2km from Notre Dame, the Century Center is a hub for business and events. Its modern facilities host various conferences and exhibitions, making it an essential stop for those interested in the local business scene.

Best time to go to University of Notre Dame

Visitor numbers around University of Notre Dame is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. 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.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
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 money on your visit to the University of Notre Dame, consider exploring nearby free attractions like the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes and Four Winds Casino. For accommodation, the cheapest months are January to March, with Tuesdays being the most affordable days to stay. Use Expedia's search tool to compare hotel prices and find eco-friendly options. Additionally, consider booking a package that combines flights and hotels for further savings. Avoid visiting during peak months like July and October to keep costs down.

  • 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 gives you the flexibility to set your budget, choose your ideal location, and much more. You can easily organize your results by price, starting with the most affordable hotels. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly accommodation options that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your University of Notre Dame hotel reservation with your flights and activities by opting for an Expedia package.