University of Notre Dame
4.7(1.7K)google
4.4(76)yelp
Historic BuildingEducationalPhoto SpotCity Landmark
Overview
The University of Notre Dame du Lac (known simply as Notre Dame; NOH-tər-DAYM; ND) is a private Catholic research university in Notre Dame, Indiana, United States. The university was founded in 1842 by members of the Congregation of Holy Cross, a Catholic religious order of priests and brothers. Its main campus covers 1,261 acres (510 ha) in a suburban setting and has landmarks such as the Golden Dome main building, Sacred Heart Basilica, the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes, the Word of Life mosaic mural, and Notre Dame Stadium.
Practical Info
Mon–Fri8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sat–SunClosed
Suggested Duration3-5 hours
Best TimeAutumn (September-November) during a legendary Notre Dame Fighting Irish home football game weekend delivers an electric, globally famous cultural atmosphere. For architectural and cultural touring, a clear morning between 9:00 AM and 11:30 AM is unparalleled; the sun strikes the iconic 'Golden Dome' perfectly, reflecting brilliant rays against the collegiate gothic brick facades.
Getting ThereSituated immediately north of South Bend at Holy Cross Dr, Notre Dame. Drive via the Indiana Toll Road (I-80/90) and utilize Exit 77 toward Notre Dame; exit south onto IN-933 into the prominent perimeter visitor parking structures (paid, non-gamedays). Alternatively, ride the South Shore Line commuter train to its terminal South Bend Airport station and take a 10-minute rideshare to campus.
Travel Tips
- On Notre Dame home football game Saturdays, absolute traffic lockdowns blanket the campus. Outside visitor vehicles without premium pre-paid game day parking permits are completely denied entry.
- Core academic and religious landmarks, including the Golden Dome, enforce snap physical closures against outside tourists during formal university liturgies, graduations, or final exam weeks.
- The central campus is a strict pedestrian-only zone with all regular vehicle access barred. Park in the multi-story Eddy Street Garage on the southern fringe and utilize the extensive walking paths.
Reviews
Positive
- The campus boasts rich history and architectural beauty; the iconic Golden Dome shines brilliant in the sun, highly stunning.
- The entire campus landscaping is kept immaculately clean like a park, offering a strong, sacred academic and religious atmosphere.
- Directional signs are very clear across campus, and the Eck Visitors Center provides excellent guided tours with polite staff.
- Casual campus exploration is completely free, allowing you to walk freely and absorb the heritage of a world-class university.
Heads up
- On football game days, the crowd density is extreme, making it nearly impossible to walk around due to hordes of passionate fans.
- Parking fees skyrocket to exorbitant prices on game days, and standard visitor spaces are restricted, taking an hour to find a spot.
- The campus bookstore and dining concessions are pricey; a basic university logo sweatshirt easily costs dozens or over a hundred dollars.
- The campus is massive and walking it entirely is exhausting, yet there are few free tourist carts or accessible shuttle options available.