Skip to content
BusinessesGrow
University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN

Photo: Eccekevin, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.

SightseeingIconicHistory BuffFree

University of Notre Dame

Eck Visitors Center, Notre Dame campus · Notre Dame, IN

Why you should go…

Founded in 1842 by Edward Sorin of the Congregation of Holy Cross, Notre Dame spreads over 1,261 acres. Free public walking tours leave from the Eck Visitors Center throughout the year, and you register in person on the day. You see the Golden Dome topped by a statue of Mary, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart with stained glass imported from France, and the Grotto, an 1896 replica of the one at Lourdes. The Word of Life mural on Hesburgh Library is the one fans call Touchdown Jesus.

  • #college campus
  • #golden dome
  • #campus tour
  • #basilica

Good to know

General sightseeing guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • The forecast is part of the ticket

    Haze, low cloud, and rain flatten a view. Clear-day visits are worth rearranging your plans for.

  • Golden hour sells out first

    Sunset slots at observation decks and cruises are the first to go, so book those further ahead.

  • Dress a layer warmer

    It is always breezier up high and out on the water than it feels at street level.

  • Timed entry is common

    Plenty of landmarks release tickets in windows rather than at the door, so check before you walk over.

What's around here?

The closest stops to University of Notre Dame, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Tours
    Iconic

    Notre Dame Stadium

    Under $25

    See the 1930 home of Fighting Irish football, and on home game Fridays walk the players tunnel to the north end zone.

    0.3 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours

  • Shopping
    Local Gem

    Shipshewana Auction

    Free

    The Midwest's largest weekly flea market and antique auction, with livestock and horse sales too.

    34 mi awaySwitch it up: Shopping

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Kalamazoo

    Free

    Convention and visitors bureau for Kalamazoo, Michigan, covering hotels, dining, trails and things to do.

    53 mi awayMore like this