University of Notre Dame
South Bend, IN
A campus of lakes and golden dome, with the Basilica of the Sacred Heart and the Grotto, open to visitors.
The University of Notre Dame, in the community of Notre Dame near South Bend, Indiana, was founded in 1842 by Edward Sorin and eight brothers of the Congregation of Holy Cross. The campus of about 1,260 acres (510 hectares) is arranged around two lakes, St. Joseph Lake and St. Mary's Lake, and is open to visitors. The best-known image is the Golden Dome on the Main Building: covered in real gold leaf and topped by a 19-foot (5.8 m) statue of Mary.
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart stands on the site of Sorin's first church, has stained glass from France and is the tallest structure on campus. The Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes is a replica at one-seventh the scale of the original in France. The “Word of Life” mural on the Hesburgh Library is known as “Touchdown Jesus.” The Raclin Murphy art museum is free to visit. Free student-led tours start on weekdays at the Eck Visitors Center; you register in person on the day of your visit. Visitors park in the designated visitor lots, which charge a fee on weekdays during the day (as of October 2026).
- Nearest town
- South Bend, IN
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 41.7030, -86.2390
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. Cold, short days in December–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Spaulding Lake CampgroundMotorhome stopover6 mi from University of Notre DameMotorhomes
- Elkhart RV ResortMotorhome stopover7 mi from University of Notre DameMotorhomes
- Riverfront Park CampgroundMotorhome stopover10 mi from University of Notre DameMotorhomes
- Maple Ridge CampgroundMotorhome stopover12 mi from University of Notre DameTentsMotorhomes
- Fuller's Resort & CampgroundMotorhome stopover13 mi from University of Notre DameTentsMotorhomes
- Mini Mountain CampgroundMotorhome stopover13 mi from University of Notre DameTentsMotorhomes
All campsites in Indiana · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is University of Notre Dame?
University of Notre Dame is in South Bend, IN, at GPS 41.7030, -86.2390. It is about 22 mi from Nappanee.
Can you camp near University of Notre Dame?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Spaulding Lake Campground, about 6 mi away; within 25 mi there are 24 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass University of Notre Dame?
University of Notre Dame is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Indiana Dunes and northern Indiana’s Amish country.
What is there to see near University of Notre Dame?
Places worth a stop nearby: Studebaker National Museum (2 mi), Shipshewana (33 mi), Mount Baldy (36 mi) and Indiana Dunes State Park (43 mi).
When is the best time to visit University of Notre Dame?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)