I am a junior marketing major here at Notre Dame, and as someone who loves Notre Dame so much, I have compiled a top 10 landmark list. Whether you are visiting for a student weekend, a football game, or here to see if Notre Dame is the right school for you, check out my top 10 campus must-see spots!
*In no particular order*
10. LaFortune Student Center
Whether coming for a peppermint mocha to get you through the cold South Bend weather or to cram for an exam, LaFortune Student Center has all of your study and sustainence needs! Fully equipped with lounge spaces, a computer lab, Taco Bell, FedEx, Travel Agency, Bank, Hair Salon, Florist, Convenience Mart, and so much more, LaFortune is the place to go for one-stop homework, socializing and errands!
9. God Quad
Picturesque and beautiful every day of the year, God Quad is the place to be to take in Notre Dame's natural beauty. Take a picture to capture your Notre Dame memories amongst the gorgeous leaves, or the sparkly snow. Just don't step on the grass (or you will flunk your next exam)!
8. Hesburgh Library/Touchdown Jesus
The Hesburgh Library is known for being one of the largest undergraduate libraries in the world and is home to 14 floors of books, study spaces, and research materials. Stop in to the Au Bon Pain on the ground floor for a study snack, and wander the floors and take in some of the University's artifacts and ancient books and scrolls. And of course, there is the obligatory Touchdown Jesus mural, which you can take in near the reflecting pool on the other side of the library facing the Notre Dame Stadium.
7. Notre Dame Stadium
This is where all the excitement of football comes to life. Take a tour of the historic house that Knute Rockne built, tap the "Play Like a Champion Today" sign for good luck, and stand on the turf field and admire the history all around. If you're coming for a game day, get ready to get loud and proud for your favorite team--the Fighting Irish!
6. Basilica of the Sacred Heart
Known for being one of the most beautiful basilicas on a college campus nationwide, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart is a must-see for visitors to campus. Mass is held daily, and visitors are allowed to walk into the basilica to say a prayer or walk around the different areas of the church to look at the ornate displays. Take a moment to reflect here while surrounded by beautiful stained glass and soft candle lighting.
5. The Grotto
The Grotto is one of the most serene spaces on campus, and you can come here to say the rosary, say a prayer, light a candle for a loved one, and take time to reflect on your faith or events in your life. Come to the Grotto and touch the stone found from the original monument in Lourdes, or sit on the benches at night to take in the candlelight and warmth.
4. South Dining Hall
If you are here for a visit, then why not dine like the students at Notre Dame! Come to South Dining Hall and sit in this historic dining room that has an uncanny resemblence to the Great Hall in Harry Potter! (Am I right?) If you are here for a game weekend, then candlelight dinners after each football game sport an array of special entrees and specialty desserts.
3. Residence Halls
Students refer to ND as a second home, so while the dorms are not open to visitors, why not check out their exterior as you walk campus? Each residence hall has a unique feel and history, and some are as old as 1882 (St. Edwards) or as new as 2008 (Ryan Hall).
2. Hammes Bookstore
Your trip to campus wouldn't be complete without some Notre Dame swag, right? Stop by the bookstore to pick up a snack, cup of coffee from Einstein's Bagels, or wander the two floors of apparel and ND Merchandise - from Leprechaun beanies and Notre Dame jerseys to just about anything Notre Dame you could imagine! Show your pride for the Fighting Irish and pick up some logowear!
1. The Golden Dome/Main Building
This is the quintessential landmark here on campus. The Golden Dome is also known as the Main Building and holds the administrative offices here at the University. Stop here to sign up for an information session or campus tour, or meet with an admissions counselor or financial aid advisor. On football weekends, wander the main floors to hear the iconic Trumpets Under the Dome by the Notre Dame Band. The architecture in this building is simply stunning and it is a must-see Notre Dame landmark.