Things To Do

There are a couple of hours between the end of the ceremony and the start of the reception. Notre Dame’s campus is beautiful and full of places to explore, relax, or grab a bite to eat or drink. Below are some of our favorite suggestions! We also included some bars in walking distance from campus if you want to get a drink.

The Word of Life Mural

Notre Dame, IN 46556

Reaching 14 stories high, Hesburgh Library is an important gathering spot for students. Its south side features “The Word of Life” mural, better known as “Touchdown Jesus.” Jesus faces the north end zone of Notre Dame Stadium and, with arms raised, appears to be signifying touchdown.

Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes

Notre Dame, IN 46556

Light a candle and say a prayer at the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes. The Grotto is one-seventh the size of the French shrine where the Virgin Mary appeared to Saint Bernadette.

Main Building

Notre Dame, IN 46556

The Main Building serves a practical purpose: administration headquarters. But its most recognizable feature sits on top. Covered in actual gold leaf, the Golden Dome is visible for miles on a clear day from the right vantage point. A 19-foot-tall, 4,000-pound statue of Mary our Lady is at the peak of the Dome.

Duncan Student Center

Notre Dame, IN 46556

Duncan Student Center provides Notre Dame students with study, meeting, career, and student activity space on campus. It has a variety of dining options, including Modern Market, Chick-fil-A, and Hagerty Family Café.

LaFortune Student Center

Notre Dame, IN 46556

LaFortune Student Center provides Notre Dame students with a meeting place for social, cultural and educational pursuits. Space includes a few places to eat such as Starbucks and Taco Bell.

Saint Marys Lake

Notre Dame, IN 46556

One of the lakes on campus. Theres a path that goes around the lake and a nice deck/sitting area on the side near the Grotto. There's also Our Lady of the Lake World Peace Plaza- a granite infinity fountain with a prayer for world peace inscribed in six different languages and a beautiful dock overlooking St. Mary's Lake.