Today, we will go on a tour of the University of Notre Dame, a campus steeped in history and traditions. We will show you the inside and outside of these iconic buildings, learn about their traditions, and hear from the Band of the Fighting Irish. Hey, welcome back to Love Nesters! We are at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana. We’re excited to give you a tour of the campus today. It’s that time of year when kids are going back to school. Perhaps you, too, are going to be an empty nester. We hope you’ll join us for some Love Nester adventures. We get a tour. We do best. Tour guide ever! Oh my goodness, thanks for being here. Thanks for being here. Welcome to Love Nesters. We are a Wisconsin couple trying to keep life interesting now that our kids have left the nest. Join us on adventures big and small as we look for the quirky and unique while having some fun along the way. Thanks for being here.
Notre Dame Stadium: The Heart of the Fighting Irish
Our tour begins at the home of the Fighting Irish: Notre Dame Stadium. Notre Dame football and their marching band are known worldwide. When they wanted to expand the seating capacity of this storied stadium, they were told it was not structurally possible to add luxury seating to the current stadium. So, they built three new campus buildings around the stadium and hung seating off the back. These new buildings are the heart of the campus and house a student center, workout facility, reception spaces, restaurants, and more. If you have the opportunity to visit the campus on game day and score tickets, you won’t be disappointed. Hey, if you can’t get tickets, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy the tradition of Notre Dame football. Hey, Lou Holtz was a coach for many teams, including the Minnesota Gophers, the New York Jets, and finally, he won the championship with Notre Dame.
The Legacy of Dan Devine and Father Hesburgh
This statue is of Dan Devine. He was once a coach for the Green Bay Packers. Unfortunately, he didn’t do so well, but at the University of Notre Dame, he won a national championship in 1977. Way to go, Dan! Hesburgh Library was named after Father Hesburgh, one of the presidents of Notre Dame. He was the president that decided to let women come to the university. He also has two world records. He holds the world record for having the most number of honorary degrees of anyone in the world—150 from universities all over the world. He also holds the world record for serving on the president’s cabinet for the longest amount of time. He was very influential in the Civil Rights Act. Fun fact: his brother Hank Hesburgh started a brewery in Beloit, Wisconsin. Is that true?
Touchdown Jesus and Reflecting Pool Traditions
This mural, known as Touchdown Jesus, is actually called The Word of Life. It is 134 feet high and was made from 115 different colors of granite from all over the world. This is the reflecting pool. They dye it dark blue so it looks deeper. So, if you see any blue ducks around campus, they have been swimming in the reflecting pool. It is also a tradition on game days for one of the men’s dorms to come up in the front of the reflecting pool in small flotation devices to chant and run through the reflecting pool as the marching band goes by on game day. Awesome! Father Hesburgh’s office on the top floor of the library can be toured on special occasions. Students line up at the Hesburgh Library before graduation.
Iconic Landmarks: The Golden Dome and Stonehenge
Believe it or not, TripAdvisor says the University of Notre Dame is the number one attraction in this town, and I can see why. It is an absolutely beautiful campus. This building, which we’ve always called Stonehenge, is actually a war memorial that was erected to honor the men of Notre Dame that served in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. The Golden Dome that sits atop the administrative offices is one of the most iconic buildings. At the top of the dome is a 16-foot high, two-ton statue of Mary, Our Lady of Notre Dame. Every 10 years, the dome is re-gilded. The gold is melted down and used on the football helmets and in the ink on the diplomas. So really, you do bring home a piece of the dome when you graduate.
Traditions and Celebrations
These are the steps you want to sit on if you happen to be here the day before the game at midnight. This is the best view to watch the drummer’s circle. If you are ever here on game day, this is where Trumpets Under the Dome is held. The day before the game, the band marches out from the main building, and you can actually see them perform their halftime show.
Dining Halls and Hogwarts Vibes
There are two dining halls on campus: South Dining Hall and North Dining Hall. You’re looking at South Dining Hall, the older of the two dining halls. Inside, it has lots of wood tables and chairs and high ceilings that make people think of Hogwarts. If you’d like to see the marching band’s pre-game traditions, stop by the South Dining Hall on game day.
The Lakes and the Basilica
This is Saint Mary’s Lake, one of two lakes on campus. The other one is St. Joseph. When the university was first founded and they came to this place, it was in the middle of winter, and they thought it was all one lake. So, they named it Notre Dame du Lac, Lady of the Lake. They did not realize there were two lakes until summertime. It was actually a blessing that it was two lakes because if it was all one lake, then the size of the water body would require Notre Dame to make it public. But since they’re small enough, they remain private lakes.
Art, Architecture, and the Fighting Irish Spirit
The Snite Museum of Art has been here for over 40 years, and they are now getting a new building. The new building will open in November of 2023. The art gallery is just such a peaceful place, and they have some amazing exhibits here. This is Brother Corby. He’s the chaplain for the Union Army. He was one of five Holy Cross priests to serve the Union Army. This is before one of their battles. They were praying with him and asking for forgiveness of their sins. Father Corby went on to be the president of Notre Dame.
A Campus Full of Life and Energy
What a great place to visit! Highly recommended anytime you’re in South Bend. And if you’re not, look at the local campus near you. It’s free, free, free! Did you say free? I did not. Good tip—it’s free!
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