Notre Dame Lakes
Tranquil lakes on the University of Notre Dame campus, offering serene walks, wildlife viewing, and beautiful sunrise/sunset vistas.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour magic
Notre Dame Lakes
Best Time
Golden hour magic
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Tranquil lakes on the University of Notre Dame campus, offering serene walks, wildlife viewing, and beautiful sunrise/sunset vistas.
"A beautiful lake with many ducks, geese, and raccoons; a nice place to reflect and get exercise."
🚶♀️ Peaceful Walks
Enjoy a serene walk or run around the lake loop. Great for birding too! :athletic_shoe:
🌅 Capture the Views
The lakes are stunning at sunrise and sunset. Don't miss these photo opportunities! :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Tranquil Lake Loop
Around the lakes
Stroll or run the scenic loop, enjoying the calm waters and abundant birdlife. A perfect spot for reflection.
Sunset/Sunrise Views
Lakeshore
Witness breathtaking sunrises and sunsets over the water. A truly serene and picturesque experience.
Wildlife Encounters
Lake shores and water
Observe ducks, geese, and even raccoons in their natural habitat. A delight for nature lovers.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Serenity
Campus Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Peaceful Walks
Enjoy a serene walk or run around the lake loop. Great for birding too! :athletic_shoe:
🌅 Capture the Views
The lakes are stunning at sunrise and sunset. Don't miss these photo opportunities! :camerawithflash:
🦢 Wildlife Spotting
Keep an eye out for ducks, geese, and other local wildlife. :duck:
🎓 Campus Exploration
Combine your visit with exploring the beautiful University of Notre Dame campus. :world_map:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Peaceful Walks
Enjoy a serene walk or run around the lake loop. Great for birding too! :athletic_shoe:
🌅 Capture the Views
The lakes are stunning at sunrise and sunset. Don't miss these photo opportunities! :camerawithflash:
🦢 Wildlife Spotting
Keep an eye out for ducks, geese, and other local wildlife. :duck:
🎓 Campus Exploration
Combine your visit with exploring the beautiful University of Notre Dame campus. :world_map:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Notre Dame Lakes for their serene beauty and peaceful atmosphere, making them a top spot for reflection and enjoying nature. The scenic walking paths and abundant wildlife are frequently highlighted as major draws, offering a tranquil escape within the vibrant university campus.
"excellent lake--easily in my top five favorite northern Indiana freshwater bodies. doesn't taste half as good as you might think, but still not too bad."
Hap Burke
"Great place to reflect, watch the sunset/sunrise, get exercise, and see the ducks/swans."
Mayleen Liu
"I go there for birding and for walking around the loop of the lake. a nice place to do both."
Keshava Mysore
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Notre Dame Lakes are located on the campus of the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana. You can drive to campus and find parking, or consider public transportation options to reach the university. The lakes are easily accessible from various points on campus.
Yes, there are several parking areas available on the University of Notre Dame campus. Depending on your specific starting point for exploring the lakes, you can find parking lots that offer convenient access to the walking paths.
Absolutely! The paths around Notre Dame Lakes are ideal for biking. Many visitors enjoy cycling as a way to explore the campus and enjoy the scenic views.
While direct public transport to the lakes themselves might be limited, you can take buses or other public transit to reach the University of Notre Dame campus in South Bend. From there, it's a short walk or bike ride to the lakes.
Using a campus map or a GPS app on your phone is recommended. The lakes are a prominent feature, and signs on campus often direct visitors to key landmarks.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no admission fee or ticket required to visit Notre Dame Lakes. They are part of the University of Notre Dame campus, which is generally open to the public for exploration.
The lakes are accessible during daylight hours as they are part of the university campus. While there are no official closing times, it's best to visit when the campus is open and safe.
There isn't a dedicated entrance solely for the lakes. You can access them by entering the University of Notre Dame campus and then following the paths that lead to the water bodies.
As part of a university campus, visitors are expected to be respectful of the environment and the academic setting. Adhere to campus rules and regulations.
While specific pet policies can vary on university campuses, it's generally advisable to check the University of Notre Dame's official guidelines regarding pets on campus grounds.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy walking, running, birdwatching, photography, and simply relaxing by the water. It's a great place for quiet reflection and enjoying nature.
Restrooms and benches are available at various points around the University of Notre Dame campus, including areas near the lakes.
The paths around Notre Dame Lakes are generally well-maintained and suitable for strollers and wheelchairs, offering a pleasant experience for all visitors.
Visitors frequently report seeing ducks, geese, swans, and various other bird species. Raccoons have also been spotted.
Yes, finding a scenic spot by the lake for a picnic is a wonderful idea. Remember to clean up after yourself to keep the area pristine.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire perimeter of the lakes offers beautiful vantage points. The reflections on the water, the surrounding greenery, and the campus architecture in the background make for stunning shots.
Sunrise and sunset provide the most dramatic lighting for photography, with golden hues casting a magical glow over the lakes.
Yes, the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes and the Basilica of the Sacred Heart are often visible or accessible from the lake areas and are iconic photo subjects.
Drone usage is typically restricted on university campuses. It's essential to check the University of Notre Dame's official policy on drone operation before attempting to fly one.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient for most visitors. For wildlife photography, a telephoto lens can be beneficial.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider making it part of a larger campus visit. The University of Notre Dame campus itself has many interesting sights for children, and the lakes provide a peaceful interlude. Remember to bring snacks and drinks, as dedicated concessions right at the lakes might be limited.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Reflective Visitors
Take advantage of the stunning sunrise and sunset views for a truly memorable solo experience.
The campus setting also provides a sense of safety and accessibility. You can easily combine your visit with exploring other quiet spots on campus, like the Grotto, for a day of mindful exploration. 📸 Photographers
The surrounding greenery and the iconic campus architecture in the background provide diverse photographic elements. Keep an eye out for wildlife subjects like ducks and geese, which can add life and interest to your photos.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Lakes of Notre Dame: A Campus Gem
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, the lakes are a haven for local wildlife. Birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts will delight in spotting various species of ducks, geese, and swans that call these waters home. The opportunity to observe these creatures in their natural habitat adds another layer of charm to the experience. The reflections on the calm water surface, especially during sunrise and sunset, create breathtaking visual spectacles, making it a popular spot for photographers.
These lakes are also woven into the fabric of campus life. They are often mentioned in discussions about student experiences, with some traditions even linking the first person you cross a bridge with to marriage.
Experiencing the Lakes: Tips from Visitors
Wildlife observation is another popular activity. The abundance of ducks, geese, and swans provides ample opportunities for birdwatching and enjoying the natural surroundings.
While the lakes themselves are a peaceful escape, it's worth noting that they are situated within a bustling university campus. This means that during major events or peak academic periods, the surrounding campus might be busier. However, the lakes themselves tend to retain their tranquil character.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit