St Mary Lake, Glacier National Park
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Notre Dame Lakes

4.9
·7 reviews·Notre Dame, United States

Tranquil lakes on the University of Notre Dame campus, offering serene walks, wildlife viewing, and beautiful sunrise/sunset vistas.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Sunrise & Sunset

Golden hour magic

CrowdLow
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St Mary Lake, Glacier National Park

Notre Dame Lakes

Best Time

Sunrise & Sunset

Golden hour magic

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Tranquil lakes on the University of Notre Dame campus, offering serene walks, wildlife viewing, and beautiful sunrise/sunset vistas.

4.9
(7 reviews)

"A beautiful lake with many ducks, geese, and raccoons; a nice place to reflect and get exercise."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ 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:

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.9 · 7 reviews

Type

Natural Feature

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Tranquil Lake Loop

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

Sunset/Sunrise Views

Lakeshore

Witness breathtaking sunrises and sunsets over the water. A truly serene and picturesque experience.

Wildlife Encounters

Wildlife Encounters

Lake shores and water

Observe ducks, geese, and even raccoons in their natural habitat. A delight for nature lovers.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Serenity

Notre Dame Lakes offer a peaceful escape. Visitors rave about the calm atmosphere, perfect for reflection and enjoying nature. Plan for leisurely walks and birdwatching.

Campus Exploration

The lakes are nestled within the University of Notre Dame campus. Consider exploring other iconic campus spots like the Grotto and Basilica while you're there.

Best Times

When
Sunrise & Sunset
Why
Golden hour magic
Crowd
Low
When
Spring & Fall mornings
Why
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The world is a scary place, please be safe. I was right by Notre Dame! Forever grateful I’m TT Maris #fyppppppppppppppppppppppp #southbendindiana #fypシ #scary
@curlymaris
3.7K likes • 26.8K views

🚶‍♀️ 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:

The Corporation of St. Mary’s College, Notre Dame, a Catholic women’s college in Indiana, received $6 million in PPP loans during COVID to retain 417 jobs and support its mission of empowering women through education. #stmarys #notredame #notredamefootball #ppp #ppploan #fyp #unfair #governmen #sba #giveitback
@thepimom
1.4K likes • 11.7K views
IL, WI, IN, MI, OH, WV, KY, MO,TN, AR, OK, VA, NC, SC, GA, AL, MS, LA 5,391 Miles driven Great Lakes Chicago AC/DC Stadium Tour Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Notre Dame Coal Mines and Mountains A gorgeous wedding Vanderbilt University of Tennessee Stephen F. Austin’s birthplace High Point University Beautiful hotels 1 scary hotel Lots of traffic Lots of laughs Epic road trip 2025 complete! Now,...
shimmereestar
7 likes • 210 views

🦢 Wildlife Spotting

Keep an eye out for ducks, geese, and other local wildlife. 🦆

🎓 Campus Exploration

Combine your visit with exploring the beautiful University of Notre Dame campus. :world_map:

Looking for fresh ideas for getting outside to enjoy the beautiful weather? The Lakes on the University of Notre Dame’s campus are stunning and the trails around them are ideal for walking or running enthusiasts alike. Why not head to campus this spring and check them out.🌷🦆
visitsouthbend
248 likes • 8.9K views

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. 🦆

🎓 Campus Exploration

Combine your visit with exploring the beautiful University of Notre Dame campus. :world_map:

What Travellers Say

4.9
(7 reviews)

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

Calm and serene atmosphere
Beautiful walking paths
Abundant wildlife

What People Dislike

Can be busy during events

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. TikTok

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. Instagram

🎫 🎫 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. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. TikTok

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. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ 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. InstagramReddit

Restrooms and benches are available at various points around the University of Notre Dame campus, including areas near the lakes. Instagram

The paths around Notre Dame Lakes are generally well-maintained and suitable for strollers and wheelchairs, offering a pleasant experience for all visitors. Instagram

Visitors frequently report seeing ducks, geese, swans, and various other bird species. Raccoons have also been spotted. Reddit

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. Reddit

📸 📸 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. Instagram

Sunrise and sunset provide the most dramatic lighting for photography, with golden hues casting a magical glow over the lakes. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. TikTok

A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient for most visitors. For wildlife photography, a telephoto lens can be beneficial. Reddit

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