Saint Mary-of-the-Woods

Historic District

Self-Guided Walking Tour

The SMW Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, offers old-world European architecture with a serene, wooded campus. This self-guided tour will take you through the heart of the district, exploring its historic architecture, sacred spaces, and scenic landscapes. As you walk, keep an eye out for historic markers, sculptures, a contemplative labyrinth, and towering trees that would have stood when Saint Mother Theodore Guerin first arrived. You may even spot alpacas and chickens—part of an active farm effort by founders the Sisters of Providence from the 1840's to today. 

1. Church of the Immaculate Conception ("The Big Church")

Your tour begins at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, completed in 1907. This breathtaking French Gothic Revival structure features intricate stained-glass windows from Germany, soaring bell towers, and finely crafted woodwork. Inside, the luminous interior and detailed altar carvings create a space of quiet beauty and reflection.

2. The Conservatory of Music and Guerin Hall

Walking toward the heart of campus, you’ll arrive at two elegant, Beaux-Arts-style buildings—the Conservatory of Music and Guerin Hall—both completed in 1913. The Conservatory reflects the college’s deep commitment to the arts, while Guerin Hall, named for Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, serves as an academic and administrative center. Their symmetrical designs, grand columns, and classical detailing make them standout features of the historic district.

3. Le Fer Hall

Continue toward Le Fer Hall, a stately 1923 Beaux Arts building with twin towers that create a vertical focal point to the horizontal mass of the building. Beaux Arts influences are found in the profusion of detail that leads the eye up wide steps. With its intricate brickwork, elaborate iron lights, and balconies, it has served as a residence hall for generations of students. Inside, a sweeping grand marble staircase preserve its timeless charm.

4. The Grotto

From Le Fer Hall, follow a quiet path to the Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto, built in 1918, passing by Saint Mother Theodore Guerin's arrival stone and across the magnificent stone Grotto Bridge. Modeled after the famous grotto in Lourdes, France, this peaceful sanctuary offers a place for prayer and reflection. The natural stone arch and serene statue of Mary invite visitors to pause and take in the tranquility of the space.

5. Shell Chapel

Nearby, you’ll find the Shell Chapel, one of the most unique and sacred sites in all of the Midwest. Built in 1876, this small stone structure honors a vow made by Saint Mother Theodore Guerin during her perilous journey from France to America. The chapel’s walls are lined with delicate muscle shells from the Wabash River, which are now extinct, symbolizing her safe passage across the ocean and her deep faith.

6. The Cemetery

A short walk brings you to the Sisters of Providence Cemetery, once the final resting place of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin whose remains now reside in the Shrine. The simple, uniform headstones reflect their humility and devotion.

7. The Historic Dairy Barn

The last stop on your tour is the historic dairy barn, now repurposed as a home for horses and student classrooms. The barn’s loft still stores hay, and its sturdy construction speaks to the campus’s longstanding connection to sustainability and land stewardship. As you walk toward the barn, keep an eye out for the alpacas and chickens as well as a herd of 40 horses which are part of the Mari Hulman George School of Equine Studies.

8. Saint Mother Theodore Guerin Shrine

Before concluding your visit, end your trip by indulging in some reflective time at the Saint Mother Theodore Guerin Shrine, a beautifully designed space dedicated to Indiana’s only saint. It provides a moment of quiet reflection and an opportunity to learn more about the incredible woman who shaped this sacred place. You can also find a hidden gem above the shrine where you can see a gorgeous marble carved alter in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel.