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10 beloved places on the Saint Mary-of-the-Woods campus

Blog | 11.02.2018

Our campus is a place where memories are made. It is a collection of sites with significance to everyone in the Woods family — students and their parents, alumni, faculty, staff and Sisters of Providence. Here are 10 of them:

1. Le Fer Hall

Most students think of this building as their castle home! Built in 1923, it is Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College’s residence hall.

Front view of Le Fer Hall.

2. Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto

A sacred and special place where students go to find a quiet place for reflection and prayer. Built by the Sisters of Providence in thanksgiving for the end of World War I, this grotto is a replica of the one in France, which attracts millions of pilgrims worldwide.

The Lady of Lourdes Grotto

3. The Grotto Bridge

Students often feel like they are in Narnia when walking along this wooded path. Its beauty and charm also make it the perfect picture spot.

View of the path through the Grotto Bridge

4. The Big Church

The Church of the Immaculate Conception is seriously one of the most beautiful structures on campus. It is where the Woods family gathers for special celebrations such as the opening of the academic year, baccalaureate Mass and Ring Day. It is designed after a church in Paris, France.

Scenic view of the steeple on the Big Church

5. Saint Mother Theodore Guerin statue

Located near the Big Church, students often visit “Mama Teddy” on the way to lunch or dinner in the dining hall nearby. They also come to her for a ring blessing on Ring Day.

The Saint Mother Theodore Guerin Statue.

6. The Conservatory of Music

With its grand staircases and marble, the sound of music produced by students resonates in all areas of this building. A walk-through could make one think the walls are singing!

Scenic view of the Conservatory of Music from The Avenue

7. The Fountain

The iconic figure at the end of the long Avenue. It tells you that you’re “home.”

Closeup of the top of the fountain on The Avenue

8. Le Fer Lake

The first thing you see when you drive onto campus is this peaceful spot. It’s a place of outdoor learning and relaxation.

Serene photo of a bench overlooking Le Fer Lake.

9. Sledding Hill

The hill overlooking the Grotto is the best place on campus to sled in the winter, and generations of alumni have enjoyed this — unofficially.

Students fly down the sledding hill with the Grotto Bridge in the background

10. Marble Staircase

The grand staircase in Le Fer Hall leads students to their residence floor. In addition to this practical purpose, it is a meeting and photo spot! Because of its beauty and historical significance, it has served as backdrop to countless students and alumni photos.

Stairs and lobby of Le For Hall

2 Comments

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Jennifer Forthman | 08.31.2020 at 5:24pm
The beautiful barn
Sherrill Juday | 08.28.2020 at 10:26pm
You nailed it all these places were my favorites I love the woods. Fall is stunning there