University of Notre Dame Campus & Lakes Loop

A jaunt around the University of Notre Dame campus is a must-do run when in South Bend. This historic and scenic private university is located just northeast of downtown. It features a large network of pedestrian paths around academic & residential quads, impressive buildings, two lakes, and a large area of athletic facilities, including a running track.

We’ve put together a 5 mile loop hitting the campus highlights. Starting with the ~1 mile through the heart of campus between Angela Blvd. & Holy Cross Dr., using Notre Dame Ave. as an anchor. Then enjoy the ~1 mile loop around Saint Josephs Lake on a scenic cinder path, followed by a second ~1 mile lake loop around Saint Marys Lake. Following these lake loops, take the path headed east, passing the impressive Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes, Basilica of the Sacred Heart, and the Main Building with its Golden Dome and Statue of St. Mary. Continue east through Fieldhouse Mall to The Word of Life Mural, then south along the Library Lawn to the Notre Dame Stadium (home to the Fighting Irish football team), using Lesley Dr. to pass by numerous athletic fields & facilities to the running track. Add a couple of loops and then use Angela Blvd. for 0.6 miles to the start.

Add-On: Just west of campus (using Angela Blvd.), connect to the E-Bank Trail for lovely running along the St. Joseph River.