Welcome to Saint Mary-of-the-Woods

The Sisters of Providence invite you to discover our home.

The Woods (that's our nickname) is an extraordinary place. But don't take our word for it! Experience it for yourself.

tree-web

“… It looks like a little piece of Europe was plunked down in the backwoods of Indiana.”

Tommy Kleckner

Director, Western Regional Office for Indiana Landmarks

  • Shrine of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin

    Meet the woman who started it all and learn her amazing story.

  • Must See Places

    There's a lot to see and do. Be sure to visit these places first.

  • Shop & Stay

    No visit is complete without a stop at our stores or an overnight stay.

  • Alpacas & Agritourism

    Did you know we have a certified organic farm with alpacas, chickens and so much more?

  • Walk, Bike, Run, Roll & Stroll

    With miles of paved roads and paths, this is a perfect place to enjoy the outdoors and get your daily exercise.

  • History Buffs

    If you like history then you’ll want to see why we are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

You’ll find a variety of experiences here at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods.

Rooted in spirituality, it’s the perfect place to relax, reflect or pray. You can immerse yourself in our fascinating history and amazing architecture. Animal and nature lovers will discover an abundance of trees and plants as well as a variety of creatures such as alpacas and chickens. You can do a little shopping and stop for a bite to eat. All are welcome.

Enjoying a walk in the Woods during a break.
Saint Mother Theodore Guerin

“We have gone out several times this summer to gather simples and linden blossoms, etc. In each excursion we discover something marvelous, beautiful, and useful in the magnificent forests of Indiana.”

Saint Mother Theodore Guerin

1798-1856, Foundress of the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods

Guided Tours

Schedule a tour for your school, church groups, clubs and organizations.

Self-Guided Tours

Do you like to explore things on your own? We’ve got you covered. Download this walking tour PDF.

What's Nearby

There are a lot of great things in our area you won’t want to miss.

Directions & Hours

Let us help you find your way.

Mass

See times and information about Sunday and weekday services.

There's always something going on at the Woods.

Check out our events, programs and workshops.

Upcoming events

See all

Christmas Fun at the Woods

December 14 at 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm EST

There may even be a visit from Santa himself!

Read More
Nov
23

Mystics and Fellowship

The four-part series will focus on a thoughtful question each month

Read more
Nov
30

Forest Meditations

Leave feeling grounded and calm as you re-enter the world with more clarity and peace

Read more
Nov
30

WVC Alpacas and Friends Open Barn

Come out and let us introduce you to our alpacas!

Read more

Recent stories

See all

Virtual, in-person Taizé prayer scheduled for November 12

By Jason Moon

Teens invited to volunteer with Sisters of Providence in November

By Jason Moon

Sisters of Providence to host Memory Café in October

By Jason Moon

Sisters to celebrate Foundation Day on Oct. 22

By Jason Moon

Teens invited to volunteer with Sisters of Providence in October

By Jason Moon

Virtual, in-person Taizé prayer scheduled for October 8

By Jason Moon

Photo albums

See all
Alpaca ambassador.

Earth Day 2024 in Photos!
Sister Barbara Sheehan walks and talks with her candidate, Paula Fike Daum.

23 candidates start the journey to becoming Providence Associates
Hamming it up with the Earth Defenders.

Earth Day 2023
The Grinch and volunteer NaKea Anderson

Christmas Fun at the Woods 2022
Sister Barbara Bluntzer and friend.

Stories from the Saint Mary-of-the-Woods Historic District
IMG_4724-web

A walk in the Woods during social distancing
Christmas-Fun-at-the-Woods-_-Alpaca-2019-002-WEB

Christmas Fun at the Woods 2019
Fall-Farm-Day-_-alpacas-007-WEB

Fall Farm Day 2019

Stay connected

Our enewsletters and publications will keep you up to date with the  best content from the Sisters of Providence.

Sign up today
Upon their arrival, the firs thing Saint Mother Theodore and her postulates did was seek out a Log Cabin Chapel, which would serve as their very first "convent".

Get in touch

Use the form here to email us about tours, or you can contact us directly at 812-535-2925.

Fill out my online form.