Finding your way around Greencastle, Indiana, isn't exactly like navigating downtown Chicago, but the map of DePauw University can still throw you for a loop if you aren't prepared. It's a gorgeous campus. Honestly, the mix of 19th-century brick and sleek, modern glass makes it one of the best-looking spots in the Midwest.
But looks can be deceiving when you're late for a tour or trying to find a specific brick-lined path near the South Quad.
Most people think of a college campus as one big block. DePauw doesn't really work like that. It’s more of a sprawling, 695-acre organism that has slowly swallowed parts of the Greencastle grid over the last 180-plus years. You’ve got the historic academic core, the newer residential hubs, and then the massive 520-acre Nature Park sitting just a mile out.
If you just look at a static PDF, you’re going to miss the shortcuts.
The Academic Core and the Iconic "East College"
If you’re looking at the map of DePauw University, the literal and figurative heart is East College. You can’t miss it. It’s that massive building with the towers and the orange-tinted brick that looks like it belongs in a Harry Potter movie. Built in 1877, it's actually on the National Register of Historic Places.
Right in front of it sits "The Boulder."
It’s exactly what it sounds like—a giant rock. But for students, it’s the ultimate meeting spot. If someone tells you to meet at "the rock," don't go looking for a small stone; look for the massive granite hunk near the intersection of Anderson and Locust Streets.
South of East College, the map opens up into the primary academic buildings. You’ll find Asbury Hall and Harrison Hall—the latter being the new home for the School of Business and Leadership. This area is tight, walkable, and filled with those classic Indiana limestone accents.
Navigating the Quads
The campus is basically organized into three main "zones" or quads:
- Holton Quad: This is where the academic heavy lifting happens. It's north of the library and feels very "traditional college."
- Ubben Quad: Located further north, near the athletic fields.
- South Quad: This is where things have changed the most lately.
The university recently poured a ton of money into the South Quad, specifically around the new residence halls. If you're using an old map from five years ago, it’s probably wrong. The new Vernon E. Jordan Jr. Hall and other residential developments have completely reshaped the southern tip of the main campus near Olive and Locust Streets.
Where to Park (Without Getting a Ticket)
Let's be real: parking is the biggest headache on any campus map. At DePauw, the rules are kinda specific.
If you are a visitor, your best bet is usually the lot near the Emison Building (the Admissions office) or the small visitor spots sprinkled near the Memorial Student Union Building on Hanna Street. Whatever you do, don't just park in a spot marked for faculty or "all-student." The Greencastle/DePauw police are pretty efficient, and nobody wants a $30 souvenir ticket.
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For big events like the Monon Bell game (the massive rivalry with Wabash College), the map changes. Basically, every blade of grass near Blackstock Stadium becomes a parking spot, but on a normal Tuesday, stick to the designated visitor lots.
The "Hidden" Nature Park
One thing that often confuses visitors is that the map of DePauw University usually has an "inset" or a separate page for the Nature Park.
It’s not attached to the main campus.
You have to head west on Walnut Street for about a mile. It’s an old limestone quarry that was donated to the school, and it’s arguably the coolest part of the property. It has over nine miles of trails, a reflection center, and the Prindle Institute for Ethics. If you’re visiting for more than a couple of hours, it’s worth the short drive or long walk.
Technology and Interactive Mapping
In 2026, you shouldn't be squinting at a blurry JPEG on your phone. DePauw has moved toward a pretty decent virtual tour and interactive map system.
The Tenzer Technology Center—which is another cool spot on the map located inside the Roy O. West Library—actually helps maintain some of these digital assets. Their interactive map allows you to toggle between "Learning Spaces," "Living Spaces," and "Athletics." It’s much better for finding things like the Peeler Art Center or the Green Center for the Performing Arts (GCPA) without getting lost in the residential neighborhoods.
Speaking of the GCPA, it’s a massive complex. If you’re there for a concert, give yourself an extra ten minutes. The building is a bit of a maze once you’re inside, with different wings for Kresge Auditorium and Moore Theatre.
Walking to Town
DePauw is one of those rare places where the "campus map" and the "town map" are basically the same thing. You can walk from the center of campus to the Greencastle courthouse square in about five minutes.
Most students frequent places like Marvin’s (home of the famous GCB—Garlic Cheeseburger) or Eli’s Books, which serves as the campus bookstore and is located right on the square. If you're looking for the Inn at DePauw, it's situated perfectly between the campus and the downtown shops, making it the unofficial "base camp" for most parents and visitors.
Actionable Tips for Using the Map
To make your visit or your first week on campus easier, keep these few things in mind:
- Trust the Landmarks: If you’re lost, find the tower of East College. It’s visible from almost anywhere and tells you exactly where "Center" is.
- Check the Construction: DePauw is constantly updating. Always check the official "Building DePauw" page for any temporary path closures or new building openings that might not be on Google Maps yet.
- Hanna Street is the Spine: Most of the athletic facilities (Lilly Center, Blackstock Stadium, Reavis Stadium) are located along or just off Hanna Street on the west side of campus.
- The Library is Different Now: The Roy O. West Library underwent a massive renovation recently. It’s no longer just a place for books; it’s a high-tech hub. If the map says "Cafe Roy," that's your go-to for coffee inside the library.
Before you head out, download the latest PDF version of the map of DePauw University from the official website, or better yet, use the interactive mobile version that tracks your GPS location. It’ll save you from walking in circles around the quad when you’re looking for a specific classroom in Asbury.
If you're planning a visit, start your journey at the Emison Building on Seminaries Street. It’s the official front door of the university, and they have physical maps that are much easier to read while walking than a tiny smartphone screen.