If you’re searching for a new destination for a weekend escape, we’ve found the perfect luxury, midwest vacation spot. Just a short three-hour drive away, nestled in the Indiana hills of the Hoosier National Forest, is the historic French Lick Resort.
The resort is home to two AAA Four-Diamond nationally historic hotels, the French Lick Springs Hotel and the West Baden Springs Hotel. Both are the epitome of classic elegance and sophistication, paired with modern amenities. The French Lick Springs Hotel features stunning murals and historic photographs that capture its rich history, dating back to 1845. The West Baden Springs Hotel is best recognized for its stunning domed atrium, which serves as both a focal point and gathering spot for hotel guests.
The French Lick Resort has something to please every type of vacationer.
Sports Enthusiast
French Lick is a golf lover’s paradise. The resort boasts 45 holes of picturesque and legendary golf with three highly acclaimed courses designed by Donald Ross, Pete Dye and Tom Bendelow.
Saddle up and enjoy a trail ride through the scenic woods on one of the stable’s statuesque horses. If you have little ones in your party, pony rides are also available.
For the sharpshooters, their sporting clays allow guests to try a different type of outdoor sporting challenge.
Family Fun
There are activities for all ages to enjoy in and near the resort. Families can bowl on one of their six lanes or play one of the many lawn games available.
An outdoor activity perfect for all ages is FootGolf, which combines soccer with golf. Each player kicks the ball to the pin in this unique, family-friendly game.
Just ten minutes away is the Wilstem Wildlife Park. This animal encounter experience allows visitors to feed animals like emu, alpaca, eland, llamas and more right from their car. The drive also takes visitors past zebras, Asian elephants and bison. Visitors can pay a small extra charge to have a photo taken with a grizzly bear, feed a giraffe or pet a kangaroo. We recommend a four-wheel drive vehicle for this tour.
Relaxation
If you prefer a more relaxing vacation, you’ll find ample opportunities to unwind at French Lick. The resort features two luxurious spas, offering a full range of services to rejuvenate the mind and body. Enjoy a soak in the legendary Pluto mineral bath, relax with a sacred stone massage or turn back the clock with one of their signature facials.
The hotels also feature four heated pools, both indoors and outdoors, and two hot tubs, perfect for relaxing at the end of the day.
Nature enthusiasts can take a leisurely stroll through the gardens or on ten miles of scenic trails. Plaques displaying stories of historic events that occurred at the resort are located along many of the trails.
Music Lover
Music abounds at the resort. The West Baden Springs Hotel features live music in the atrium every evening, ranging from piano soloists to jazz trios. Throughout the summer and early fall, the Ragtime Rascals perform a mix of ragtime, gospel and military tunes nightly on the front lawn of the French Lick Springs Hotel. National headliners also perform at the resort with artists like Grand Funk Railroad scheduled for September and Clint Black in October.
For the Foodie
The resort features ten restaurants ranging from fine dining to a casual pizzeria. One of their claims to fame is that tomato juice was first served at the hotel when they ran out of orange juice and needed a quick alternative to serve. The neighboring communities of French Lick and West Baden Springs also offer a variety of food and dining options.
If bourbon is your drink of choice, take the bourbon tour. This self-paced tour guides visitors to six locations across the resort, each offering a bourbon-based food or drink item. Just off the main property is the French Lick Winery. Enjoy a tasting to sample from the dozens of locally made wines before purchasing some to take home.
Much More
This is just some of what can be found at the French Lick Resort. Other unique features include trolley rides, historical tours, carriage rides, surrey cart rentals and train rides. The resort even has a full casino and conference center. So, as you finalize your summer and fall travel plans, consider a visit to French Lick Resort. FrenchLick.com