French Lick Resort

State: Indiana. Type: historic luxury resort complex spanning the towns of French Lick and West Baden Springs in Orange County, southern Indiana. About 3,000+ acres. Comprises two restored historic hotels (French Lick Springs Hotel, origins around 1845; West Baden Springs Hotel, 1902), a casino (opened November 3, 2006; became Indiana's first land-based casino in 2008), and three golf courses. West Baden Springs Hotel is a National Historic Landmark famous for its ~200-foot free-span atrium dome. Address: 8670 W State Road 56, French Lick, IN 47432.

French Lick Resort is a sprawling, restored historic spa-and-gaming resort in the rolling hills of Orange County in southern Indiana, spanning the neighboring towns of French Lick and West Baden Springs. Its story dates to the 19th century, when mineral springs drew visitors seeking the supposed health benefits of the region's sulfur waters, marketed as "Pluto Water." Two grand hotels anchor the resort: the French Lick Springs Hotel, whose origins trace to about 1845, and the West Baden Springs Hotel, opened in 1902 and once billed as the "Eighth Wonder of the World" for its enormous domed atrium, which held the record as the world's largest free-spanning dome for years after it was built. After decades of decline in the mid-20th century, both hotels were rescued through a major restoration project backed by Indiana's Cook family and reopened in the 2000s. Today the resort combines historic architecture with modern amenities: a casino that opened in 2006, three golf courses including a highly rated Pete Dye layout, spas, restaurants, stables and event space. The area is also woven into Indiana sports lore as the home region of basketball legend Larry Bird, "the Hick from French Lick."

The resort lies in Orange County in southern Indiana, spread across the small adjacent towns of French Lick and West Baden Springs, connected within the resort complex. It sits in a hilly, rural part of the state south of Bloomington and within driving distance of Louisville, Kentucky, and Indianapolis. The main resort address is 8670 W State Road 56, French Lick, IN 47432. The complex covers more than 3,000 acres of grounds, hotels, golf courses and stables.

Southern Indiana has a humid, four-season climate. Summers are warm to hot and humid, winters are cold with occasional snow, and spring and fall are mild and often pleasant. Because the resort is a year-round destination with two large hotels, indoor amenities (spas, the casino, restaurants and an indoor pool) make it comfortable in any season, while golf and outdoor activities are best in the milder spring-through-fall months.

The resort operates year-round, but late spring through fall offers the best weather for golf, the grounds, horseback riding and outdoor recreation, with fall adding autumn color across the surrounding hills. Winter is popular for indoor getaways centered on the spa, casino, holiday events and the West Baden atrium's seasonal decorations. Weekends and holidays are busier and pricier than midweek stays.

The French Lick area's fame began with its natural sulfur springs: in 1845, Dr. William A. Bowles built the first French Lick Springs Hotel to serve visitors drawn to the mineral waters. The hotel burned in 1897 and was rebuilt and expanded, reaching new prominence under owner Thomas Taggart, a former Indianapolis mayor and Democratic National Committee chairman, who turned it into a fashionable retreat for wealthy and notable guests in the early 20th century. Nearby, the West Baden Springs Hotel opened in 1902 with a spectacular atrium capped by a roughly 200-foot dome, promoted as the "Eighth Wonder of the World" and holding the title of the world's largest free-spanning dome for years. The resort's spring-water product, "Pluto Water," was marketed nationally as a health tonic, and the area became known for golf in the 1920s-30s as well as a reputation for illegal gambling. Both hotels declined by the mid-20th century, with West Baden even serving other uses and falling into disrepair before a major restoration led by the Cook family of Indiana revived them. The West Baden Springs Hotel was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1987, and the hotels reopened after extensive renovation in the 2000s, with a casino opening in 2006.

Guests can play the resort's three golf courses, including the acclaimed Pete Dye Course (opened 2009) and the historic Donald Ross-designed Hill Course, which hosted the 1924 PGA Championship. The casino offers slots and table games, and the resort features spas, indoor and outdoor pools, bowling, a bison enclosure, stables with horseback and pony rides, hiking and biking, and seasonal events. Touring the two historic hotels, especially the West Baden atrium, is a highlight in itself, and guided history tours of the properties are available. A vintage-style trolley or shuttle connects the two hotels within the resort.

The two centerpiece landmarks are the French Lick Springs Hotel and the West Baden Springs Hotel, whose vast domed atrium is the resort's signature sight. The casino, the Pete Dye and Hill golf courses, the spas and the resort's gardens and springhouses are all draws. Indiana Landmarks and the resort offer guided tours interpreting the hotels' Gilded Age history and restoration. The surrounding towns of French Lick and West Baden Springs are closely tied to basketball star Larry Bird, adding a sports-history angle for visitors.

The resort is reached by car via State Road 56 in French Lick, in a rural part of southern Indiana. It is within driving distance of Louisville International Airport in Kentucky and Indianapolis International Airport (IND), which are the nearest major commercial airports; the resort also has a small local/regional airport nearby used by general aviation. Given the rural setting, most visitors arrive by car; a personal or rental vehicle is the practical way to get there and to explore the wider area.

As a resort, the two hotels operate year-round, and the French Lick Casino is open 24 hours daily, per resort information as of research. Individual amenities such as the golf courses, spas, pools, stables and restaurants keep their own seasonal hours, and casino gaming has age restrictions (21+). Confirm current hours for specific activities, tours and dining directly with the resort before your visit.

There is no general "gate" admission to visit the resort grounds and historic hotels; costs are tied to what you do. Hotel rooms, golf greens fees, spa services, tours and dining are each priced separately and vary by season and demand, and the casino is free to enter (gaming is 21+). Because rates fluctuate, check current pricing for rooms, golf, tours and packages on the official resort website or by calling the resort.

A day trip is enough to tour both historic hotels, walk the West Baden atrium and perhaps try the casino or a meal. To enjoy golf, the spa and the full range of amenities, most visitors book an overnight or weekend stay, and golf- or spa-focused trips can easily fill two or more days.

Lodging is centered on the resort's own two historic hotels, the French Lick Springs Hotel (reopened with 443 rooms) and the West Baden Springs Hotel (243 rooms), which offer the full resort experience. The surrounding towns of French Lick and West Baden Springs also have smaller inns, bed-and-breakfasts and vacation rentals, and additional lodging can be found in nearby communities and toward Bloomington for visitors who prefer to stay off-property.

The resort houses multiple on-site restaurants, cafes and bars across its two hotels and casino, ranging from casual to fine dining. Outside the resort, the towns of French Lick and West Baden Springs offer additional casual eateries and local spots. For a broader dining scene, larger towns within driving distance, such as Bloomington to the north, provide more variety.

Nearby attractions include the scenic French Lick Scenic Railway, area caves and lakes in the surrounding southern-Indiana hill country, and Patoka Lake for outdoor recreation. The Hoosier National Forest region lies in the same part of the state. Bloomington and Indiana University are within a drive to the north, and Louisville, Kentucky, is reachable to the south for a wider range of attractions.

The nearest major commercial airports are Louisville International Airport (Kentucky) and Indianapolis International Airport (IND). A small regional airport near French Lick serves general aviation. There is no significant public transit into this rural area, so a car is the practical option, though the resort runs an internal shuttle/trolley between its two hotels.

Standard travel precautions apply: the casino is restricted to guests 21 and older, and responsible-gaming resources are available for those who gamble. The resort's grounds are large and hilly, so wear appropriate footwear when exploring outdoor areas, golf courses and trails. Watch children around pools, the atrium balconies and stables. Rural roads to the resort can be dark and winding at night, so drive carefully. For any emergency, dial 911.

Bring comfortable walking shoes for touring the expansive hotels and grounds, and appropriate golf or spa attire if you plan to use those amenities. A valid government photo ID is required for casino gaming (21+). Seasonally, pack layers, sun protection for golf and outdoor activities in summer, and warm clothing for winter visits. A camera is popular for the West Baden atrium.

Even if you're not staying overnight, the West Baden Springs Hotel's domed atrium is worth seeing, and guided history tours help explain the resort's Gilded Age past and restoration. Book rooms, tee times and spa appointments ahead, especially on weekends and holidays. Use the resort's shuttle/trolley to move between the two hotels. Combine a stay with nearby attractions like the French Lick Scenic Railway or Patoka Lake, and remember casino gaming is 21+.

For any emergency, dial 911, the nationwide U.S. emergency number. For resort reservations and general information, the resort's main line is listed as 1-888-936-9360, per resort information as of research.

French Lick Resort - https://www.frenchlick.com/

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This section is being updated and will be available shortly.

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.