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French Lickin’ Fun: The Best Places to Visit and Things to Do in French Lick, Indiana

French Lick is a town that was built from the start to look after you. The West Baden Springs Hotel has a domed ceiling that stands 200 feet high. Both grand hotels run their own spa, with massages, facials and body treatments. The French Lick Springs Hotel stayed open right through the crash of 1929. Nothing in this whole town has ever been in any particular hurry.

Planning a trip to French Lick, Indiana? You are in for something. This small town has a version of most things, outdoor adventures through to spa treatments. Traveling solo, with friends, or with family, you will find plenty to do and plenty to see.

Eat well at one of the many restaurants in French Lick. Classic American cooking through to international, something will land. And try the local specialties, Hoosier sugar cream pie or fried biscuits and apple butter.

Looking for somewhere to sleep after a long day? French Lick has options, small bed and breakfasts through to luxurious resorts. You can even stay in a historic hotel that once hosted Al Capone and Franklin D. Roosevelt. Wherever you stay, this town makes it easy.

Key Takeaways

• French Lick, Indiana has something for everyone, from delicious food to luxurious spa treatments.
• You can stay in cozy bed and breakfasts or historic hotels that once hosted celebrities.
• There are plenty of fun things to do and places to visit, whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or with family.

Tickle Your Taste Buds

Anyone who eats well should look at French Lick, Indiana. This small town runs enough dining options to settle most cravings.

Dining Delights

French Lick has restaurants across the range, classic American through to international. Take 33 Brick Street for burgers and sandwiches, or the French Lick Springs Hotel for upscale dining at Sinclair’s Restaurant. And for something more casual, try the German-inspired Gasthof Amish Restaurant or French Lick Pizza.

Wine and Dine

Wine drinkers do well here, because French Lick has two wineries. Patoka Lake Winery pours a long selection in a lodge-like room, while the family-owned French Lick Winery & Spirits runs a wine tasting bar, a gift shop, and a pre-prohibition style distillery called Spirits of French Lick.

A Taste of the Wild Side

For something bolder, try the wild game in French Lick. Take the bison burger at 33 Brick Street, or the elk burger at the French Lick Winery & Spirits. And for something genuinely unusual, the German-inspired Gasthof Amish Restaurant runs exotic meats, kangaroo, alligator and ostrich among them.

Whatever your taste buds want, French Lick will settle it. So come hungry.

Rest Your Weary Head

After a long day working through French Lick, you will want somewhere comfortable. French Lick has options for every budget and taste.

Luxury Lodging

For a little luxury, French Lick runs two historic hotels: the French Lick Springs Hotel and the West Baden Springs Hotel. Both offer luxurious rooms and serious amenities.

At the French Lick Springs Hotel there are room types across the range, classic rooms, deluxe rooms and suites. The hotel also runs a spa, several restaurants and a casino.

The West Baden Springs Hotel is known for its atrium, which carries a domed ceiling 200 feet high. There are rooms from classic through to suites. And there is the spa, the restaurants and the golf courses.

Budget Bunking

Traveling on a budget? There are plenty of affordable options in French Lick. Look at one of the many motels or bed and breakfasts in the area.

The Comfort Suites French Lick runs comfortable rooms at a reasonable price. The hotel has an indoor pool, a fitness center and complimentary breakfast.

For something smaller and warmer, take the Green Gables Bed and Breakfast. The Victorian-style bed and breakfast runs comfortable rooms and a proper breakfast each morning.

Whatever your budget or taste, there is an option for you in French Lick. So go and work through the town, because a comfortable bed is waiting at the end of it.

Let’s Get Physical

Ready to get the blood moving? French Lick runs plenty to keep you active. Here are the ways to get physical in French Lick.

Golf Galore

Golf people should be in French Lick. With three championship courses, there is room to work on the swing. The Pete Dye Course is known for its hard layout and its views, while the Donald Ross Course is a classic design dating back to 1917. And for a more casual round, take the Valley Links Course, which suits beginners and families.

Hiking Highs

Take a break from the golf and get on the trails. French Lick has several hiking trails that open out over the countryside. The Patoka Lake Nature Center runs trails for all skill levels, the 2.5-mile Osborn Trail and the 1.5-mile Garden Rock Trail among them. And for a challenge, take the Hoosier National Forest and the 42-mile Knobstone Trail.

Skiing and Tubing

When the snow starts, go to Paoli Peaks for skiing and tubing. With 15 trails and three terrain parks, most abilities are covered. And if you are new to skiing or snowboarding, take a lesson from one of the instructors. Or for something slower, grab a tube and take the tubing hill.

Golf, hiking, skiing or tubing, French Lick keeps you moving. So get out there.

Fun for the Little Ones

Taking the little ones to French Lick, Indiana? There is plenty to keep them going. Water parks through to animal adventures, most small adventurers are covered.

Water Park Wonders

If your kids like water, the Big Splash Adventure Indoor Water Park is the place. There are water slides, a lazy river and a kiddie play area. And the park is heated, so it works year-round.

Animal Adventures

For something wilder, take the little ones to Wilstem Wildlife Park. They can get close to a range of animals, giraffes and elephants among them. The park runs drive-thru safaris and animal encounters, so they learn while they play.

Miniature Golf Madness

Miniature golf always lands with kids, and French Lick has courses to choose from. Take Shotz Miniature Golf and Laser Tag for golf and laser tag together. Or try Hillbilly Hollow Miniature Golf for something more rustic.

Whatever the little ones are into, French Lick has it. So pack the bags, grab the kids and go.

Relax and Rejuvenate

After working through French Lick, it is time to slow down. French Lick has plenty of ways to do that. Here are a couple to get you started.

Spa Sensations

A spa day is the obvious answer. French Lick runs several spas with treatments across the range. A massage, a facial or a body treatment: each is available.

One of the busier spas in town is the Spa at French Lick Springs Hotel. With services across the range, massages, facials and body treatments included, something will suit. And the decor and the room make it easy to settle.

The other option is The Spa at West Baden Springs Hotel. The spa sits inside the historic West Baden Springs Hotel and runs massages, facials and hydrotherapy. With the domed ceiling and the marble floors, the era comes back fast.

Shopping Spree

If shopping suits you better, French Lick has options too. Small boutiques through to gift shops, most tastes are covered.

One of the busier shopping stops in town is the French Lick Mercantile Co. The gift shop runs home decor, jewelry and gourmet foods. And the staff and the room make it easy to stay a while.

The other option is the French Lick Winery Tasting Room. You can sample locally made wines and buy the ones you like. And the room and the views make it feel like the vacation it is.

However you choose to slow down, French Lick has the options. So sit back, take a breath, and let it go.

You do not have to stay in the grand hotels to get the good of this. The Hoosier National Forest runs over 200 miles of trail and costs nothing. Patoka Lake covers over 8,800 acres of water for the fishing and boating. And the Comfort Suites French Lick runs an indoor pool and complimentary breakfast. The rest of the town will slow you down whatever you pay.

History and Heritage

French Lick, Indiana is a town with real history in it. The Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus through to the stock market crash, there are stories to work through. So put on the historian hat and start.

Museum Magic

First, the museums. French Lick has a few worth the visit. The French Lick West Baden Museum is the one to start with. There is a room-sized miniature Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus in there that puts you back in the early 1900s. It holds up.

The West Baden Museum is the other one. The museum sits inside the historic West Baden Springs Hotel and covers the history of the hotel. You get the construction, the famous guests, and the decline and restoration.

Historical Highlights

Now, some of the historical high points of French Lick. During the stock market crash of 1929, the French Lick Springs Hotel was one of the few hotels in the country that stayed open. People were still coming to French Lick to gamble and relax, even through the Great Depression.

And during World War II, the West Baden Springs Hotel was used as a hospital for wounded soldiers. There is a lot of history inside the walls of these two hotels.

History buff or just after an afternoon, French Lick has plenty. Museums through to historical landmarks, most interests are covered.

Outdoor Escapades

When you want to get out of the city and take some air, French Lick runs plenty outdoors. Hiking the Hoosier National Forest through to fishing on Patoka Lake, most tastes are covered.

Forest Frolics

The Hoosier National Forest is a good place to lose yourself. With over 200 miles of trails, there is plenty to walk. Watch for wildlife like deer, turkeys and the occasional black bear. And if you want more, try geocaching and see what you can find.

Lake Leisure

For water, go to Patoka Lake. With over 8,800 acres of it, the fishing, boating and even a sunset wine cruise are all on. And with luck you catch one of the bald eagles that live on the lake.

And pack a picnic and eat on the shore. And if you are feeling brave, take a dip to cool off on a hot summer day.

So grab the hiking boots and the fishing gear and get outdoors in French Lick.

Risky Business

Ready to take a gamble? French Lick runs a serious casino where you can try a range of games. Here are some Casino Capers to try your luck at:

Casino Capers

French Lick Casino

The French Lick Casino is where to test your luck. With over 1,000 slot machines and 37 live-dealer table games, blackjack, craps and roulette included, something will suit. Seasoned gambler or newcomer, the dealers will walk you through it.

Tables

For a more traditional casino night, take the tables. With games across the range, blackjack through to craps, something will fit your style. Just keep your head if the luck turns.

Bowling Bonanza

For something more family-friendly, take the bowling alley. With 16 lanes, you can challenge friends and family to ten-pin bowling. And there is a snack bar if you get hungry.

Feeling lucky or just after a night out, French Lick covers both. Just gamble responsibly.

Special Events and Seasonal Surprises

French Lick, Indiana works year-round, but it also runs seasonal events worth catching. Here are the ones to look for during a visit.

Spring Shenanigans

Spring in French Lick is for new starts and time outdoors. The annual Dogwood Festival in May is the popular one. The festival marks the blooming of the dogwood trees and runs a parade, live music, carnival rides and more.

The other spring event is the Uncorked and Unplugged music series run by the French Lick Winery. It takes place every March with live music, wine tastings and small plates.

Autumn Antics

Fall is a good time in French Lick, with the leaves turning and the air sharp enough for time outdoors. The Scarecrow Festival in September is the popular one, running scarecrow displays, live music, food vendors and more.

The other fall event is the Polar Express train ride. It runs every November and takes you to the North Pole with hot cocoa, cookies and a visit from Santa.

Whenever you come to French Lick, something is on. Check the calendar of events for what is running during your visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the deal with French Lick, Indiana? Is it worth a visit?

French Lick is a small town in southern Indiana and it is worth the trip. It has real history, good scenery and plenty for all ages. Outdoor adventures, spa treatments, or just a book and a quiet afternoon: French Lick covers each.

What are some family-friendly activities in French Lick?

French Lick is full of family-friendly activities that hold both kids and adults. You can take the Big Splash Adventure Indoor Waterpark & Resort, go horseback riding at Wilstem Wildlife Park, or take the French Lick West Baden Museum. And that is only the start.

Can you recommend any free things to do in French Lick?

Of course. Walk through the Hoosier National Forest, take the French Lick Scenic Railway Depot Museum, or find the Bear Hollow Wood Carvers. And for something more active, take a hike or a bike ride on one of the many trails in the area.

What makes French Lick Resort so special?

French Lick Resort is a historic hotel that has been running for over 100 years. It has an atrium, strong restaurants and plenty to keep you busy. You can play a round of golf on one of the championship courses, take a massage at the spa, or try the casino. And the views hold up.

Any romantic activities for couples in French Lick?

French Lick suits a romantic trip. You can take a hot air balloon ride over the countryside, go on a sunset horseback ride, or take a couples massage at the spa. And for something more, book a private dinner in the wine cellar at 1875: The Steakhouse.

Where are the best places to shop in French Lick?

For shopping, French Lick has options. Take the French Lick Springs Hotel Gift Shop, browse the French Lick Winery, or take the local farmers’ market for fresh produce. And for something more upscale, go to the nearby West Baden Springs Hotel.

Frequently asked questions about French Lick, Indiana

Which French Lick museum is worth an afternoon indoors?

The French Lick West Baden Museum. It holds a room-sized miniature of the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus that puts you back in the early 1900s, and the West Baden Museum then covers the hotel itself. That second one runs the construction, the famous guests and the restoration. And the French Lick Scenic Railway Depot Museum then costs you nothing. Do the circus room first, because the rest of it reads better after.

Which French Lick lake works for a full slow day?

Patoka Lake, comfortably. It covers over 8,800 acres of water for fishing and boating, there are bald eagles on it, and a sunset wine cruise handles the slower version of it. The Patoka Lake Nature Center then runs trails for all skill levels. The Osborn Trail runs 2.5 miles and the Garden Rock Trail runs 1.5. Pack a picnic, because the shore is where the whole day goes.

Which French Lick festival is worth timing a visit around?

The annual Dogwood Festival. It runs in May for the blooming of the dogwood trees, with a parade, live music and carnival rides, which makes spring the easiest time to be here. The Scarecrow Festival then takes September with the displays and food vendors. The Polar Express train ride then runs every November with hot cocoa. Book May if you can, because the trees only do that once.

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