French Lick Springs sits quietly in southern Indiana, a place where mineral waters once drew visitors from across the country seeking healing and relaxation. The town built its reputation on natural springs discovered centuries ago, and today, that legacy continues at the French Lick Springs Hotel.
This historic resort offers more than just a place to sleep. You’ll find sprawling grounds, world-class amenities, and a sense of stepping back in time without sacrificing modern comforts.
Whether you’re looking to unwind at the spa, try your luck at the casino, or explore the beautiful countryside, French Lick delivers. What makes this destination special is how it blends history with adventure.
From championship golf courses to family-friendly activities like bowling and arcade games, there’s something for everyone. Ready to discover why French Lick Springs deserves a spot on your travel list?
Let’s explore what makes this Indiana retreat worth the drive.
Historic Mineral Springs with Therapeutic Waters
French Lick earned its name from the natural mineral springs that attracted animals and Native Americans long before European settlers arrived. The springs contain minerals like calcium, magnesium, and sulfur, believed to offer therapeutic benefits for everything from skin conditions to muscle aches.
Visitors in the 1800s traveled by train to “take the waters,” and that tradition continues today at the resort’s spas.
The French Lick Springs Hotel at 8670 IN-56 preserves this heritage through its spa facilities. You can book treatments that incorporate the mineral-rich waters, from soaking baths to specialized therapies.
The experience connects you to the same natural resource that made this area famous generations ago.
What sets these springs apart is their unique mineral composition. The water emerges from deep underground, naturally filtered through layers of rock.
This process creates a distinctive blend that supporters claim helps with circulation, joint pain, and stress relief.
Modern spa treatments at the resort combine traditional spring water therapies with contemporary techniques. You might enjoy a mineral bath followed by a massage, or try hydrotherapy sessions designed to maximize the water’s benefits.
The spa staff can recommend treatments based on your specific needs and preferences.
Beyond the spa, you can still taste the spring water at certain locations around the property. Some guests swear by drinking a glass each morning during their stay.
While medical claims vary, there’s no denying the historical significance of these waters to the region’s development.
Two Magnificent Historic Hotels Under One Resort
The French Lick Resort actually encompasses two spectacular hotels: the French Lick Springs Hotel dating to 1845 and the nearby West Baden Springs Hotel with its jaw-dropping atrium. A complimentary trolley connects the properties, letting you explore both during your stay.
Each building tells its own story through architecture, design, and carefully preserved details.
French Lick Springs Hotel showcases classic resort style with its yellow facade and columned entrance. The lobby features period furniture, ornate chandeliers, and historical photographs documenting the property’s evolution.
Walking these halls, you’ll pass convention spaces, dining rooms, and corridors lined with memorabilia from the resort’s golden age.
West Baden Springs Hotel, often called the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” features a freestanding dome that spans 200 feet. When it opened in 1902, this dome was the largest in the world.
Today, guests gather in the atrium beneath it, surrounded by six stories of hotel rooms arranged in a perfect circle.
The restoration of both properties took years and millions of dollars. Craftsmen used historical records and photographs to recreate original details.
Decorative plasterwork, hand-painted ceilings, and custom carpets all reflect the opulence of the early 1900s. Yet modern amenities like Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and updated bathrooms ensure comfort.
Staying at either hotel gives you access to all resort amenities. You might sleep at French Lick Springs but dine at West Baden, or vice versa.
World-Class Spa Facilities at Two Luxury Locations
Both hotels feature upscale spas offering treatments that go far beyond basic massages. The spas incorporate local ingredients, mineral spring water, and innovative techniques to create memorable wellness experiences.
Appointments fill quickly, especially on weekends, so booking ahead is essential.
The French Lick Springs Hotel spa emphasizes the mineral water heritage. Treatments might include hydrotherapy, mineral wraps, and specialized baths designed to ease tension and improve circulation.
Therapists customize sessions based on your concerns, whether that’s chronic pain, stress, or simply wanting to relax.
Over at West Baden, the spa takes a slightly different approach with more contemporary treatments. You’ll find facials using high-end product lines, body scrubs with seasonal ingredients, and advanced massage techniques.
The treatment menu changes periodically, incorporating new wellness trends and guest feedback.
Spa facilities include relaxation lounges, steam rooms, and quiet spaces where you can decompress before or after treatments. Many guests arrive early to use these amenities, making a half-day experience out of a single appointment.
Robes and slippers are provided, creating that resort spa atmosphere.
Couples treatments are particularly popular, with side-by-side massage rooms and special packages designed for two. Anniversary and special occasion packages often include spa credits, champagne, and other romantic touches.
The staff excels at creating memorable experiences for celebrations.
Championship Golf Courses Designed by Legends
Golf enthusiasts find paradise at French Lick with four championship courses spread across the property. The Pete Dye Course and the Donald Ross Course offer distinctly different challenges, both carved into the rolling southern Indiana landscape.
These aren’t municipal courses, they’re destination-quality layouts that attract serious golfers from across the region.
The Pete Dye Course opened in 2009 and immediately gained recognition for its difficulty and dramatic design. Dye’s signature style shows in every hole, with steep elevation changes, strategic bunkering, and risk-reward opportunities.
The course climbs to the highest point in the county, offering spectacular views alongside challenging shots.
In contrast, the Donald Ross Course provides a more traditional experience. Originally designed in 1917 and restored to Ross’s specifications, this course emphasizes precision over power.
Subtle greens, strategic routing, and classic design principles create a thinking golfer’s challenge. The tree-lined fairways and gentle rolls feel timeless.
Two additional courses, the Valley Links Course and the Sultan’s Run course nearby, expand your options. Valley Links offers a more forgiving layout suitable for higher handicappers, while Sultan’s Run presents another championship test.
With four courses available, you could play a different track each day of a long weekend.
The golf facilities include a well-stocked pro shop, practice areas, and a staff of PGA professionals available for lessons. Club rentals are available if you’re flying in, though serious golfers usually bring their own sticks.
Casino Gaming and Entertainment for Adults
The casino at French Lick Springs Hotel adds an adult entertainment dimension that sets this resort apart from typical spa destinations. With over 1,300 slot machines and numerous table games, there’s plenty of gaming action.
The casino floor buzzes with activity most evenings, drawing both hotel guests and locals looking for entertainment.
Slot machines range from penny games to high-limit machines for serious players. You’ll find classic three-reel slots alongside the latest video machines with bonus features and progressive jackpots.
The casino regularly updates its floor with new games, responding to player preferences and industry trends.
Table games include blackjack, roulette, craps, and poker variations. Minimum bets vary by time and day, with lower limits during weekday afternoons and higher minimums on busy weekend nights.
Dealers are generally friendly and patient with newer players still learning the games.
A poker room hosts daily tournaments and cash games for those who prefer playing against other players rather than the house. Tournament buy-ins range from affordable to substantial, accommodating different bankrolls.
Regular players appreciate the casino’s loyalty program, which rewards frequent visits with comps and perks.
The casino also features several bars where you can grab drinks while gaming. Service staff circulate the floor offering complimentary beverages to active players, a standard casino amenity.
The atmosphere stays lively without becoming overwhelming, maintaining a resort vibe rather than a Vegas intensity.
Family-Friendly Activities Including Bowling and Arcade
Pluto’s Alley brings family fun to the resort with a full bowling alley and arcade games. Located within the French Lick Springs Hotel, this entertainment venue ensures kids and teens have activities beyond the pool.
The retro name and vintage touches create a nostalgic atmosphere that appeals to multiple generations.
The bowling alley features multiple lanes with modern scoring systems and bumpers available for younger bowlers. You can reserve lanes by the hour, making it easy to fit a game into your schedule.
Shoe rentals are included in the lane fee. The alley occasionally hosts leagues and tournaments, but most times remain available for resort guests.
The arcade includes classic games alongside newer options. You’ll find everything from air hockey and basketball shooters to racing simulators and prize redemption games.
While some reviews mention occasional machines eating tokens or being out of order, staff typically respond quickly to issues and provide refunds when necessary.
Pluto’s also houses a casual dining area serving pizza, appetizers, and sandwiches. Many families don’t realize there’s a full bar here too, making it a spot where parents can enjoy a drink while kids play.
The pizza receives consistently positive reviews for quality and value compared to the resort’s upscale restaurants.
This venue becomes particularly valuable during inclement weather or when younger family members need a break from adult-oriented activities. While parents might be golfing or at the spa, grandparents can bring kids to Pluto’s for a few hours of supervised fun.
The staff is generally attentive and helpful, especially when technical issues arise with games or equipment.
Seasonal Events Like the Polar Express Experience
The Polar Express train ride transforms French Lick into a holiday destination each winter. Based on the beloved children’s book and movie, this event sells out months in advance.
Families in pajamas board vintage train cars for a magical journey to the “North Pole,” complete with hot chocolate, cookies, and a visit from Santa.
The resort goes all-out with decorations during the holiday season. Towering Christmas trees fill the lobbies, garlands drape every surface, and thousands of lights create a wonderland atmosphere.
Multiple reviews specifically praise the elaborate holiday decor, noting how much effort the resort puts into seasonal displays. Photography opportunities abound, with families capturing memories against stunning backdrops.
The Polar Express experience includes the train ride, but many families extend their visit into a full weekend. Special packages combine lodging with train tickets, ensuring you don’t miss this popular event.
The trains run multiple times daily throughout November and December, with evening departures being most popular.
Booking requires planning ahead. Tickets typically go on sale in late summer and sell quickly, especially for weekend dates.
The resort’s website provides detailed information about packages and availability. Some reviews mention difficulty getting restaurant reservations during peak Polar Express weekends, so booking dining in advance is crucial.
Beyond winter holidays, the resort hosts other seasonal events throughout the year. Summer concert series, wine tastings, and special golf tournaments appear on the calendar regularly.
The resort’s website and social media channels announce upcoming events, many of which are open to both guests and day visitors.
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