French Lick-West Baden is a Blossoming Community

Spring into the season in French Lick-West Baden, an area in Indiana’s south-central region named for two neighboring towns in Orange County. The community is packed with fun things to do that appeal to people of all ages, which makes it a perfect place to enjoy a spring break vacation with the kids or an adults-only weekend getaway.

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“There truly is something for everyone here,” says Misty Weisensteiner, executive director of Visit French Lick-West Baden. “We have spas for rest and relaxation, there’s both indoor and outdoor adventure for the whole family, there’s nature – basically, you name it, we have it.”

Experience the Area’s Top Attractions

Named Best Historic Resort by Historic Hotels of America in 2013, French Lick Resort is a must-visit destination that’s made up of two luxury hotels: French Lick Springs Hotel, built in 1845, and West Baden Springs Hotel, which opened in 1902 and was billed as “The Eighth Wonder of the World” due in part to its atrium that spans 200 feet.

In addition to the hotels, French Lick Resort includes three golf courses, KidsFest, where children can take part in daily interactive activities, a six-lane bowling alley, swimming pools, hiking and mountain biking opportunities, a 51,000-square-foot casino, and much more. Both hotels are home to first-class amenities, spas and restaurants, and the resort regularly hosts special events and live entertainment.

Nearby, the French Lick Scenic Railway offers more family-friendly fun, taking passengers on historic train rides through the Hoosier National Park and the 2,000-foot Burton Tunnel. The railway also hosts seasonal events, such as the Wizard of Oz Train Ride that takes place in March and April featuring onboard entertainment and a stage show.

Big Splash Adventure Indoor Water Park

Looking for more ways to entertain the kids? Check out Big Splash Adventure Indoor Water Park. Covering 40,000 square feet, the water park includes slides, a lazy river, a leisure pool, an adults-only hot tub and a shallow pool designed for toddlers.

“When you have the itch to be outside and want to play in the water but it’s still a little too cold, Big Splash Adventure Indoor Water Park is the perfect option,” Weisensteiner says.

French Lick-West Baden also has plenty of can’t-miss dining destinations, including The German Cafe that serves up authentic German cuisine and French Lick Winery, where guests can sample a variety of wines and enjoy a meal at The Vintage Cafe.

“The Vintage Cafe has wonderful organic Pan Bigio bread, as well as excellent pizza,” Weisensteiner says. “Plus, they make all of their sauces from scratch.”

Explore the Great Outdoors

The 200,000-acre Hoosier National Forest draws outdoor adventurers with more than 260 miles of hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding trails, plus dozens of fishing and boating opportunities.

“You could fill multiple days just hiking through the Hoosier National Forest in Orange County and the surrounding area,” Weisensteiner says.

Patoka Lake is within easy reach, too, located about 20 minutes south of French Lick-West Baden. The 8,800-acre lake is a top spot for fishing as it’s stocked with bass, bluegill, catfish, crappie, redear sunfish and walleye, and the surrounding parkland is a favorite destination for camping, picnicking, hunting, hiking and other activities.

“Patoka Lake visitors can rent boats as well as floating cabins, which is unique in this area,” Weisensteiner says.

Plan Your Trip

Learn more about French Lick-West Baden at visitfrenchlickwestbaden.com, where you’ll find complete lists of local restaurants, shopping destinations, special events, lodging options and much more.