Welcome to French Lick! Ride a restored trolley past domed resorts, soak in mineral-rich waters once hailed by presidents, and swing a club where legends teed off beneath rolling southern Indiana hills — visitors come from across the country to experience the grand, historic resorts at the heart of French Lick.
☑️ French Lick Checklist
- Book your Flight: Fly into Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF), just under 90 minutes away
- Reserve your Hotel: Stay at French Lick Springs Hotel or West Baden Springs Hotel to sleep in Gilded Age style
- Join your Tour: Reserve a historic trolley ride or guided hotel history tour to get the full backstory
🛎️ Day 1: Grand Resorts
- French Lick Springs Hotel: Step under the yellow dome and explore marble corridors once walked by presidents and prizefighters
- West Baden Springs Hotel: Gaze up at the six-story domed atrium and wander gardens, wraparound porches, and mosaic-tiled halls
- Historic Trolley Ride: Hop on the old-school red trolley that rolls between the two resorts with charming clatter and vintage charm
- Hotel History Tour: Follow guides through hidden nooks and hear tales of gamblers, gangsters, and hotel ghosts
- Springs Spa Session: Relax in mineral water treatments that made this town famous back in the 1800s
- Afternoon Tea Under the Dome: Sip tea and nibble pastries in the echoing grandeur of the West Baden atrium
- Sunset Veranda Drinks: Grab a cocktail and sit back on a rocking chair while the sky fades behind hotel towers and forested hills
🎲 Day 2: Casino & Rails
- French Lick Casino: Try your luck at slots or table games in a roaring 20s-style casino with high ceilings and Art Deco touches
- Indiana Railway Museum: Climb aboard a vintage train and ride past creeks, cliffs, and country crossings on a narrated tour
- Big Splash Adventure: Splash through indoor water slides and a lazy river with a retractable glass roof
- French Lick Scenic Railway: Take a themed train ride — maybe a Wild West hold-up or fall foliage tour depending on the season
- Lunch in the Atrium: Sit beneath the soaring dome of West Baden and enjoy a bite with grandeur all around
- Larry Bird Statue: Snap a photo with the life-size statue of French Lick’s most famous son near the high school where his legend began
- Evening Bowling at Pluto’s Alley: Bowl a few frames and sip something sweet in this retro alley tucked inside the resort
🏌️ Day 3: Golf & Gifts
- Donald Ross Course: Tee off at one of the most legendary courses in Indiana, where hills, bunkers, and history come standard
- Pete Dye Course Overlook: Even if you’re not golfing, ride up for sweeping valley views and wide skies from this hilltop course
- FootGolf at Valley Links: Try the soccer-meets-golf hybrid on a breezy, casual course fit for all ages
- French Lick Winery: Sample local wines or grab a wine slushie in the cozy tasting room
- Bear Hollow Wood Carvers: Watch chainsaws buzz as artisans carve animals and scenes from massive logs right on-site
- Souvenir Shopping Downtown: Pick up French Lick mineral soaps, casino chips, or Larry Bird memorabilia to remember your stay
- Steakhouse Farewell Dinner: Settle in at a white-tablecloth spot for a ribeye, warm bread, and something decadent for dessert
📅 French Lick Calendar
- Polar Express Train Ride (Nov–Dec): Ride in your PJs while hot cocoa flows and Santa makes his rounds
- French Lick Wine & Spirits Fest (April): Taste dozens of regional pours while live music plays under resort lights
- Derby Day Viewing (May): Sip mint juleps and cheer on horses from the casino lounge or resort bars
- Cars & Guitars Car Show (June): Shiny chrome and rock bands fill the resort grounds
- Red, White & Blazin’ Blue Festival (July 4): Celebrate with fireworks, food, and family fun on the resort lawn
- West Baden Oktoberfest (October): Hoist a stein under the dome while polka bands and bratwurst fill the air
- Holiday Tree Lighting (Late November): Watch the giant tree come to life inside the West Baden atrium as carolers sing
💡 French Lick Tips
- Stay at the Resorts: You’ll want to be steps from the history, dining, and spa treatments
- Bring Nice Clothes: Some restaurants and lounges lean dressy, especially in the evening
- Ask About Ghost Tours: Some guides offer spirited takes on resort history if you’re feeling brave
- Check the Trolley Hours: It’s charming, but it doesn’t run all day — check the posted schedule
- Book Spa Appointments Early: Weekend slots fill up fast — secure yours in advance
- Train Rides Are Seasonal: Some themed rides only run part of the year, so check the calendar before your trip
- Make Golf Tee Times in Advance: The Donald Ross and Pete Dye courses are popular and often booked solid in peak months
🍷 French Lick Menu
- Fried Biscuits with Apple Butter: Crispy outside, soft inside — and the apple butter adds just the right sweetness
- Hoosier Tenderloin Sandwich: A massive breaded pork cutlet that spills over the bun, crunchy and satisfying
- Southern Indiana Fried Chicken: Served golden, juicy, and best with mashed potatoes and green beans
- Local Wine Slushie: Cold, fruity, and easy to sip — the perfect refreshment after a sunny stroll
- French Lick Popcorn: Fresh, buttery, and bagged by the scoop — sold at resort shops and local markets
- Mineral Water Caramels: A nod to the town’s spa roots, these treats are smooth and slightly salty-sweet
- Derby Pie: Chocolate, pecans, and gooey filling in a flaky crust — rich, sweet, and meant to be shared