West Baden Luxury Travel Guide
A Brief History of French Lick West Baden
French Lick West Baden is a fascinating area in Southern Indiana with a rich history of trials and tribulations. It was once one of North America’s most sought-after vacation destinations for the well-to-do. It boasted its stock exchange, luxury housing, luxury hotels, some of the finest dining in the country, and unrivaled hospitality to guests from around the country. After the Great Depression set the town, and most of the United States, down a path to near ruin, the city was revitalized and is enjoying a significant resurgence in popularity, attracting visitors from around the world to marvel at some of the most impressive architecture in the nation, as well as the area’s incredible natural beauty.
The city’s name is derived from French settlers who saw wildlife enjoying the salt licks in and around the town, as well as the ample number of natural springs that used to fill the city’s multiple springs with pure freshwater and helped the area blossom into an incredible oasis of natural beauty, most of which still stands today. Situated just outside Hoosier National Forest, surrounded by native flowers, shrubs, trees, and beautiful rocky outcrops, French Lick West Baden is one of the most beautiful regions in all of Indiana and worth a visit.
When to Visit
Since it’s located more or less in the middle of the United States longitudinally, the weather is much milder than the weather we are used to here in Michigan. Winters are milder, making it a great place to explore during the colder months, and the spring and summer seasons last a bit longer than they do further north. We visited at the end of summer, and while the temperature was in the low 90s all week, the lack of humidity and abundance of flora meant the air was cooler than the forecast predicted. Since there were so many tall, leafy shade trees, it felt positively heavenly whenever we stepped outdoors. Truly, there isn’t a wrong time to visit the area.
How to Get There & Getting Around
To reach the city, fly into French Lick Municipal Airport or nearby Louisville, KY International Airport, about an hour’s drive away.
Regarding traversing the area, the city has a trolley that takes visitors between the two massive, historic hotels, French Lick Resort and West Baden Springs Hotel, two of the region’s largest draws. Outside the trolley, the city is quite walkable, and driving is effortless if you own a car or have rented one while in town. It didn’t seem like Uber or Left were very popular in the area. Still, if you’re staying at one of the two leading hotels, they have shuttles that regularly depart for nearby attractions, and both are more than happy to help arrange transportation to wherever you need to go.
Where to Stay
We stayed at West Baden Springs Hotel, which has a massive domed interior and gorgeous statues filling the hotel space, and we loved our stay. The staff were amiable, everything was immaculate, and the food within the hotel was excellent. Our favorite places to eat were Ballard’s in the Atrium and Sinclair’s, located within the hotel. It’s also conveniently located near many of the city’s main attractions, and there’s a trolley that regularly departs for nearby French Lick Resort, which has a casino, fine dining, and award-winning golf courses.
French Lick Resort, located less than a mile away from West Baden Springs Hotel, is another luxury hotel in the city that has been serving guests for more than 100 years and, like West Baden Springs Hotel, consistently receives awards for excellence in hospitality, fine dining, and excellence in travel. French Lick Resort is also home to the area’s casino and the award-winning Donald Ross luxury golf course. The same family owns both hotels.
Click here for a video tour of our room, the West Baden Springs Hotel, its gardens, and the Donald Ross Golf Course.
What to Do
Despite the town being smaller than most other towns I write about, there was so much to do during our week-long stay that we were constantly busy in the best way possible. We would always have beautiful things to do and explore in the area. Below are some of our favorite things that we did during our time in the area.
Afternoon Tea at French Lick Resort
Bike around town or the biking paths with bike rentals from either significant hotel in the area
Enjoy a massage at The Spa at West Baden Springs Hotel.
Explore & boat down Blue Springs Caverns in nearby Bedford, IN
Go bourbon tasting on the French Lick Scenic Railway.
Go horseback riding at West Baden Springs Hotel through the woods and along designated trails.
Golf at the Donald Ross luxury golf course
Hike Hoosier National Forest
Ski Paoli Peaks in the winter
Swim under the stars in West Baden Springs Hotel Indoor/Outdoor Pools.
Visit French Lick Winery, take a tour, & do a wine tasting
They make some of the best peach wine and apple brandy we’ve ever had! Plus, the owners are so kind, and their employees are a joy to learn about wine from!
Visit Patoka Lake Nature Center
Wander West Baden Springs Hotel’s gardens
Where to Eat
There are so many great places to eat packed into this historic town. Here are some of our favorite places we ate while in town.
33 Brick Street (for casual dining)
Ballard’s in the Atrium (inside West Baden Springs Hotel)
Café Sinclair’s (inside West Baden Springs Hotel)
French Lick Winery & Vintage Café (Italian restaurant inside French Lick Winery)
Ohana Hawaiian Grille
Sinclair’s (inside West Baden Springs Hotel)
Table One (inside West Baden Springs Hotel)
Xanadu Coffee & Creamery (inside West Baden Springs Hotel)
What’s Nearby
Carmel, IN (123.8 miles away)
Cedar Point Amusement Park (377.9 miles away)
Cincinnati, OH (172.8 miles away)
Columbus, OH (279.5 miles away)
Indianapolis, IN (101.7 miles away)
Louisville, KY (74.2 miles away)
Safety
This region of Indiana is incredibly safe. The only potential safety concern I can think of would be the danger inexperienced hikers might face if they head into Hoosier National Forest and get lost. When you go hiking, always let someone know where you are parking, where you plan to hike, when you plan to come back, and what you wear. We had cell phone service when we ventured into the forest briefly, but as it is one of the most extensive national forests in the nation, it is possible to get lost. Always stick to clearly labeled paths, and always take out everything you bring with you!
Safe travels!
Annie Fairfax
Follow Me for More: @AnnieFairfax
