French Lick Resort is an amazing place for families to get away, and the best part: It’s only two hours away from Indianapolis! Located near Hoosier National Forest, French Lick Resort is an all-in-one place to stay and play, all wrapped into a historic and beautiful setting.
Stay at the Historic French Lick Resort Hotel
French Lick Resort and nearby West Baden Springs Hotel are not just majestic, beautiful hotels. They also have a long and storied history.
The French Lick Resort was originally built in 1845 as a health spa, and it drew guests from all over the country. People came seeking the healing properties of the numerous mineral springs found in the area. The hotel became a popular destination for well-to-do travelers, and hosted numerous famous guests over the years, including Al Capone and boxer Joe Louis.
Visiting French Lick Resort Hotel now, you’ll find lots of modern amenities that visitors in the 1800s and 1900s didn’t have, like wi-fi and a state-of-the-art gym. But the hotel still stays true to its history, which is evident in each hotel room and all throughout the hotel.
Play at French Lick Resort
We spent the weekend taking advantage of all of the activities available at French Lick Resort, and we didn’t even do everything! Here’s just a sampling of the fun that awaits you and your family when you visit.
FootGolf
A unique activity for people of all ages, FootGolf combines the best elements of soccer with the traditional game of golf. The 14-hole course at French Lick Resort, located near the Valley Links Course, follows the same rules and etiquette as traditional golf, but you use a soccer ball and your feet instead of clubs. This was one of my family’s favorite activities, and it was a good way to get some steps in!
Horse Stables
Located behind West Baden Springs Hotel, The Stables at French Lick Resort is home to more than two dozen horses. Guests can book a trail ride or pony ride, or hop aboard a horse-drawn carriage ride to get a tour around the grounds.
We opted for a barn tour, where friendly horses were brought out to us to meet and pet. We were given a tour around the barn, and learned about where the horses slept, what they ate, how the handlers take care of them, and lots more. We even got to meet the smallest horse in the stable: Pepsi!
Children’s Activities
Kids have their very own place to hang out at French Lick Resort! At the Activities Center, kids can enjoy crafts, movies, board games and hands-on activities, all led and supervised by trained counselors. Parents can join in, or kids can be dropped off while the grown-ups enjoy some kid-free time to themselves!
When we visited, the Activities Center was also offering a s’mores kit for a small fee, so we enjoyed a freshly toasted treat that we made outside by a fire.
Walking and Hiking
There are lots of opportunities to get some exercise and fresh air around the resort. There are miles of hiking trails that wind through the property, that will take you from West Baden Springs Hotel to the horse stables and all around. For even more fun, pick up a self-guided hike scavenger hunt brochure to look for a list of items while on your hike.
Trolley and Shuttle
Another way to explore French Lick Resort is via trolley! The historic rail trolley makes one-mile trips from French Lick Resort to West Baden Springs Hotel on what is considered the “shortest trolley line in the world.” The resort also offers complimentary shuttle rides all around the grounds and into the town of French Lick. Rides are free for both the trolley and shuttle.
Bowling at Pluto’s Alley and Arcade
On the lower level of French Lick Springs Hotel is Pluto’s Alley, with six lanes of bowling fun. After your game, hit up the arcade for video games, foosball, air hockey and claw machines. If you’re in the mood for a quick bite, Pluto’s Pizzeria is located right next door to the bowling alley, served whole or by the slice.
Swimming Pools
French Lick Resort offers heated indoor and outdoor pools. The indoor pool also has a volleyball net and a fountain, offering even more pool fun!
Nearby Family Fun in French Lick
The town of French Lick has lots to offer for families. If you’re looking to explore beyond the resort grounds, here are a couple of places to visit that are great for all ages.
Wilstem Wildlife Park
A 10-minute drive from French Lick Resort will take you to Wilstem Wildlife Park, a unique place to encounter a variety of exotic animals in a beautiful natural setting. One of the most fun activities that they offer is the drive-thru safari, which allows you to see and feed animals all in the comfort of your own vehicle. You can also meet and greet sloths, giraffes, kangaroos and otters, as well as give an elephant a bath and visit a grizzly bear nature center.
Big Splash Adventure
Looking to make a big splash? Big Splash Adventure in French Lick is a 40,000 square foot indoor water park attached to a hotel. The water park features a lazy river, two large tube slides, two large body slides, Buccaneer Bay play structure, Splish Splash pool for toddlers, indoor pool, adults-only hot tub, and an outdoor pool that’s open during the warm weather months.
More Information
French Lick Resort is located at 8670 IN-56 in French Lick, Indiana. For more information about French Lick Resort, or to book a reservation, visit frenchlick.com.
