French Lick Resort

For a weekend getaway or a family Spring Break destination, consider French Lick Resort in southern Indiana, about a five-hour drive from Fort Wayne. Nestled in the idyllic countryside of the Hoosier National Forest, French Lick Resort offers luxurious accommodations in two world-class hotels, state-of-the-art spas, excellent dining, championship golf, a Vegas-style casino and a range of activities to suit everyone.

“French Lick is the ultimate Midwest destination,” says Dyan Duncan, public relations manager of the 3,000-acre resort, which recently completed a $500 million historic restoration and expansion. “Families can customize their experience to match their style.” 

The resort offers activities for young children in a safe environment while parents can enjoy a round of golf, a spa treatment, a visit to the casino or enjoy a cocktail in the lounge.

“French Lick Resort is a fabulous driving destination,” says Carol Dines, activities and entertainment manager. “We’re centrally located, and a last-minute trip to French Lick can be easy to plan. People can come for a short trip, which is good if you can’t take a lot of time off work.”

The French Lick Springs Hotel and West Baden Springs Hotel, built in the early 1900s, exude old-world charm enhanced by modern furnishings and amenities. For years, the nation’s social and political elite flocked to the resort to drink and bathe in the waters from the free-flowing springs that abound in the area. The spectacular architecture and breathtaking landscape awed visitors then as they do now. The atrium of the famous dome at West Baden Springs Hotel, sometimes referred to as the Eighth Wonder of the World, spans 200 feet. Six tiered floors with guest rooms overlook the atrium, which is awash with natural lighting. The meticulous renovation of the West Baden Springs Hotel, a National Historic Landmark, restored the lavish property to its original opulence.

Guests choose from a variety of dining venues—elegant, casual or family-friendly. Families in particular enjoy The Grand Colonnade Family Restaurant that offers a moderately priced buffet-style breakfast where kids eat free. There is also Pluto’s Pizzeria where dining is available in a 51,000-square-foot gaming facility.

A huge variety of activities promises something for everyone. In addition to the challenging Donald Ross Course at French Lick and the Pete Dye Course at West Baden, the 9-hole Valley Links Course and its state-of-the-art practice facility, the Valley Links Learning Center, appeal to beginners as well as low-handicap players. 

Guests enjoy year-round tennis and swimming; teenagers especially like to bowl, shoot pool or play video games in Pluto’s Alley. Maps are available for hiking and biking trails; one of Indiana’s best mountain bike trails, the Buffalo Trace Trail, is here, with over eight miles of trails for all riders. Trail rides at the Stables are suited to both the novice and experienced horse rider.

Of special interest to families, KidsFest gives children ages 6 to 12 a chance to have fun and be creative in a safe, supervised environment while their parents take advantage of other resort amenities. Doug May, 57, who developed the KidsFest program, says his goal was simple: design a resort for kids. During his 15 years as a vice president for the Walt Disney Company, May created entertainment throughout the world. KidsFest activities include Kid Cooks, Hey Dude Ranch, Painting, Geocaching (a treasure hunt using GPS), Sports and Wii games. 

“Resort kids can sign up for any experience or simply hang out at the facility and have a place of their own. A true resort,” he adds, “offers experiences for all family members, no matter what their age.”

Stephanie White, 33, a Louisville mother of children ages 3 and 4 , recently visited French Lick with her family. 

“Families can use KidsFest facilities free-of-charge for an hour a day. That’s enough time for my kids to do a craft, race around with jump ropes and do a little dress-up. Had our children been over the age of 6, ” she adds, “we could have scheduled them for sitting services and hit the casino.”

Events this spring offer families special vacation opportunities, including Spring Break Circus, March 18 through April 14, four weeks full of special activities and entertainment, and The Spring 5K/10K Family Classic on April 14 for runners and walkers of all ages, abilities and experience.

French Lick is worth discovering. First, visit the website at www.frenchlick.com. You’ll be amazed by this spectacular property. Then, start packing. 

Photo Caption: World-renowned golf course designer Pete Dye created one of Indiana’s premier championship courses in French Lick.