The town of French Lick sits in the very southern part of Indiana. At an elevation of 499 feet and with an estimated population of 1,924 in 2003, hotel-goers visit French Lick for its national parks and historic sites. It has also been home to a few national celebrities.
First settled upon by French traders over 200 years ago, French Lick is so called for its "miracle" sulphur springs. A setting for indigenous dispute, both French and British settlers experienced heavy opposition from the Native Americans, resulting in the British building a permanent fort. This still proved not enough protection, with the famously slaughtering of Irishman Williams Charles, whose remains were allegedly buried underneath the now-standing French Lick Springs hotel.
As well as a rich history, French Lick has played home to national celebrities such as basketball player Larry Bird. The area hosts the Indiana Railway Museum and Hoosier National Forest as well as the healing spring waters for which people originally came.
After recently undergoing a $500 million historic restoration, French Lick Springs Hotel now offers 686 rooms to guests, a new conference and events center, golf courses and shops.
In 1832, the 1,500 acres of land surrounding all of French Springs' famed water went up for public sale. Dr. William A. Bowles bought the land and over several years built the first French Lick Hotel. Now known as French Lick Springs Resort. People still flock from all over to stay in this luxurious hotel and to sample the healing properties of French Lick's springs.
Making a sizeable splash around the French Licks area is Big Splash Adventure Indoor Water Park & Resort. Located between the towns French Lick and West Baden, the resort has been entertaining visitors since 2005. On top of plans to include a 25-person tropical hot tub, 12 themed water features, four water chutes and a 318-foot lazy river, the resort already boasts 154 rooms.
Located two miles from French Lick's casino and within access of both Big Splash Adventure water resort and Indiana Railway Museum, Comfort Suites French Lick offers visitors a myriad of entertainment including an indoor heated hot tub, fitness center, free coffee and breakfast, and a conference room for up to 15 people.
The hotel's 80 rooms differ in quality and price, ranging from including flat-screen televisions to personal robes and whirlpool bathtubs.
Perhaps due to its small population, French Lick does not sport a great number of hotels. The small town does however have a large number of motels, guest houses and bed & breakfast alternatives.
French Lick Penthouse is located directly opposite the famed French Lick Springs Resort and Casino. As a hotel alternative, the penthouse offers top-rated accommodations with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, private elevator access, a washer, dryer and rooftop terrace.
Perfect for fishing fans, the Pines at Patoka Lake Village provides fully furnished log cabins a stone's-throw from Osborn Boat Ramp and the floating fish pier.
Chapman Cottage sits nestled in the surrounding hillside and is located only minutes from the French Lick Springs Resort and Casino. It's a artsy getaway that accommodates two to four people.
