From wine tastings to giraffe encounters, scenic wildlife boat rides to historic train rides, the French Lick/West Baden area has something for everyone.
story by GLENDA WINDERS
Chances are good that if you’re planning a trip to French Lick/West Baden, you’re heading for the historic hotels there—the French Lick Springs Resort or the West Baden Springs Hotel—and why wouldn’t you?
At either one you can relax in luxurious surroundings that will lull you far away from all the stresses of your day-to-day life. Recline in the same kind of mineral- water bath people were coming for in the 1800s. Schedule a manicure or pedicure at the world-class spas located in each hotel. For an experience unique to the area, soak in a famous Pluto or Sprudel bath. These baths use the same mineral water that made these hotels nationally famous as early as the 1800s. If your itinerary doesn’t include a spa day, both hotels have indoor/outdoor pools and hot tubs.
Looking for adventure? Rent a surrey cart, which is sure to provide some laughs for everyone as you explore some of the resort’s 3200 acres together. Try your luck at the casino, play at one of America’s top golf destinations, dine at fine restaurants such as 1875: the Steakhouse and Sinclair’s or just look up in wonder at the architectural majesty of the dome in the lobby at West Baden.
Visiting French Lick/West Baden is a dream destination for whatever you have in mind. It would be a shame if you were to leave this area without experiencing some of the other adventures that make this part of the state so much fun. If the kids are along—or even if they’re not— don’t miss the Wilstem Wildlife Park in nearby Paoli. Drive your own car through the safari park to see more than forty types of animals. Or thrill your family by booking special encounters where you’ll get to touch, help feed, and have your photo taken with giraffes, elephants, kangaroos, sloths, and primates.
And that’s not all you can do here. When you’ve seen all the wild animals, saddle up for a horseback ride or sail through the treetops on a zip-line. In a new drive- through park that was added just this summer, you’ll meet up with wildlife of a different stripe—animatronic dinosaurs.
Next on your agenda might be a cooling- off respite at Big Splash Adventure.
This 40,000-square-foot indoor water park offers all the fun you can possibly pack into a day. Ride the seven serpentine curves of the Jolly Roger Jetty, slither through the totally enclosed Scallywag Slide, or spiral down Silver Beard’s Revenge.
Swim in the outdoor Doubloon Lagoon pool or take a float trip on the Lost River. Toddlers will love the Splish Splash Pool, and the whole family can have fun together in Buccaneer Bay. New this summer is an underwater virtual reality diving experience that reveals either the treasures of the sea or the mysteries of outer space—your choice.
Adults in the group might prefer tasting some moonshine at the Old Homestead Distillery Hotel and Saloon at Patoka Lake or perhaps wine-tasting at the Patoka Lake Winery. Another option is to take a relaxing Sunset Wine Cruise on Patoka Lake. During your two-hour voyage you’ll enjoy hors d’oeuvres and desserts paired with Indiana wines.
If it’s entertainment you’re looking for, you’ve also come to the right place. The Castle Knoll Amphitheater is where you’ll see such acts as Vanilla Ice, C+C Music Factory, Steve Earle and Hairball, along with others this summer. The venue is located at Castle Knoll Farms, now under renovation. Dating back to the 1920s, the farms once provided meat and produce to the grand hotels in French Lick, and their proximity to the railroad made it possible for people from all over to come and enjoy the farms and the surrounding valley. And now here you are, doing exactly the same thing.
For more information visit: vflwb.com
