French Lick & West Baden Springs, Indiana

Historic, unexpected, and easygoing, French Lick and West Baden Springs make a surprisingly memorable couples getaway in southern Indiana.

Why French Lick Is Worth the Trip

Tucked into the rural beauty of southern Indiana, French Lick and neighboring West Baden Springs have drawn travelers since the 1800s, when people came for the mineral springs. Here's why it works so well for two:

  • A hotel that stops you in your tracks. West Baden's 200-foot free-span dome was once called the "Eighth Wonder of the World." It still earns the title.

  • Grand one night, down-home the next. A hayride to a fireside cookout, then steak under gilded ceilings. Not to mention a casino one shuttle stop away. No need to choose a vacation personality.

  • Real time to slow down. Pool time, garden paths, a good book and nowhere you're supposed to be.

  • Romance built into the setting. Springhouses, footbridges, a jazz trio in the library. The resort does most of the work for you.

  • More to explore. French Lick has shops and restaurants to explore and nearby Patoka Lake is a good choice for a day on the water.

Know Before You Book

French Lick Resort has two historic hotels about a mile apart. We chose West Baden Springs for the dome and the quieter pool. French Lick Springs Hotel, dating to 1845, is the stronger pick if you're traveling with family.

Our suite-style room had historic marble floors, period decor and a big, comfortable king bed. A few honest notes: the air conditioning wasn't perfectly tuned, and the elevators are slow. If you're able, take the grand marble staircase. It's the prettier route anyway.

Why We'll Be Back

Ride a horse. Read by the pool. Eat the burger. Dress up for dinner. Walk the gardens hand in hand. Listen to jazz in the library. Get in the car and see where you end up. So many different options, just a road trip away from home.

For years, West Baden Springs was the beautiful hotel we kept deciding was a little too far out of our way. It turns out we'd been looking at it all wrong. Some places aren't worth the detour. They're worth making the destination.

The nest may be quieter now, but the calendar is wide open. French Lick was a pretty wonderful place to start filling it.