Get ready for a personal encounter with an elephant or giraffe at Wilstem Wildlife Park, also home to grizzlies, kangaroos and other friendly furry creatures. New in 2020 — drive your car through their safari. While you’re at Wilstem, you can go horseback riding, do side-by-side ATV tours and soar through the trees on their zipline tour. Bring your own boat or rent one for days of fun at Patoka Lake, where you can stay overnight in a floating cabin. You can even take a sunset wine cruise on Patoka Lake.
West Baden Springs Hotel at French Lick Resort
Historic Destinations for Today
French Lick Resort is made up of two grand hotels — French Lick and West Baden. Both are more than 100 years old, completely restored to their original grandeur with the modern amenities you want. The hotels have amazing spas, indoor and outdoor pools, beautiful grounds and interesting histories — take one of the guided tours to learn about the original rivalry between the two locations. There’s also horseback riding, bowling, a kids center, shopping, bicycles, casual to fine dining, carriage rides, a casino and comfortable rockers gracing enormous porches. Check out more history at the French Lick West Baden Museum, where you will see a room-sized miniature Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus.
French Lick Scenic Railway
A Taste of French Lick
You’ll get views of the area you can’t get anywhere else when you do an excursion on French Lick Scenic Railway. Choose a bourbon or chocolate tasting excursion or opt for a dinner train. You can even go on a Wild West Shootout adventure or take a day-long trip to Jasper and back. There are also several options for tastings at local wineries and distillery. The family-owned French Lick Wine & Spirits includes a wine tasting bar, The Vintage Cafe and gift shop. Their newest venture, Spirits of French Lick, is the largest pot-still distillery in Indiana, creating pre-prohibition style products. The nearby Patoka Lake Winery is located in a homey lodge-like setting with both indoor and outdoor seating.
The Pete Dye Course at French Lick
Amazing Views & Courses for all Levels
French Lick Resort is a golfer’s dream destination, as it’s home to three courses. They told Pete Dye it couldn’t be done, but he showed them he could do it. The challenging Pete Dye Course at French Lick is one of America’s top-ranked courses and includes miles-long views from its high elevations. The Donald Ross Course was originally constructed in 1917 and underwent a major restoration in 2007. The Valley Links Course is great for families. It’s a nine-hole course that was converted from the 18-hole Tom Bendelow design that was original to French Lick Springs Hotel. Valley Links Course also offers FootGolf, a fun family game that combines elements of soccer and golf.
