It was believed that French Lick's spring waters possessed healing properties, and sick and healthy alike came to take the cure in these waters. The city was also notorious in the Roaring '20s for its illegal gambling dens, and trains full of passengers would flock to carouse in the city's estimated 30 casinos and establishments. A later crackdown forced the gambling trade to dwindle; however, French Lick was ready to reclaim its mantle as a gambling destination when Indiana legalized gambling once more in 2006.
Architecture and history buffs will love spending time in French Lick. The walking tour of the town's notable historic resorts, including the French Lick Casino, is a highlight that shouldn't be missed, especially the soaring dome of the West Baden Springs Resort. Its glorious and light-filled span was the largest of its kind in the world up until the 1960s. Today, visitors flock to the French Lick West Baden region to relax and have fun in some of Indiana's most beautiful countryside.
When is the best time of year to visit French Lick, IN?
High season in French Lick runs roughly from June through October. Whether you plan to escape the summer air inside French Lick Casino or head to French Lick Winery for a tasting, it's a great time to enjoy everything French Lick has to offer. During these months, hit the undulating greens and links of Donald Ross Golf Course, followed by a meal in its impressive clubhouse restaurant. It's a popular time for destination weddings, too. Given the demand for hotels during the late summer season, it's best to book early to lock in the best hotel rates and availability.
Kids also enjoy a visit to The Stables at French Lick for a kiddie pony ride or a trail ride for older kids. The saddle-shy can play a game of horseshoes instead, try on some cowboy hats, or simply watch the chickens and goats on the property.
Avid skiers, snowboarders, and tubers head to Paoli Peaks resort from December through March. This resort offers a good time for beginners and advanced skiers too, and the kids will love to try skiing or tubing.
If you're in town before the Christmas holidays, the Polar Express-themed train ride with Santa, offered by French Lick Scenic Railway, is a favorite holiday activity for kids. This ride is just long enough to be a novelty to kids without getting boring. French Lick Railway's scenic rides are conducted on a vintage locomotive, providing its passengers with an incredible vantage point to take in the autumn leaves, too.
However, many of the city's attractions can be enjoyed year-round, like antiquing, a family trip to Big Splash Indoor Waterpark, and of course, playing games of chance in its casinos. If you're not a gambler, the resort also offers live music performances, and the property also boasts a pizza parlor and a bowling alley to keep families entertained.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in French Lick, IN:
French Lick by Star Rating
Below are 3 charts demonstrating mean rate trends by star rating class in French Lick, IN. You can use these line graphs to calculate the best time period to stay in French Lick for upcoming travels.
Where are the luxury hotels near French Lick, IN?
4 Star Average Prices: $176.55
If you crave the luxury of space, The Villas at French Lick Springs in French Lick provide this amenity and much more. These villas are grand in scale, featuring two-story loft layouts, soaring ceilings, see-through floors, and kitchens with full refrigerators and microwaves. Guests come here to live like they are at home, and in fact, many guests return year after year to this property.
Guests of The Villas at French Lick Springs enjoy access to the property's casino, or they can let loose in the on-site nightclub. For a more casual evening, the barbecue pits on the property enable you to grill out. A sauna and a grand indoor pool round out some of the property's highlights. Back in the room, high-speed Wi-Fi keeps guests connected. This property's authentic woodland setting means its guests enjoy luxurious privacy, with access to the ski slopes nearby.
What affordable hotel options are around French Lick, Indiana?
3 Star Average Prices: $128.91
Head about 20 miles outside of French Lick and you'll find affordable hotel rates at the Quality Inn & Suites in neighboring Bedford, Indiana. It's a quiet yet convenient distance from French Lick with plenty to entertain you once you're back for the night. Wi-Fi connectivity in the guest rooms lets you catch up on your streaming shows, or you can disconnect and head to the outdoor pool in the summer season.
The Quality Inn & Suites in Bedford offers a very large event space that is perfect for business parties, wedding receptions, and events of all kinds. It features a chandelier and a wooden dance floor, amenities you won't often find at a budget roadside hotel.
This property is great for budget savvy families, including furry members of the family. Pets are welcome at the Quality Inn. Before heading out for a day in French Lick, be sure to fill up at the free daily breakfast.