Luxury Hotels Atlas / Places / United States / French Lick / French Lick Resort
French Lick Resort
French Lick, Indiana, United States · Independent · Accessible Luxury
Dr. William Bowles opened French Lick in 1845 as a health resort on the local sulfur springs. Thomas Taggart rebuilt the French Lick Springs Hotel in 1901 as the grand house, and the resort grew to take in West Baden Springs Hotel and the newer Valley Tower. A restoration on the order of $600 million in the mid-2000s brought the two National Historic Landmark hotels back, and the complex now counts 757 rooms. AAA rates it Four Diamond.
- 757 rooms
- Opened 1845
- Architect: Harrison Albright
About French Lick Resort
- Dr. William Bowles founded the springs resort in 1845. Thomas Taggart rebuilt French Lick Springs Hotel in 1901.
- West Baden Springs Hotel and Valley Tower sit in the same resort, restored in a mid-2000s project the history puts near $600 million.
History
Established in 1845 as a health resort by Dr. William Bowles, the French Lick Springs Hotel originally focused on the medicinal properties of local sulfur springs before being rebuilt in 1901 by Thomas Taggart into a grand luxury destination. The resort expanded over time to include the architectural marvel West Baden Springs Hotel and the modern Valley Tower, eventually undergoing a massive $600 million restoration in the mid-2000s. Today, it stands as a premier historic complex featuring two National Historic Landmark hotels and world-class golf facilities.
The setting
2 miles from Highway 150. 7 miles from Paoli Peaks ski resort.
Restaurants and bars
- Power Plant Bar & Grill — Restaurant · Bar & grill
Experiences
- Golf (Donald Ross Course and Pete Dye Course) — 45 holes of golf including the fully restored 1917-designed Donald Ross Course and the 18-hole Pete Dye Course.
- Horseback riding and carriage rides — Horseback riding and carriage rides offered at the resort.
- Historical Trolley Tours — Trolley ride with the resort historian to learn about the historic towns of French Lick and West Baden.
- French Lick Springs Hotel Tours — Guided history tour of French Lick Springs Hotel.
- Historical Walking Tour — Self-guided tour of the past and present buildings, the four springhouses, a bicycle track and ball park.
- Historical Scavenger Hunts — Self-guided clue-based hunts through the history of the two historic hotels.
Amenities
- Two world-renowned championship golf courses (Pete Dye and Donald Ross)
- Massive 105,000 square foot state-of-the-art meeting center
- Historic spas at both French Lick Springs and West Baden Springs hotels
- 51,000 square-foot casino with slot machines, table games, and sportsbook
- Indoor and outdoor pools, fitness centers, and stables with horseback riding
- Diverse dining options including the 1875: The Steakhouse and Hagan's Bar & Grill
Awards
- AAA Four Diamond (2026)
Open French Lick Resort in the atlas for live weekend rates, photos, and the full folio.