by Shraddhanvita Tiwari Updated on 20 Oct 2018
A brilliant town to experience the wealth of Indiana’s small towns, French Lick beguiles you with history, natural beauty, delicious food, and a whole lot of rejuvenating treatments. This town is a brilliant example of how it is the small towns that do leisure and entertainment like no other, what with its attractions like the French Lick Resort Casino. And if you thought leisure and entertainment rule the roost here, brace yourself till you are introduced to the city’s sports front. After all, this is the hometown of the iconic basketball player Larry Bird!
The town is a delight to experience today bearing in mind its establishment as a tiny French trading post. Thus also justifying its name’s derivation from being a French trading post and a location near a salt lick. This also strengthens the town’s popularity as a spa town in the late 19th-century. Over time, it garnered popularity as an all-round holiday town with recreation avenues like casinos springing up here.
Let's explore these best things to do in French Lick:
1. Celebrate the treasures of nature at Our Haven Nature Sanctuary
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Stretched over an area of 175 acres, Our Haven Nature Sanctuary is a natural as well as sacred place that welcomes people from every kind of lifestyle to spend some time in the harmony of nature. The place is home to some natural springs, creeks, and secluded areas while camping at sanctuary is one of the best things to do in French Lick. You can also get the membership of this sanctuary. Open on all days of the week between 9am to 9pm, the sanctuary is a venue to the famous Beltane festival and other outdoor events. Check French Lick Indiana upcoming events to attend one here.
2. Know about the Rail history at Indiana Railway Museum
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Founded in 1961, Indiana Railway Museum provides a glimpse of the history of Indiana Railways. The museum displays a huge collection of artifacts related to the railroads of Indiana. The collection of 65 pieces of rolling stock and locomotives is the main attraction. The museum houses three steam locomotives. In addition to this, there are some bi-level commuter cars, passenger cars, carbose, and dome car. The best thing to see in the museum is its 16 miles of ex-Southern Railway. Take a ride in “Spirit of Jasper” while here.
3. Taste the best Pizza at Chicago's Pizza
Famous for its delicious pizza, Chicago’s Pizza restaurant is located in the heart of French Lick. The special chefs of this restaurant prepare the pizza by adding special spices and aromas by using the homemade doughs and sauces. Apart from pizza, Chicago’s Pizza serves some wonderful appetizers, sandwiches, pasta, and salads, tasting which is a must do thing in French Lick. The dishes are made with fresh ingredients. You can also enjoy the drinks such as Lemonade and Iced tea, Sierra Mist, and Mug Root Beer at reasonable price.
4. Take a scenic ride at French Lick Scenic Railway
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Nestled in the picture-perfect surroundings of Southern Indiana, French Lick Scenic Railway boasts a great insight into the history of Indiana Railways. Taking a ride by the historic trains here is one of the popular activities in French Lick. The train ride takes the passengers through the picturesque Hoosier National Forest and through the Burton Tunnel. “Wild-West Hold-ups” is a popular event that this railroad hosts throughout the year. During the holiday season, you should attend the Polar Express Train ride that features a memorable journey to North Pole accompanied by melodious songs and dance.
5. Experience the luxury at French Lick Resort
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Selected as the “Best Hotel in Indiana” by Travel & Leisure Magazine, French Lick Resort is one of the famous points of interest in the city of French Lick. The resort is set amidst the hills of Hoosier National Forest. The resort offers accommodation for both family trips and business tours. For a luxurious stay, French Lick Resort offers three lush golf courses, two relaxing spas, Vegas-style casino, meeting hall, and well-furnished rooms. The resort is a great amalgamation of modern amenities with a historic touch.
6. Enjoy a game of golf at Shotz
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One of the top attractions in French Lick, Shotz lazer Tag and Miniature Golf is an entertainment venue for the entire family. Featuring a 9-hole miniature indoor golf course, an indoor lazer tag, and an 18-hole outdoor golf course. In addition to this, Shotz offers a 32-foot rock climbing wall and 3 station bungee trampoline during Spring. Inside the arena, there is a small dining facility for the visitors.
7. Indulge in the local history at French Lick West Baden Museum
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Telling the story of the last standing “colored church” in West Baden, French Lick West Baden Museum is a treat to the fun-loving people and history lovers. The museum was opened in 2007 to provide an insight into the local history of the town. The museum was a temporary one until it gained popularity in 2008 and became of the best places to visit in French Lick. The museum is set in the historic Dickason building that features the museum, a patio, and restaurant.
8. Have a family time at Big Splash Adventure
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Featuring the Jolly Roger Jetty water slide, Pirate's Plunder, and the famous “toilet bowl”, Big Splash Adventure is a fun-place to be at. There are so many things to do in this water park with family and friends. You can splash the cold water, play basketball in the Lost Treasure Lagoon, or enjoy some strokes of swim. Each activity in this water park is absolutely safe for kids. The park is situated over a large area of 40,000 square feet.
9. Relax at Bliss Spa & Boutique
Offering a wide variety of wellness services, Bliss Spa & Boutique is a unique place to visit in French Lick. Some of the main features of this wellness center are massage therapy, Manicures & Pedicures, Facials, Body Waxing, Mud Wraps, Makeup Artistry, and Full-Service Salon. Come to this downtown French Lick spa to add relaxation to your day and feel rejuvenated.
10. Watch an interesting movie at The Springs Stadium 4
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Wondering what to do next in French Lick? You can end your day in French Lick by catching a movie show at The Springs Stadium 4. This theatre is known for its comfortable seating arrangement, friendly staff, wonderful picture quality, and sound. Enjoy a great cinema quality along with a great selection of snacks and drinks and a clean surrounding. Grab a concession on movie tickets on special days.
11. Try gambling at French Lick Casino
The 51,000 square feet area of French Lick Casino is one of the exciting places in French Lick to be at. The gaming section features a jackpot, slot machines, and table games. Some of the interesting games include classic slots, video poker, progressive jackpots, and video keno while the table games feature blackjack, roulette, craps and more. Enjoy the live music concerts and events in the Casino lounge on your visit.
12. Explore the world of wine at French Lick Winery and Vintage Café
French Lick Winery and Vintage Cafe offers an exciting wine tasting and tour and features a restaurant offering authentic and homemade Italian cuisine. On your visit, take a guided tour to understand the wine producing and processing system. The winery has a wine tasting room which is considered as one of the popular tourist attractions and a must see place in French Lick.
