Plan Your Next Getaway: Exciting Things to Do in French Lick, IN.
Nestled in the southern part of Indiana, French Lick is a charming town with a rich history and numerous attractions to explore. One of the town’s most notable features is its historic mineral springs, showcased at the French Lick West Baden Museum.
The museum is a must-visit for those interested in learning about the town’s fascinating past and features exhibits on former casinos, local basketball legend Larry Bird, and a remarkable circus diorama.
The museum provides a glimpse into the town’s past and offers visitors a unique and entertaining experience.
For train enthusiasts, the French Lick Scenic Railway is a must-see attraction. Visitors can ride on vintage diesel locomotives through the stunning Hoosier National Forest, providing a unique and immersive experience of the area’s natural beauty. In addition, the scenic train ride is an ideal way to relax and enjoy the picturesque landscape surrounding French Lick.
If you’re seeking adventure, head to Paoli Peaks, which offers a range of winter sports activities, including skiing, snowboarding, and tubing. With multiple slopes and trails for beginners and experts alike, this ski resort is the perfect destination for those who love the thrill of winter sports.
But don’t worry if you’re visiting in the summertime – Paoli Peaks also offers a wide range of outdoor activities, such as zip-lining, hiking, and mountain biking.
Finally, no visit to French Lick is complete without a stop at the French Lick Winery. Known for producing high-quality wines from locally grown grapes, the winery offers tastings, tours, and a gift shop where you can purchase a bottle of your favorite wine to take home.
French Lick, Indiana, is a gem waiting to be discovered. Its rich history, natural beauty, and attractions make it the perfect destination for those seeking a unique and exciting adventure.
From the French Lick West Baden Museum to the Hoosier National Forest, Paoli Peaks, and the French Lick Winery, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this charming southern Indiana town.
French Lick Scenic Railway
In southern Indiana, French Lick is a destination for fun and adventure. The town has numerous activities for the whole family, including the famous French Lick Scenic Railway. There is also a casino and a water park, making it an excellent place for families.
The French Lick Scenic Railway offers 20-mile day trips, as well as a variety of train excursions. In addition, they also provide extraordinary train journeys and events throughout the year. For instance, the French Lick Scenic Railway hosts The Polar Express (TM) Train Ride from November 4th to December 23rd.
The French Lick Scenic Rail is a great way to experience the area, as it passes through Hoosier National Forest and the second-longest railroad tunnel in the state. The ride is relatively slow, but the scenery is quite beautiful.
Paoli Peaks
In Orange County, Indiana, Paoli Peaks is a small ski resort that attracts skiers and snowboarders. Among its many amenities, it offers a large day lodge on top of the ski hill, an on-site pro shop, and a 700-foot tubing park. It also boasts an impressive snow-making system with 115 snow cannons.
As for the most efficient method of getting there, Paoli Peaks has four campgrounds open during winter within 20 miles of the mountain.
The hotel also has a casino, a spa, and fun children’s activities. A stay at the French Lick Springs Hotel in Paoli, Indiana, is an excellent way to unwind after a day on the slopes.
It is not uncommon for the best ski and snowboard resorts to offer packages with complementary lodging, indoor pools, and other amenities. For instance, a box with the French Lick Resort includes a night at the hotel, a free rental car for your trip, and a free ticket to the French Lick Springs Spa.
French Lick West Baden Museum
Located in French Lick, Indiana, the French Lick West Baden Museum has many exciting histories to share with visitors. The museum also has the world’s giant circus diorama, which depicts the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus, headquartered in French Lick for over a decade in the 1910s and ’20s. There are over 150,000 pieces in the diorama.
Visiting the French Lick West Baden Museum is a fun experience. There are many unique items, such as a giant circus diorama worldwide and several historical connections to the French Lick resort hotels.
Guests can visit the museum any day of the week, including the weekends, and learn more about the town’s history.
The French Lick Museum West Basin is another great attraction to visit. This museum has exhibits about the French Lick spa resort and the town’s illicit gambling activities. A gift shop is open Monday through Friday from 10 am to 4 pm.
Hoosier National Forest
Located in south-central Indiana, the Hoosier National Forest offers visitors a variety of outdoor activities. From hiking to biking to kayaking, this 204,000-acre land has everything you need for a great getaway. So whether you’re looking for a weekend escape or a weeklong family vacation, this state area is perfect for enjoying nature and culture.
The Hoosier National Forest is part of a region that dates back to 1600. It covers parts of nine counties in southern Indiana. The area is open year-round for public enjoyment. The United States Forest Service manages the national forest.
The French Lick Scenic Railway travels through the forest. It runs over 25 miles of track. Guests can take a tour of the rolling hills of the area. Special programming is available.
There are several campgrounds, including full-service modern campsites and rustic sites. These sites have sewer and water hookups.
Some offer lake access, while others welcome horses. Most places have picnic tables and sanitary dumping stations.
Patoka Lake is one of the most popular areas for fishing and boating. In addition, it features an 18-hole disc golf course. The lake is also home to Patoka Lake Outfitters, which offers a wide variety of lodging. There are several cabins, log homes, and secluded log cabins to choose from.
The Spring Valley Recreation Area offers hiking and horseback riding trails. The park also offers a boat launch. It’s located along the Ohio River.
French Lick Winery
Located in French Lick, Indiana, the French Lick Winery is an ideal spot for a day of fun in Southern Indiana. It’s located in a historic building and offers tastings of twenty different wines. The restaurant also offers a delicious meal experience.
French Lick is a town that has a fascinating history. It was initially a trading post for the French and has become a popular tourist destination since the middle of the nineteenth century. Many of the buildings, artifacts, and stories tell the story of this resort for the rich and famous.
The French Lick Scenic Railway is one of the area’s most popular attractions. Its 20-mile scenic day trips will take you through Hoosier National Forest and the second-longest train tunnel in Indiana.
Conclusion
Located in southern Indiana, French Lick, Indiana, offers a variety of outdoor activities, entertainment, and accommodations. This area is filled with natural beauty and provides a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The area is perfect for visitors of all ages. Activities to keep kids entertained include horseback riding and pony rides. For adults, there are hiking and biking trails and fishing.
The area also has a large lake that is perfect for water sports. Patoka Lake is an Indiana State Park. It features a sandy swimming area, a boating area, and a public beach. There are also paved walking trails that lead to the resort.
There are a variety of hotels and bed and breakfasts in the area. The Green Gables Bed and Breakfast is a good budget option near the town center. The property offers a patio that overlooks the lake.