In November , the French Lick Resort Casino , the state's tenth casino in the modern legalized era, opened, drawing national attention to the small town. However, it is best known as the hometown of basketball legend Larry Bird. French Lick was originally a French trading post built near a spring and salt lick. A fortified ranger post was established near the springs in On Johnson's map of Indiana, the community was known as Salt Spring. The town was founded in
THE 15 BEST Things to Do in French Lick - (with Photos) - Tripadvisor
Driving through the hills of southern Indiana, you might not expect to come upon the grandest of grand hotels. But you do. Two of them, in fact! And even though the elegance borders on jaw-dropping, you will feel welcome to come as you are to enjoy golf, entertainment, spa treatments, fine dining, casino fun, horseback riding and more. Travelers have been visiting the French Lick area for well over years. Initially drawn for the healing magic of the restorative mineral springs, guests then stayed on for the atmosphere and service.
French Lick , resort town, Orange county, southern Indiana , U. It lies 50 miles 80 km northwest of Louisville, Kentucky, and is nearly encircled by Hoosier National Forest. Founded in , the settlement was named for an 18th-century French trading post in the area and an animal salt lick within the town boundaries. The first hotel on the site was built in by William A. Bowles, who laid out the town in
Southern Indiana is home to a treasure chest of visitor experiences, but none so rich as French Lick and surrounding Orange County. Plus, where else can you find a sanctuary for African animals like elephants and giraffes alongside the Polar Express? Once known for its medicinal waters, by the end of the s, French Lick had 14 trains arriving daily, bringing wealthy guests to indulge in her two sumptuous hotels. But by the mids, economic depression and decades of decline had taken a toll. They spent millions returning the two Indiana gems to their former opulence.