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History & Museums

Visit a French Lick museum to learn more about the fascinating Orange County region of south-central Indiana.

There’s so much history packed into the area — from the area’s settlers to the historic French Lick and West Baden Springs Hotel to the French Lick Scenic Railway — that you’re sure to find something that interests you. In our local museums, you’ll find photos, art, artifacts, landmarks, and fascinating exhibits from different times in French Lick’s past.

Find a French Lick museum below and make plans to discover the history behind Indiana’s favorite resort destination.

Self-Guided Historical Walking Tour

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Opened in 1902, West Baden Springs Hotel enjoyed national prominence as it boasted the world's largest free-span dome for more than 50 years before the arrival of modern sports domes. The architectural marvel, with its 200-foot dome, made headlines when it was built and continues to receive international acclaim today. Did you know that the Cubs won the World Series in 1908 after they trained in West Baden during part of spring training? Start your tour in the sunken gardens and you'll learn all about this National Historic Landmark's storied past, including stints as a Jesuit seminary, U.S. Army hospital and private college. Continue your tour at French Lick Springs Hotel and you'll learn more about the first visitors to the area, the famous Pluto Water and the man who put French Lick on the map. Since its early founding, the area of French Lick has been filled with intrigue, adventure and decadence. The rich history surrounding the resort has provided guests with an unmistakable optimism for health, good fortune and the opportunity to satisfy any whim — making it the destination of choice for many of our nation’s most regarded clientele. The Roaring ‘20s brought the likes of the Rockefellers, the Vanderbilts and the Studebakers to this tiny valley in southern Indiana — all rubbing shoulders with politicians, sports legends and gangsters. This was the site of the 1931 Governors' Conference where Franklin D. Roosevelt gained his party's support to run for president. Another interesting fact: Tomato juice was first served as a breakfast drink here. This easy-to-navigate map will guide you around each property. To tour both properties, simply follow the Ferguson Trail.  

West Baden Springs Hotel 1. Sunken Garden 2. Hygeia Spring No. 1 3. Billiards and Bowling Pavilion 4. Sprudel Spring No. 7 5. Bicycle and Pony Track 6. Baseball (West Baden) 7. Apollo Spring No. 3 8. Golf Courses 9. Brick Drive 10. Archway 11. West Baden Depot 12. U.S. Army Hospital 13. The Springs 14. Seal Fountain 15. St. Ignatius 16. Joe Louis Bridge
French Lick Springs 17. French Lick Dairy 18. Valley Links Golf Course 19. Baseball (French Lick) 20. Monon Railroad 21. Tomato Juice 22. Tom Taggart 23. Pluto's Buffet 24. Fort French Lick 25. First Hotel 26. The Springs 27. Pluto Spring 28. Gardens

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CONTACT

FRENCH LICK WEST BADEN
8102 West State Road 56
West Baden, Indiana 47469

Tel. 812-936-3418

Email.

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