French Lick/West Baden Springs
Unprecedented in the nation, the grand hotels in French Lick and West Baden Springs—both listed in the National Register of Historic Places and located one mile apart in southern Indiana—offer a window on the grand hotel era of the early 20th century and the tradition of "taking the waters." Guests from Al Capone to FDR, Bing Crosby to Helen Keller, captains of industry and pampered socialites, came to imbibe the waters and take spa treatments, enjoy sports and entertainments, and test their luck in the casinos. Today, the restored French Lick and West Baden Springs Hotels still draw visitors for the same pursuits. Like Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, and Hotel del Coronado in San Diego, French Lick and West Baden Springs offer overnight accommodations in an atmosphere steeped in history.
The hotels offer tours.