The area called French Lick, Indiana, site of the French Lick Springs Resort and one of the earliest outposts in the middle – Western wilderness, was first settled more than 200 years ago by French traders.

After the discovery of rich mineral springs, which attracted animals that flocked to lick the waters and wet rocks, this valley became known among the settlers as “The Lick”.

The French had ideas about exploiting these lush salt deposits, but because of one obstacle and another, the French abandoned their trading posts at The Lick.

In 1832, all the lands surrounding the accrual mineral springs, which has been reserved for production of salt, was offered for public sale.

About 1,500 acres – including all the large springs – were purchased by a Dr. William A. Bowles. Within several years he opened the first French Lick Springs Hotel, a ramshackle, three-story frame building. It was an immediate success. People flocked from hundreds of miles to partake of the “miracle waters”. They carried the mineral water away in all sorts of jugs and canvas containers. “Doc” Bowles had struck it rich.

French Lick Springs thrived under various managements with two more buildings being added in 1888. One building called the Clifton had additional rooms for guests while the other building was the Pavilion, which was used for billiards, dancing and had a casino on the second floor. In 1897, the original building, now called the Windsor, burned. The owners were able to rebuild immediately. In 1901 the property was purchased by a syndicate which called itself the French Lick Springs Hotel Co. – headed by the then mayor of Indianapolis, Irish immigrant Thomas Taggart.

It was under Taggart’s imaginative rule that French Lick Springs rocketed to international prominence. First he enlarged the east wing, using brick and marble. He had the Monon Railroad lay a special spur and run daily trains between Chicago and the front entrance of the hotel. He later designed a championship golf course (still later, a second). He modernized and expanded the baths and began bottling “Pluto Water” in concentrated form for national distribution. With an expansive and luxurious spa the elite of politics and society suddenly “discovered” French Lick Springs. It was at this hotel, too, in 1917 that tomato juice was first served by a world famous chef, Louis Perrin.

Taggart insisted that the resort maintain a rigidly elegant dedication to health and recreation. The wealthy celebrities who descended upon the little town in the Indiana hills each spring and fall came (1) to take “the cure”, (2) to play, (3) to conduct business and (4) to gamble.

The popularity of the resort declined over the years. On April 13, 2005 the French Lick Springs Resort was purchased by the Cook-Lauth Group, a newly formed group. The Cook-Lauth Group placed a bid with the Indiana Gaming Commission for the license to operate the Casino.

Located on some 2,600 acres, the French Lick Springs Resort with its 525 rooms, boasts two superb golf courses, the Valley Course and the scenic, Donald Ross designed, Country Club Course. Badminton, volleyball, horseshoes, shuffleboard, croquet and water sports in two swimming pools (including a spacious bubble enclosed one) are other activities offered. Additionally, excellent horses, tennis courts, mineral baths and massages await the pleasure of guests.

A rich colorful history included such famous names as John Barrymore, Clark Gable, Bing Crosby, President Roosevelt, the Truman’s, the Reagan’s and Joe and Rose Kennedy. All were honored guests at the French Lick Springs Resort and Spa. They walked the gardens and relaxed in the spa and enjoyed sitting on our wonderful veranda….and you can too.

We welcome you to the newly restored resort where you will be sure to enjoy all the historic comforts of French Lick while touring in your Model A!