When you think of small towns in the Midwest, you often think of endless cornfields on flat land. You probably don’t think of a Vegas-style casino resort sitting right in the middle of the cornfields, hills, and backwoods. But that’s where you’ll find French Lick Resort Casino.

A Vegas-themed casino in the heart of America’s heartland. In a town of 1,777 people per 2019 estimates.

But French Lick is much more than your average land-based casino in small-town Indiana. The resort boasts three hotels and golf courses along with its 1,300 slot machines and variety of table and poker games.

The Valley Links Course Valley Links Golf Course, adjacent to French Lick Springs Hotel, is a regulation length nine-hole course and a conversion of the original Tom Bendelow Valley Links established in 1907. Open through the winter, weather permitting. Pete Dye stands for difficult golf courses. As it is the case here in French Lick as well. Located on a ridge, exposed to the wind, with just a few trees. French Lick, known as the Home of Larry Bird, is a popular golf destination for traveling golfers with more than 7 golf courses and 2 resort courses - from golf course designers like - Donald Ross and Pete Dye. French Lick offers golf packages for buddies trips, couples getaways and golfers looking to play top notch golf courses in Indiana. French Lick, known as the Home of Larry Bird, is a popular golf destination for traveling golfers with more than 7 golf courses and 2 resort courses - from golf course designers like - Donald Ross and Pete Dye. French Lick offers golf packages for buddies trips, couples getaways and golfers looking to play top notch golf courses in Indiana.

So, if you want a true vacation that explores both the high life and the Heartland, then you will love French Lick more than any location in Indiana.

Want to discover more about gambling in Indiana?

Let’s go into the resort and see why this is one of the hottest destinations in America.

French Lick Resort History

The State of Indiana originally gave Patoka Lake a license to host the casino back in 2006, given the state’s law that at the time only allowed riverboat casinos. So, they intended the first riverboat casino to be floating in the middle of a small pond, or the Boat in the Moat, if that makes any sense.

In 2008, they filled the moat surrounding the boat, and it moved inland to become Indiana’s first land-based casino, where it has since grown into a fully fledged resort and vacation destination.

Which we will now cover in the next section and you will discover why you can make a family vacation in the unlikeliest of places.

Casino Gaming at French Lick Resort

As mentioned in the intro, French Lick Casino’s gaming options include 1,300 slot machines, 37 live dealer table games, and a sportsbook.

Enjoy the open and comfortable atmosphere while playing some of your favorite real money slots that include Blazing 7’s, Wonder 4, Buffalo Thundering 7’s, Fate of the 8, Lightning Link, Dancing Drums, and more.

French Lick offers table games of both skill and chance. So take your pick and dive into games like Blackjack, Craps, Roulette, Craps, Sharpshooter, Mini-Baccarat, Three Card Poker, and more.

If you’re not up for the tables or the slots, you can always head over to the sportsbook.

Place bets on up to 20 different sports from the NFL to something as simple as sailing. Just head on over to the south end of the casino between the bar and player service area and you will find the sportsbook.

Take advantage of the three betting windows or go at it alone in a self-serve kiosk. The kiosks are open 24 hours a day, so if the windows are closed, you’re still in luck.

Often, the casino section is the longest. But given its conciseness, you can safely bet that the casino itself is nothing more than a sliver at French Lick. There is a lot more to this venue.

Dining Options at French Lick Resort

French Lick Resort’s dining options range from fine dining at 1875: The Steakhouse to grab and go and in-room dining. And if there is ever a plethora of dining options available at any casino in Indiana, it’s at French Lick. So let’s get to the good stuff.

1875: The Steakhouse, named to commemorate the first running of the Kentucky Derby, gives you an atmosphere like none other in elegance featuring iconic gardens and the Pluto Spring gazebo. Top class, right? 1875: The Steakhouse offers only the finest aged cuts for pristine flavor and tenderness of 100 percent premium angus beef.

Casual dining makes up most of the casino’s dining destinations with seven dynamic options.

If you’re looking for a hotspot for drinks, then the Power Plant Bar & Grill is the place to be. But they also serve a fair share of appetizers, salads, burgers, and sandwiches.

Spring No. 8 serves the finest craft beers, wines, and cocktails. And like Power Plant, this poolside bar is rocking with gut-filling burgers and appetizers.

Receive a taste of history at the Grand Colonnade Restaurant, the site of the 1931 National Governors’ Conference. This former ballroom is known for its breakfast options which include breakfast pizzas, biscuits and gravy, omelets, French Toast, waffles, you name it.

And if you’re in the mood for the ultimate comfort food, head over to Pluto’s Pizzeria. Find a variety of homemade calzones, pizza, or Stromboli. Order in full or by the slice and you’re in Pizza Heaven.

Each of the above dining options is located in the French Lick Hotel. So if you’re frequenting there, you don’t have to go far for the best food in the area. And boy, do you have choices galore.

But if you’re staying at West Baden Springs, you’re also covered with two stellar dining options.

Located in the hotel’s original dining room, Cafe Sinclair’s is the ultimate location for breakfast or a fine brunch. Whether you’re looking for something simple like fresh fruit or something more sophisticated, you’ll find it at Cafe Sinclair’s.

Ballard’s in the Atrium is your mutant hybrid of casual and upscale dining. Enjoy the view of the West Baden Springs Hotel Dome while you immerse yourself in salads, appetizers, pizza, sandwiches, double entrees, etc.

Over in Valley Tower is French Lick’s latest dining option, Valley Bar. Down regional craft beers and customized cocktails and light cuisine. Conveniently located near the Events Center, it’s the perfect place to gather after the big show or if the Colts are playing, it’s a fantastic spot to catch the action.

Casino Park Grill is the perfect place for a grab and go breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Located just off the casino floor, stop in for a quick bite then get back to the gaming action.

There are two more grab and go options, the French Lick Mercantile and Xanadu Coffee and Creamery. You’ll find the former in the French Lick Springs Hotel and the latter West Baden Springs. Regardless of where you’re staying, if you’re in the mood for something quick, you know where to find it.

Gambling Promotions and Entertainment

The easiest and finest promotion at the casino is French Lick Rewards, where you’ll earn points for stepping into the casino and playing your favorite games at the slots and tables.

Oh, and you can also earn and redeem credits resort-wide either through dining, shopping, and staying overnight. The more time you spend at the resort, the more perks you’re earning.

What perks are we talking about?

When you accumulate points, you can redeem credits at any dining venue, golf course, shop, spa, hotel rooms, and more. As long as you’re redeeming at French Lick-owned locations, the perks keep on coming.

French Lick Resort Hotel Accommodations

As mentioned, French Lick Resort is the home of three hotels. So if you’re looking for a place to stay while planning a casino trip in small-town Indiana, you need not venture far.

When you take one look at West Baden Springs Hotel, you’d think you’re looking at a small castle. Described as anything but ordinary, you can expect an extraordinary experience at West Baden Springs. And if you’re a history buff, take note that you’re stepping in a 120-year-old National Historic Landmark.

Now, if you want something even more historical than West Baden, then the French Lick Springs Hotel is where it’s at. Originally built in 1901, the hotel’s “miracle waters” attract visitors from all over the world.

If history and old buildings aren’t your thing (hearing footsteps on wood at one in the morning is often alarming) then check out Valley Tower. Valley Tower offers a modernized complement to the two historic hotels at the resort.

French Lick Resort Signature Attractions

At most casino locations, you must venture off the beaten path if you want to take a day off from the casino. Not at French Lick, whose signature attractions include three golf courses and two spas.

The golf courses at French Lick are nothing short of legendary and fit for the elite golfer. So much that the Pete Dye Course hosted the 2015 Senior PGA Championship, and it has also hosted the LPGA Championship since 2013.

The century-old Donald Ross Course at French Lick was designed in 1917, and the course itself hosted the 1924 PGA Championship.

If you’re looking for a quick game with a twist, check out the nine-hole Valley Links Golf Course. What’s the twist? The original course was an eighteen-hole course recently converted into a nine-hole course. Good luck.

If you’re looking for a challenging game featuring breathtaking scenery, then Sultan’s Run is where it’s at. This course is technically located 30 minutes away in Jasper, Indiana. But if you’re a golf enthusiast, you definitely want to make a pit stop here after playing at the French Lick courses.

Now, if you’re looking for rejuvenation, hit up the spas at French Lick.

If you’re looking for relaxation with a fitness twist, The Spa at West Baden is your prime destination. Enjoy 12 rooms of world-class treatments, a hair salon, plus a fitness center and indoor lap pool to get in the best workout of your life while staying at the resort.

Conclusion

As you can see, the French Lick Resort and Casino is the ultimate vacation destination nestled in south-central Indiana’s hills.

Whether casino gaming, fine dining, golf, or spa treatments are your thing, this venue has it all. And for you history buffs who love classic architecture, staying on-site is a definite treat.

So if you scoffed at the beginning of the article about French Lick’s many amenities, you should now see just how much you can do even if you get away from the grind of the modern-day rat race in a small town like French Lick.

French Lick Casino Golf Course Tee

Have you experienced French Lick Casino Resort? If so, tell us about your experience.

French Lick and Jasper are a Southern Indiana golfer’s paradise! Few things get the blood pumping like the mention of Donald Ross, Pete Dye and Tom Benedelow in the same sentence. Nowhere else in the world can a golfer play courses designed by each of these noted and prolific designers at one resort destination. During your time in southern Indiana, we are recommending the Donald Ross Golf Course at French Lick, Sultan’s Run Golf Club, and Buffalo Trace Municipal Golf Course. Challenging and rich in history, these courses offer the perfect French Lick golf trip for any enthusiast.

Visit Indiana Golf has mapped out road trips around the state of Indiana for you to enjoy the game of golf, eat delicious food, and make unforgettable memories! Known as Indiana’s Fairway Drives, each trip is a perfect getaway for golfers of any skill level who are looking for a new adventure. Click here to see all 9 of Indiana’s Fairway Drives.

French Lick Casino Golf Course Fort Myers

Travel is permitted, and golfing is great for mental and physical health, but it is still best to practice social distancing as we continue to fight COVID-19. Not every single Indiana business is choosing to be open right now, so call ahead or check their social media accounts before visiting. Please take precautions, plan ahead, and follow CDC and local guidelines.

Donald Ross Golf Course at French Lick

Considered one of Donald Ross’ most challenging designs, the Donald Ross Golf Course at French Lick is also one of the most classic and iconic courses. The course went through a restoration in 2007 where 80 of Ross’ trademark bunkers with flat bottoms and deep, gnarly faces were restored along with expanded, square, or rectangular-shaped greens that severely undulate. Thirty-five of these bunkers are original to the course that Ross constructed back in 1917. The course is a par 70 and plays to 7,000 yards. The Donald Ross Golf Course was the site of the 1924 PGA Championship won by the legendary Walter Hagen and has hosted other golf greats and celebrities such as Gene Sarazen, Chick Evans, and Bing Crosby.

Sultan’s Run Golf Course

Nestled in the heart of beautiful Southern Indiana and stretching over 224 acres of rolling hills is another popular golf spot, Sultan’s Run Golf Club. Located just 30 minutes outside of French Lick, this course is a must during your trip. On the 18-hole course, the zoysia tee, fairways, and greens offer a world-class playing surface. The roughs are a Bermuda and fescue blend, while the green surfaces are made of bentgrass. The course’s namesake is Supreme Sultan, a show horse of history and a legend of his time. It was over these same Southern Indiana rolling hills that Supreme Sultan claimed title to a record number of World Championship American Saddlebred horse shows.

Buffalo Trace Golf Course

The third golf stop we recommend making during your trip is Buffalo Trace Municipal Golf Course. This challenging, 18-hole course is also located in Jasper, Indiana. Buffalo Trace has been an important part of the Jasper community since 1970, playing 5,985 yards with a par 71 and featuring beautiful zoysia fairways.

French Lick Casino

In addition to world-class golf, a French Lick golf trip also provides a perfect getaway. Whether you’re relaxing at the spa or sipping on a glass of wine and enjoying the beautiful Southern Indiana scenery, there are so many different ways to enjoy the French Lick West Baden area. Play to win at the French Lick Casino, a 51,000 square-foot, single-level gaming venue, located on the grounds of the resort. Whether you are shooting for 21 at blackjack, taking a spin on the roulette wheel, or going on a roll at the craps table, you are sure to experience a great deal of Southern Indiana hospitality.

French Lick Wine & Spirits

We also recommend stopping into French Lick Wine & Spirits during your stay. This family-owned business began making and selling wine in 1995 and has been growing ever since. The winery and distillery are located in the town of West Baden Springs, not far from the West Baden Springs Resort. French Lick Wine & Spirits feature over 30 different wines to sample, ranging from dry to sweet, sparkling, and fortified. Go and enjoy the tasting bar, or simply grab a cold beer or glass of wine and just relax.

33 Brick Street

French Lick Casino Golf Course Scorecard

Just as Southern Indiana is home to world-class golf, it is also home to delicious eats. While you’re in town, we recommend stopping in at 33 Brick Street to grab a bite. 33 Brick Street provides a unique restaurant experience that includes a showcase of sports memorabilia, including personal awards owned by Larry Bird. A wide range of beer chilled to 22 degrees, plus a large selection of local and craft beers are available on tap. You can’t go wrong with any choice from the menu, but the burgers are to die for!

Schnitz Pub – Jasper

French Lick Casino Golf Courses

Another popular spot for grab some grub is Schnitz Pub in Jasper. Sporting a unique atmosphere and an outdoor dining patio that overlooks Jasper Parklands, this local favorite can’t be missed. Try the famous “Rosie’s Pizza,” created from Rosie and Ed Rees’s original 1950s recipe and inspired by the very first slice they ever tasted.

French Lick Resort

There’s a lot to do on a French Lick golf trip, so consider making your road trip a multi-day getaway! Plan your Fairway Drive Road Trip to French Lick and stay at either French Lick Springs Hotel or West Baden Springs Hotel, both located at the French Lick Resort.

If you’re interested in other golf courses in Indiana, check out Visit Indiana Golf on social media. To see all of Indiana’s Fairway Drives, click here.