French Lick: Discover Golf, Train Rides and History
Accommodation in French Lick
French Lick offers a range of themes to consider when planning your trip: the French Lick Scenic Railway, golf courses and historical walks at the French Lick Springs Hotel. If you are looking for a hotel, it may help to first decide which of these activities you want to include in your stay. Their key details differ considerably—from a train route through southern Indiana to golf courses with different hole counts and lengths.
Ride the Scenic Railway through Southern Indiana
The French Lick Scenic Railway departs from the French Lick Depot in the center of French Lick. Its route runs through the rolling hills of southern Indiana and along the Hoosier National Forest. Along the way, the train passes limestone and sandstone outcrops, a lake and the second-longest railroad tunnel in the state. The route therefore passes both natural features, such as rock outcrops and a lake, and a railroad tunnel. The departure point in the center of town and the scenery along the route are two distinct aspects of the same train ride.
Historical themes at the French Lick Springs Hotel
The French Lick Springs Hotel offers historical tours. Tour times may change, so check the schedule before your visit. The tours cover the creation of tomato juice in 1917. Another historical perspective is the French Lick Resort’s self-guided tour, which explores the site’s first visitors in 1845 at the French Lick Springs Hotel. The years refer to different points: 1845 relates to the first visitors, while 1917 relates to the creation of tomato juice.
Golf courses with different profiles
The Pete Dye Course at French Lick is a par-72 championship course measuring 8,102 yards. The Donald Ross Course at French Lick was restored in 2006 to preserve the elements of its classic design. The Valley Links Course at French Lick is a regulation 9-hole course next to the French Lick Springs Hotel. The Sand Creek Course at French Lick is a short course with nine holes ranging from 40 to 90 yards in length. These details offer different points of comparison: the Pete Dye Course is described by its par and length, while the Donald Ross Course is described by its restoration history. Valley Links and Sand Creek can be compared by their shared hole count and different types of courses.
The Ferguson Trail and its Creek spur
The Ferguson Trail is an easy, one-mile paved path connecting the French Lick Springs Hotel with the West Baden Springs Hotel. The Creek Trail is an easy, 0.4-mile spur of the Ferguson Trail. Its wooded scenery and pedestrian bridges shape the route. In direct comparison, the Creek Trail is shorter and a spur, while the Ferguson Trail connects the two hotels. Length, the relationship between the paths and the scenery offer different points to consider when including them in your trip plans.
For the broader travel overview: Orange County.
