If looking for a perfect weekend getaway from Cincinnati, Ohio the French Lick and West Baden Resort in Indiana is the way to go. This hidden gem in the state of Indiana is perfect for anyone looking to celebrate an anniversary, birthday, Valentine’s Day, holiday or simply a fun or relaxing weekend away.

I will admit I always heard of French Lick Resort, I looked in to it for a visit multiple times, but I always had this hesitation that it wasn’t for me. I saw it as I wouldn’t find much to do, I definitely wasn’t a golfer and I don’t really indulge in gambling that much. But as soon as I started researching what to do at the resort I was blown away by the options and how wrong I was by my initial thought of the resort.

I quickly came to realize that this resort area had so much to offer, that really this could be a vacation or time away for any type of traveler. If you want to get away to relax, go to the spa, and hang out by the pool. Or even do more active activities such as horseback riding, footgolf, golfing, bowling and hiking.

Before booking for yourself you may be thinking what is there to do at West Baden and French Lick Resorts? The answer is lots! here are some of our favorites.

Be sure to check out my article on Where to Eat and Drink at French Lick and West Baden to see their many food options.

Footgolf

Footgolf was on the top of my list of things to do at the resort. This has been something I have been wanting to try for quiet some time. And so glad we did, it was a blast. My guest was a little unsure of the event, but by the time we finished she was thrilled about how fun it was. If wanting more information on what Footgolf is check out the official Footgolf site.

For footgolf you have a few options:

9 holes or 18 holes

We went for the 9 holes since it was our first time playing. We were glad we did because we ended up kicking around during a really hot day in the fall. But the 9 holes did go pretty fast, I would easily do 18 holes if on a cooler day and I had more time. We had lots to explore during our short time there.

Golf Cart Rental or Walk

Definitely go for the Golf Cart Rental, walking will take you much more time. Plus I believe the fun of golfing events it driving the cart around!

The drink cart comes through this area as well. So grab a drink of your choice and having some fun kicking the ball around. Our kicking skills definitely need some improvement but oh so much fun!

Horseback Riding

It had been about 15 years since I last took a ride via horseback. I was looking forward to get another chance here at West Baden but a little nervous. Horseback rides happen at The Stables at French Lick, located behind the West Baden Resort. By the end of the ride I was so happy we chose this event, it was a pretty fall day, and also a great way to explore some parts of the resort that we would of probably never seen if not for this ride.

For horseback riding you have the choice to ride for 45 minutes or 90 minutes. We booked for the 45 minutes and about 25 minutes into the tour our guide commented that she wish we did the 90 minute tour. We were having so much fun and it went by to quickly we decided to go ahead and do the 90 minute. It was much more worth it, and we saw a lot of beautiful areas that would of been cut out in the 45 minute tour. Check out this link for scheduling you horseback ride.

If you don’t have much experience with horses I wouldn’t worry, its been a long time since we had. And it was pretty easily picked up. Our guide was super helpful in giving us quick reminders when going up or down steep hills.

We really loved the grounds as well. They have a few covered areas that can be rented. This would make for a perfect birthday, family reunion, or celebration. Restrooms and a fire place, with some good food this would make an amazing rental space.

If looking for a more through horse experience they also have a Horse Sense class. The Horse Sense class walks you through a 30 minute class on getting to know the horses, daily care, and grooming. After the short class you will get to go a the 45 minute ride.

Spa Visits

French Lick and West Baden both have their own spa areas, but if staying at either resort you can use either one. They offer very similar services. We booked at West Baden since that was the hotel we were staying at. I have never gotten a facial before so I booked one for the first day. I was blown away by their services. The staff did everything that they could to make in a relaxing and peaceful experience. And the facial was incredible. I have never had one, but I may become a repeat visitor solely because of it.

Whenever you book a spa visit you have access to their changing rooms, in which they provide you with a locked locker, slippers and a robe. While you want, or even after your services you can use their dry sauna, or tranquility room (which had relaxing music, couches, fruit, water and teas). After your services feel free to use their changing rooms and showers.

We always got Swedish Massages, I was eyeing the body wraps but couldn’t fit it into our schedule. Check out all they had to offer in their service brochures, for French Lick and West Baden.

Pool and Hot Tubs

After our horseback riding course we were really for a little rest and to tend our sore muscles. So we opted to check out West Baden’s pools and hot tub. West Baden had two pools, one indoor and another on right outside. The hot tub it located inside. We spend a little time soaking up some sun outside since it was such a nice day. And then went inside to soak in the hot tub. The indoor pool is perfect for laps if wanting to get some cardio in.

In this same area there is a gym attached. They have lockers for the pool and gym area but they are not locked, so bring your own lock. But there are plenty of clean towels so no need to bring your own.

Grab a coffee or cocktail and enjoy a little R & R by the pool.

Casino

We didn’t want to spend much but we got to French Lick a early for our dinner reservations. We got a chance to walk around the resort to see all the shops and areas they had. Then made our way to the casino to try our luck. We weren’t very lucky but still had some fun trying out a couple of the slots.

to try our luck. We weren’t very lucky but still had some fun trying out a couple of the slots.

Eat and Drink

Both resorts offer different types of dining, something for everyone. From fine dining to pizza, grab and go sandwiches to quality bar food. Our favorites were 1875 for fine dining, definitely get their banana foster with ice cream. And we really enjoyed the Asian inspired wings at Ballard’s In The Atrium. Read my post on Where to Eat and Drink at French Lick and West Baden to see their many food options.

Transportation

Since there are twos resorts you may think it is hard to choose which one to stay at. But really it is no big deal, they offer lots of transportation options for around the park.

Trolley

The Trolley was built in 1903. After some breaks of service the trolley is still operates taking guests between the two resorts of West Baden and French Lick. I would recommend taking a ride on in this historic trolley car. The rail trolley operates from 10am to 10pm, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, and trolley rides are free.

Shuttles

Another way to get around the resort and to different areas is by taking the Shuttle Bus. This shuttle makes constant runs to all areas of the resort. Even when we went Horseback Riding they called a shuttle for us so we didn’t have to walk back to West Baden. Shuttle buses run between our hotels every 15 minutes, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

*We never had to wait more than 10 minutes for either a trolley or shuttle. We just would hop on whichever one came first.

I would recommend a visit to French Lick Resorts to anyone. They have so much to do, great food and a beautiful campus that has so many area to be explored. There customer service was one of the best that I have ever encountered. Any question we had, before or during our trip was answered quickly and so kindly. Literally every person we encountered that worked her was so friendly, never had a sour experience with any of the staff. They seemed happy and excited to help out when you needed directions or any help.

*This is a sponsored post, but as always all opinions are my own.

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