Summer Kicks Off In French Lick West Baden With Wildlife Encounters, Water Fun, and Vacation Savings!
Families looking for a traditional Midwest summer getaway filled with endless adventure, beautiful scenery, and exclusive vacation deals, can find it in Orange County, Indiana. While there is always an abundance of excursions and fun year-round in French Lick, here is a list of the area's top bets for summer sure to please everyone in the family.
1. Live Like a Local Passport Savings
Families looking for ways to save on their Indiana vacation can take advantage of French Lick West Baden's new "Live Like a Local Passport." The recently launched passport program includes savings and discounts at over 30 businesses in Orange County. To get started, travelers simply sign up for the mobile passport and it will be instantly delivered via text or email. There is no app to download. The passport can easily be saved to a phone's home screen for easy one-tap access. And, with each business check-in, visitors can earn points towards prizes. The promotion runs through April 7, 2024. One grand prize winner will receive a two-night, three-day stay at French Lick Resorts, an animal encounter at Wilstem and $1,000 in local gift cards to eat, shop and play. Winner will be announced on April 15, 2024. Sign up and learn more about participating businesses!
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2. Big Splash Adventure Indoor Water Park
No summer getaway is complete without enjoying some fun on the water. French Lick's Big Splash Adventure Indoor Water Park is a great option for families to enjoy some water fun without having to worry about sunscreen or Mother Nature. The 40,000 square foot indoor water park is full of unique and exciting features. Known for its innovative and environmentally friendly design, it has been dubbed as "the greenest large water park project to date."
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3. Drive-Thru Safari and Up-close Animal Encounters at Wilstem Wildlife Park
Animal lovers can enjoy viewing over 50 species of animals, all from the comfort of their own vehicle at Wilstem Wildlife Park. Nestled on 1,100 acres of rolling hills, watch the animals roam freely and feed them through the windows. Visitors can expect to see everything from Aoudads and bison to elk and zebras. Admission also allows access to Grizzly Ridge and the Roos & Crew barn to view grizzly bears and a variety of small animals in their own natural habitats. Guided wagon rides are also available from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m., advanced reservations recommended. Those interested in an up-close and personal animal encounter, may also book a variety of educational and private animal encounters. Additionally, families looking for more way to explore Wilstem can book a horseback riding or zipline adventure!
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4. Patoka Lake Scenic Nature Cruise
June 7 through September 27, nature lovers can enjoy a leisurely wildlife boat cruise on scenic Patoka Lake, which was named "best cruise or wildlife viewing in Indiana," by USA Today. Once on-board families can have fun searching for osprey, heron, loons, beavers, and other wildlife while touring around Patoka Lake. Hop aboard the 60' tour boat. Patoka Voyager or the double-decker tour boat, Patoka Pride. Tours depart every Wednesday from the Patoka Marina from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Tickets start at $15 and taxes and gate fee are not included. All tours are rain or shine. Click here for details, or to make a reservation!
5. French Lick West Baden Museum
The French Lick West Baden Museum is a great place to experience the area's rich history circa 1900-1930. See the room-sized miniature Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus. Learn about the famous artists, politicians, horsemen and sports figures who once called the area home. From Pluto Water to gambling, the museum tells the story of the rich and famous who visited the valley!
Special Summer Highlighted Event
Circus Day at the Museum
Date: Saturday, June 24, 4 p.m. - 10 p.m.
The Annual Circus Day celebrates the life of 86 performers of the Hagenbeck Wallace Circus who lost their lives in the Great Train Wreck of 1918. Families can enjoy live performances, carnival games, candy, booths and more, while supporting the museum at the same time.
6. French Lick Scenic Railway
Travelers interested in taking in taking in some scenic views, can enjoy a nostalgic ride along the rails. Popular train rides in Indiana aboard the French Lick Scenic Railway offer 20-mile day tours through parts of the Hoosier National Forest, the 2,200-foot Burton Tunnel (Indiana’s second longest tunnel), and past limestone outcroppings Click for the Scenic Train Rides daily departure schedule and other special excursions!
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Upcoming Summer Events at French Lick Scenic Railway
Dinosaur Adventure Train
Dates: Saturday, June 17, 24, and Sunday, June 18, 25
Take a trip back in time to the Jurassic period and learn about the age of dinosaurs and the amazing creatures who lived with them. Young explorers and adventurers will learn basic concepts in natural science, prehistoric history, and paleontology. Activities include a live reptile encounter, bounce houses, fossil digs, and face painting.
Summer Splash Bash
Dates: Saturday, July 22 through Sunday, July 23
Families can board the French Lick train to Summerville and enjoy all that summer has to offer. Activities include a foam party, inflatable water slides, mini-golf, face painting, and more.
About French Lick, West Baden
Visit French Lick West Baden is The Official Tourism Association for French Lick West Baden, Indiana. Nestled in Orange County within Southern Indiana, the beautiful resort community of French Lick West Baden and the neighboring towns of Orleans and Paoli have been welcoming guests on unforgettable Indiana getaways for over 100 years. The destination is home to French Lick Resort, which is comprised of two historic hotels, the West Baden Spring Hotel built in 1902 and the French Lick Spring Hotel built in 1901. The resort has recently been named "Best Historic Resort" by Historic Hotels of America. It is the perfect destination for guests searching for gracious hospitality, ultimate luxury, and a multitude of opportunities for an indulging vacation experience.
For additional vacation ideas or more information, click French Lick West Baden, or follow @visitfrenchlickwestbaden on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news and events.
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