Al Capone gambled at the casinos in French Lick and West Baden, and used underground tunnels to move around undetected. Al Capone was part of a shootout at West Baden Springs Hotel that left bullet holes in the side of the building. Al Capone had a “French Lick girlfriend” whom he’d always see when he was here. Al Capone got married in a barn a few miles outside French Lick, and he also owned a whiskey still out there for bootlegging. Folks from this area grew up hearing the stories from their parents and grandparents. Maybe you’ve even heard the tales during your visit to one of our hotels. There’s so many anecdotes about Al Capone using this area as a hideout spot that it has to be true. Or is it? Nobody has 100 percent, smoking-gun proof to solve the Capone riddle either way. But that just feeds even more into the juicy intrigue of this history mystery. So we’re dedicating a series of blogs in the next few weeks to try and shed some light on the debate: D...

"Carlsbad of America": What's the Story Behind It?

Some good news: The main entrance to West Baden Springs Hotel reopened today, following a construction project to make bridge upgrades on the brick road that leads to the hotel. That means you’re now free to enter under the double-arch entranceway that reads “West Baden Springs • Carlsbad of America.” You might have seen that before and wondered. Carlsbad of America. Where did that come from? Here’s the backstory behind it. “Carlsbad of America” appeared at West Baden when the famed arches were built in 1914, and the phrase alludes to the European spa tradition. The original Carlsbad is actually a spa town in the Czech Republic called Karlovy Vary, which was founded in the 1300s by Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV. During an expedition, Charles IV discovered thermal springs that he believed possessed healing properties, and he founded a spa there. The location was named “Carlsbad” in German, aka “Charles’ Bath.” In the early 1900s, the name Carlsbad evoked a sen...

First Visit to French Lick Resort? Some Answers to Your Questions

Coming to French Lick Resort for the first time? We realize there’s a lot to wrap your head around, with three hotels and 3,200 acres’ worth of resort here. From our representatives in the Call Center, here are some of the questions they receive the most from first-time visitors. Maybe some of these answers will help you get better acquainted before a trip of your own. Can we use both hotels if we stay at one? Yes — if you’re staying at French Lick Springs Hotel, you are free to explore West Baden Springs Hotel, and vice versa. In fact, we encourage it. How often can you visit a property with two National Historic Landmarks located just one mile apart? The only exceptions are with pool and fitness center amenities. West Baden Springs Hotel and Valley Tower guests can use the French Lick Springs Hotel pool. However, French Lick guests cannot use the West Baden Springs Hotel pool. The fitness centers at West Baden and French Lick are both hotel specific, with Valley Tower guests allo...

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