By Joy Neighbors
This month, we begin our 10th anniversary
celebration at French Lick Resort. So much has happened in the short span of a
decade. Here are just a few of the memorable times we’ve shared with our guests
and our community.
2006
French Lick Springs Hotel |
The restored French Lick Springs Hotel reopened after
being closed for one year. The restoration project totaled $382 million-dollars
and included 443 rooms refurbished in the Classic American tradition. A 27,000 square foot full-service spa and health club, along with a
new pool complex and fitness center were added. The hotel offered 36,000 square-feet of meeting space, a
six-lane bowling alley and eight new restaurants.
Donald Ross Grand Opening |
The Donald Ross Course at French Lick reopened in September
after a 4.6 million-dollar restoration. The course was renovated back to its
Scottish roots - the way it was when Walter Hagen won the PGA Championship here
in 1924.
French Lick Resort Casino 2006 |
French Lick Resort Casino officially opened its doors in
November providing the only Vegas-style experience in Southern Indiana.
2007
West Baden Springs Hotel Atrium |
West Baden Springs Hotel reopened its doors on May 23,
2007, 75 years after the last guest checked out in 1932. The nearly $500
million-dollar restoration project culminated with 246 rooms refurbished in
grand European style including almost a dozen specialty suites and a lavish
Presidential Suite. The breath-taking free-span dome soared 110
feet above the original tiled atrium floor.
The Spa at West Baden |
The Spa at West Baden opened featuring a refurbished
two-level natatorium based on the original 1902 design. The 8,000 square-foot
spa included a 12,000 square-foot indoor pool along with treatment rooms and a
state-of-the-art fitness center.
Buffalo Trace Mountain Bike Trail |
October was the time to grab your wheels and take to the
Buffalo Trace Mountain Biking Trail which was designed to follow the contours of the land including natural rock outcroppings, stone quarries and caves.
2008
Non-Smoking Room |
French Lick Casino opened the Midwest’s largest
non-smoking room in August. The 9,500 square-foot space included 300 slot
machines along with Black Jack, Roulette, Crazy 4 and Craps tables.
2009
Pete Dye Course |
The Pete Dye Golf Course opened to critical acclaim on
April 24. The course touted golf course designer Pete Dye’s distinct volcano
bunkers and narrow fairways, along with stunning panoramic views of Southern Indiana.
French Lick Casino 2009 |
French Lick Casino underwent a major exterior renovation
during 2009 that changed its appearance from a steamboat on water to the
stately structure it is today. The casino also upped its gaming experience by
adding an 8,000 square-foot High Limits area that included lush surroundings and table games such as Mini Baccarat, Blackjack and Craps.
Mountain Biking Trail |
The Mountain Biking Trail, a five-mile single track loop,
opened on October 3 after a name change from Buffalo Trace Mountain Biking
Trail. The Mountain Biking Trail was just the beginning of a trail system that
would wend its way through the resort's 3,000 acres.
2010
PGA Championship |
French Lick Resort was privileged to host the PGA
Professional National Championship at the Donald Ross Course. The final two
rounds were played at the Pete Dye Course.
It was a step back in time when hundreds of restored Ford Model A autos gathered at the resort for a
week-long Model A Restorers Club National Convention.
2011
US Hickory Open |
French Lick Resort proudly hosted the US Hickory Open for the Society of Hickory Golfers at the Donald Ross Course.
2012
French Lick Resort continued to welcome guests from all
over the world, providing them with memorable experiences and our famous Hoosier Hospitality.
2013
The Legends Championship |
Women’s professional golf returned to French Lick
Resort after 50 years. The Legends Championship featured 70 top LPGA players
who took to the Pete Dye Course for what would become an annual event.
The Senior PGA Championship, the most historic and
prestigious event in senior golf, was held at the Pete Dye Course. This was the
Championship’s first visit to the Hoosier State.
2014
Historic Trolley |
Historic trolley service resumed between the towns of
French Lick and West Baden, Indiana 100 years after it was first launched as
the “world’s shortest trolley line.” The restored 1930 trolley drew riders from
near and far for a century-old thrill of riding the rails.
Footgolf |
A national phenomena rolled into French Lick Resort this
year when Footgolf became an option of play at Valley Links Golf Course.
Footgolf is played with a soccer ball instead of golf balls, and rather than
use a club, you put the ball in the hole with your feet. Guaranteed family-fun!
2015
Meeting and Event Center |
A twenty million-dollar expansion increased capacity of
the Meeting and Event Center to 105,000 square-feet allowing for the
accommodation of national conventions and large corporations. But French Lick
Resort also began to offer more than traditional meeting space; several unique
venues were added including dining alfresco at the Pete Dye Mansion, campfires
at The Stables and group activities like team bowling.
2016