French Lick

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French Lick
County - Orange
Township - French Lick
Area - Total 1.6 sq mi (4.2 km2)
Elevation - 499 ft (152 m)
Population (2006) - Total 1,924
Time zone - EST (UTC-5)
ZIP code - 47432
Area code(s) - 812



The town of French Lick has its beginnings as a French trading post which was established near a spring and salt lick in what was to become south central Indiana almost 200 years ago. The rich mineral springs attracted wildlife, which licked the deposits which supplied vital minerals the animals needed. These French trading posts were abandoned in 1803, after the Louisiana Purchase.

American settlers commenced settlement around 1811, meeting fierce resistance from the Indians, who occupied the area. A fort was finally constructed and the Indians gradually abandoned the area.

In 1832 the 1500 acres surrounding the salt licks were offered for sale and were purchased by Dr. William A. Bowles who developed a hotel at the site. He was immediately successful with the venture and later on charted the town of French Lick in 1857. French Lick developed into a nationally popular resort serviced by a special spur of the Monon Railroad constructed to bring tourists into the area. These tourists included John Barrymore, Clark Gable, Bing Crosby, President Roosevelt, the Truman’s, the Reagan’s and Joe and Rose Kennedy.

The rail spur still exists as the Indiana Railroad Museum, which connects with the Dubois County Railroad, which then links to the Norfolk Southern at Huntinburg, Indiana. Two Indiana State Highways, 145 and 56, intersect at French Lick.

The Donald Ross Course
Pete Dye Course

Farmers Market - French Lick

French Lick Casino

French Lick Market

The Stables at French Lick


Bear Hollow Wood Carvers

Body Reflections Hair Museum

French Lick Ranch at Valley of the Springs
Valley Links Golf Learning Center

The Lost Resort of French Lick

Artists Inn & Cottages

The Pines at Patoka Lake Village
Lane's Motel & Campgrounds

French Lick West Baden Indoor Karting

Blue Prairie Bed and Breakfast

Painter Creek RV Parks
Springs Stadium 4

Village Market & Antiques
A Little Log Cabin in the Woods


French Lick Resort Hiking & Biking Trails

A Big Log Cabin in the Clouds

C Fish Cabins

Sleeping Bear Retreat

Michael T's Motel

Valley of the Springs Resort

Wet 'N Wild Cabin Rental


French Lick Flea Market

Amelia's Cottage

Woodland Hills Campgrounds

To access the links of French Lick, click this link.

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