By Susan R. Pollack

The first thing that comes to mind at the mention of this sleepy little town in rural southern Indiana is the legendary basketball star, Larry Bird, widely known as “the hick from French Lick.” Few folks know much beyond that about his quirkily-named hometown.

Today, this otherwise unsung community, whose healing mineral waters, underground gambling scene, and entertainment offerings made it an early rail hub and mecca for the rich and famous, has re-emerged, after considerable ups and downs, as a thriving 21st-century resort destination.

Travelers come for its beautifully restored historic hotels and spas, resort-style casino, championship golf courses by Donald Ross and Pete Dye, riding stables, gardens, holiday events and other attractions.

Today through Sunday, French Lick Resort’s celebrated Pete Dye course, ranked 18th on Golf Digest’s 2025 list of ‘America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses,’ is in the spotlight as host of the annual Korn Ferry season-ending championship tournament, gateway for players to the PGA Tour. The top 20 points-earners will win PGA Tour cards for the 2026 season.

Located, as some would say, ‘in the middle of nowhere,’ about a six-hour drive from Detroit and 55 miles from the closest major airport (Louisville), French Lick Resort is comprised of three hotels – historic West Baden Springs with its massive atrium dome once billed as “the eighth wonder of the world;” French Lick Springs Hotel, listed on the National Register of Historic Places and known for its gold-gilded lobby with colorful ceiling murals; and Valley Tower, a modern 71-room hotel addition that opened six years ago.

Together, they offer 757 rooms and suites on a sprawling property whose hospitality roots date to the mid-1800s.