Last week we filled you in on 10 things to do at French Lick Resort this summer. Let’s branch out a bit today. Here’s 10 more things outside of the resort that you’ll want to find time for during your summer getaway to French Lick and West Baden.
This is just the start when it comes to things to do in the area — definitely check out Visit French Lick West Baden’s website and Facebook page before your trip, as well as Discover Southern Indiana.
Circus Day at the Museum
Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls … join the celebration of this area’s circus heritage! It’s all right outside the French Lick West Baden Museum, located just across the highway from the south end of French Lick Springs Hotel. It’ll feature the Peru Amateur Circus, fire breathers, XALT circus performers, circus wagons and historical booths, plus a bounce house, games, food trucks and cotton candy, face painting and a dunk tank. While you’re there, be sure to stop inside the museum to see the world’s largest circus diorama. (Saturday, June 25; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Sunset Wine Cruises at Patoka Lake
Wine, summer nights, hors d’oeuvres and desserts, good friends and the lake. Does it get any better than this in an Indiana summertime? It’s a short drive to Patoka Lake for a relaxing and scenic night on their Patoka Voyager cruise boat. They feature a different Indiana-made wine for each cruise. And not to worry if you don’t make it to Patoka this summer — their Fall Foliage Wine Cruises take over in September and October. (June 24, July 8 & 22, August 12 & 26; 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. each night)
Magic of French Lick Live
Make weekends magical this summer! Catch live shows every Friday and Saturday featuring comedy illusionist Brandon Baggett and Maddie O’Day. Baggett is an Indiana native who has thrilled audiences at more than 6,000 shows worldwide, and he’s bringing his act back home this summer to French Lick’s Springs Stadium 4 Theater. Get set for a night of tricks and laughs perfect for all ages. (Every Friday and Saturday in June, July and August; Friday shows at 7 p.m. and Saturday shows at 5 p.m.)
Summer Splash Bash
This real train ride is headed to Summerville, a place where summer never ends. What better way to spend those last precious days before heading back to school?
Grab tickets now to board Summer Splash Bash offered through French Lick Scenic Railway. It’s a little like the summer version of their wildly popular Polar Express ride. The journey to Summerville will include a foam cannon, inflatable water slides, mini golf and more. There’s just two days of this summer fantasyland, so plan to get on board soon. (August 6 & 7, with trains departing at 11 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.)
Paintball
For the adrenaline junkies in your group, it’s just a 7-minute drive from the resort to Paintball Planet and more outdoor adventures. Sleeping Bear Retreat has a variety of paintball game options and Airsoft as well. It’s also friendly for the little ones, with low impact paintball (ages 10+) and Gelly Ball (ages 5+). There’s even more thrills to be found at Sleeping Bear, with their French Lick Manhunt & Survival Games, and the Psycho Path during Halloween season. (Paintball available Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
Drive-In Movies
Top Gun Maverick or Jurassic World under the stars? Yes, please. See this summer’s blockbusters at Holiday Drive-In, a half-hour trip that’ll take you back a good 50 or 60 years. Soak in all the sights, sounds and sensations of a vintage countryside drive-in. Come early and throw around the football frisbee. Oh, and come hungry. Their huge concession stand features everything from steak burgers and tenderloins to giant pickles, funnel cakes and ice cream. (Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday)
Kayaking Adventures
Southern Indiana boasts more outdoor adventures than you could believe. Pathfinder Outdoors has kayaking adventures at Patoka River and Lake and Tucker Lake — it’s beginner-friendly as their kayak design is virtually impossible to accidentally flip, and with the ease of use, they’ve had kids as young as 8 navigate their own kayaks. Another great kayaking option is Cave Country Canoes with half day, full day and even 2-day trips with camping.
Food Truck Friday
Get a bite to eat (and maybe something unique to take home) at Food Truck Fridays featuring local food and craft vendors. If you’re staying at West Baden Springs Hotel, it’s just a short walk up the brick drive to the party outside the Visit French Lick West Baden visitors center. Just follow your nose and your ears, as they’ll also have live music plus a Speakeasy Beer Garden. (July 22, August 19 & September 16; 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. each date)
Car Shows
A car show is a summertime must. Lucky for you, we’ve got two on the calendar. The Red, White & Blue Car Show will also feature food and craft vendors, while the Valley Dog Days Car Show will benefit local nonprofits. (Red, White & Blue Car Show: Saturday, July 9, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the French Lick West Baden Museum. Valley Dog Days Car Show: Saturday, August 13, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Wilstem Wildlife Park
Right about now, saving money is one of the best activities of the summer. Book online by June 24 at Wilstem Wildlife Park, and you can save 15% on any animal encounter, activity or drive-thru safari. If it’s been a minute since you last visited Wilstem, sloths and otters are part of their animal encounter lineup along with giraffes, kangaroos, grizzly bears and elephants.
