It’s pool season, so let’s dive headfirst into a little history.
Guests have enjoyed taking a dip here at the resort since as early as 1898, when a natatorium first opened at the original West Baden Springs Hotel (prior to the current-day dome). Cracking open the photo archives to find more fun in the sun throughout the years…
The second natatorium at West Baden Springs Hotel was built with the new hotel in 1901-02. You can imagine this two-story structure was pretty swanky for the era, complete with seats lining the pool on both floors.
In June 1923, West Baden’s natatorium structure was removed because of structural issues. But it remained as an outdoor pool—and, as you can see, was still a center of attention.
Another view of this same pool from the opposite end, facing away from the hotel with the town of West Baden in the background. While this pool was later removed after the hotel closed, today’s natatorium at West Baden Springs Hotel is built on this same footprint.
The first pool on French Lick Springs Hotel property was at what was known as the Doll House. Former hotel owner Thomas D. Taggart built the Doll House for his daughter, Eva, in 1925, and it was located up the hill from the hotel (which you can see through the trees in this top photo). This photo below is circa 1950.
This list certainly wouldn’t be complete without the domed pool. Always brings out nostalgia.
Built in 1965, the domed swimming pool was a staple at French Lick Springs Hotel for four decades. Guests swam here year-round, as the dome walls were closed in the winter and could be opened up during the summer months. Wouldn’t it be great to go back in time and either jump in this pool again, or experience it just once?
Another outdoor pool was added next to the domed pool in 1985. Both pools were removed during the hotel’s restoration era.
Might seem crazy to think about now, but there used to be a pool smack dab in front of French Lick Springs Hotel. The cabana pool, as it was known, existed during the Sheraton Corporation era in the 1960s through the mid-1970s.
This pool wasn't here long, but while it was, it was quite the hub of activity.
