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Southern Indiana Offers Visitors Coaster,
Caves and a Slice of History
By Carol Muse Evans
Family Travel Editor
It wasn’t long ago that French Lick in southern Indiana
was a bustling tourist resort for the rich and famous. President and Mrs.
Reagan, John Barrymore, Clark Gable, Bing Crosby, the Harry Trumans and Joe
and Rose Kennedy are just some of the big names that visited the hotel,
dined there, and walked the gardens.
The town French Lick, named as such because of the rich
mineral springs, which attracted animals that flocked there to lick the
water and wet rocks, became known as “French Lick” early on. From the time
prior to Indiana’s statehood forward to 1917, when the world famous chef,
Louis Perrin, served the first glass of tomato juice here (they ran out of
orange juice), its location along the railroads and near the many mineral
water springs here made it a favorite place for those who could afford to
visit and take in its special, “healing” water. With its grand, opulent
architecture and décor, not to mention the casino that was once housed on
its second floor, it became a favorite among who’s who in America during the
1800s and early 1900s.
Now on the list of historic landmarks in America, The
French Lick Springs Grand Resort is still a great place to visit, hidden
away in its little piece of southern Indiana, and surrounded by interesting
things to see and do, from riding some of the country’s best roller
coasters, to seeing magnificent caves, to learning about American history
and much more. The resort can be your family’s home base to all there is to
see and do in southern Indiana. And you no longer have to be rich and famous
to visit.
  Literally just down the street from the French Lick
Resort is the West Baden Springs National Historic Landmark. West Baden
Springs, once a hotel itself, was declared the “Eighth Wonder of the World”
in 1902. It is topped by what was then the world’s largest dome, and to
many, looks like some castle out of a fairy tale. When the stock market
crashed in 1929, West Baden Springs essentially did, too. However, time and
good fortune helped keep in alive, when it became designated a National
Historic Landmark. Today, though not an active hotel, visitors can take a
tour of this magnificent structure and learn about life during its glory
days. Even kids will be fascinated by the grandeur and “largeness” of it
all.
  Just a short drive from French Lick, visitors can visit
the Lincoln Boyhood Memorial. President Abraham Lincoln spent 14 years of
his “growing up” in Indiana. This striking memorial gives tribute to the man
and his family, and his mother, Nancy Hanks Lincoln, is buried on a wooded
knoll in the park. The Lincoln Living Historical Farm takes you back in time
to a working farm, circa 1820s, and there are several established trails in
the park.
  Head down the road about a mile and you’ll see Buffalo
Run. This restaurant, gift shop, buffalo farm and historic Lincoln building
are a unique combination and well worth a visit. The rustic two-story home
out back is memorialized by a plaque that states “Lincoln Slept Here.” Owned
by Michael and Kathleen Crewses (Kathleen’s dad is a Lincoln Scholar and
retired professor), the combination satisfies their love for history along
with their love for the buffalo – and yes, the ostrich. You can get buffalo
and ostrich on the menu, and occasionally emus, and learn a lot about early
American history and “living off the land.”
 Also, within a rock’s throw of Buffalo Run is the
quaint town of Santa Claus. Here’s where you’ll hit the “coasters” part of
the tour. Its central attraction is Holiday World/Splashin’ Safari, a theme
park somewhat similar in size Birmingham’s Visionland. However, this theme
park was the retirement project of Indiana industrialist Louis J. Koch in
1946, when he created what is truly the nation’s “first theme park.” He
thought it was sad that the tiny town disappointed children who came to find
that Santa wasn’t in Santa Claus. With nine children of his own, he built
what started as “Santa Claus Land,” but eventually grew to celebrate other
holidays, changing the name to “Holiday World.” In 1993, the water park,
Splashin’ Safari was added.
 Throughout its existence Holiday World sets high
standards for theme parks as one of the cleanest and most service-oriented
parks around. Also, the recent feature of free soft drink filling stations
throughout the park and free sunscreen has added to its popularity. With
the world’s top wooden roller coaster, The Raven, (it’s also home to the
4th best wooden coaster, “The Legend), and awards such as the “Best Water
Park,” “Friendliest Park Staff” and Cleanest Park” to its credit, Holiday
World is a place parents love to take their kids and visit themselves.
Visitors to Santa Claus may want to keep with the
holiday theme and stay at Lake Rudolph Campground and R.V. Resort, where you
can take your own tent or camper, or rent one of theirs. Or, sleep at
Santa’s Lodge, where it’s Christmas 365 days a year.
If time allows, swing through Dale and see Dr. Ted’s
Musical Marvels. Even the most skeptical kid will warm up to this eclectic
collection of two dozen antique musical instruments that are almost all in
working order, once they crank them up and turn them on.
 For some added fun, take some time to enjoy the great
outdoors at nearby Patoka Lake Marina & Lodging. This is a manmade lake, and
as part of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, no homes are allowed along its
banks. Rent a boat for a day, a houseboat or one of its floating cabins and
enjoy all this man-made, crystal clear lake has to offer.
 For even more adventure, visit the Marengo Cave
National Landmark and see this one of Indiana’s 2,600 known caves. It is
believed that Indians may have visited Marengo Cave several thousand years
ago. Its discovery is credited to two children who found the cave in 1883,
opening it up for tours and discoveries for years to come. Kids can also
enjoy The Crawl, an above ground cave simulator, or fly “The Bat,” Marengo’s
300-foot zip line. Canoeing and other outdoor adventure activities are also
available.
 To wind down your trip, consider swinging through
Leavenworth. No, it’s not the prison, but another small and friendly town
near the Indiana-Kentucky border that offers a breathtaking view of the Ohio
River. Stay at the famed Leavenworth Inn (bed and breakfast) and eat nearby
at The Dock or The Overlook to take in the breathtaking view and Indiana
home cooking. Kids are welcome.
For more information about southern Indiana attractions
and lodging, visit
www.historicsouthernindiana.com.
Carol Muse Evans is also editor and publisher of
Birmingham Parent magazine and travels frequently with her family.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
·
www.legendaryplaces.org
·
www.frenchlick.com
·
www.adventureindiana.com
·
www.patokalakemarina.net
·
www.holidayworld.com
·
www.lakerudolph.com
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