During the last decade, late Bloomington industrialist Bill Cook poured hundreds of millions of dollars into resurrecting the incredible West Baden Springs Hotel and Spa, as well as the French Lick Resort. Situated in the twin small towns of West Baden and French Lick in the hills of southern Indiana, these rescued buildings shine through more than 100 years of opulence and hard times, ruin and rehabilitation. If you have not seen them, by all means plan a trip.
The West Baden Springs Hotel, nearly adjoining French Lick, is one of the most impressive marvels of architecture you will find in the United States. Its majestic dome, unencumbered by supporting pillars, is stunning, but so too are the frescoes, the artistic tile work, the stained glass and furnishing.
Here are some photos I have taken since its rebirth.
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Frescoes adorn columns and frame hotel room windows inside West Baden Springs Hotel |
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Looking out over the expanse of the atrium at West Baden Springs Hotel |
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Ground level at the atrium, West Baden Springs |
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| The size of the dome is hard to comprehend |
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Joggers along the impressive brick entryway to West Baden Springs Hotel - The Carlsbad of the United States (referring to the European spa resort, not New Mexico's Carlsbad Caverns). |
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| Approaching French Lick Resort & Spa |
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My motorcycle in the rear parking lot with West Baden Spring Hotel & Spa in background |
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