West Baden Springs Hotel

This is not a weird place, but surely awesome: the West Baden Springs Hotel in southern Indiana. Rebuilt in 1817 after a couple of fires, it was a spa and resort for the rich and famous of the Midwest with its own railroad tracks, etc. Its uniqueness comes from the fact that it is tucked into a valley in a fairly unpopulated part of Indiana and until the panic of l929 was a flourishing establishment with mineral springs, a two- decker oval track for bicycling and horseback riding with baseball diamonds that were used for recreating and for spring training for some national teams, a bowling alley, billiards, indoor trap shooting, pool, golf etc.

Besides all this, its mark of distinction was that until the Astrodome was built in Texas, it boasted the largest unsupported dome in the world. Six hundred guest rooms on six floors overlook the atrium. In the last two years Historic Landmarks of Indiana has arranged a $30 million renovation of the structure -- inside and out -- and walking into the domed area is nothing short of awesome. It is currently open for tours, done by volunteers, but done very professionally. The cost is $10 and all the proceeds go to continuing maintenance. Historic Landmarks is looking for a buyer who will maintain the property and develop it for some sort of commercial use. It is ever so much worth a stop by if you are in the area. Its companion hotel in the valley is French Lick Springs - which is currently operated by a national hotel chain. As a structure, West Baden Springs is far superior to the French Lick Springs Hotel.

Patty

 

 

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