Carol Johnson, Southern Indiana Business Report
FRENCH LICK – An early 20th century Orange County farm that is a well known landmark for its white fence and barns along US 150/Ind. 56 is undergoing a restoration and will soon host live entertainment.
Castle Knoll Farms will host its first concert July 15 at a new amphitheater. The concert will feature country music artist Anthony Smith with special guests Kevin Charles, Tammy Cassidy, Stan LaGrange and Kelly Clark. Tickets are $10 and the event sponsor is Visit French Lick West Baden.
Jerry Fuhs, owner of Wilstem Wildlife Park and Big Splash Adventure in Orange County, is the farm’s new owner.
Audrey Brames, marketing director for Wilstem Wildlife Park and Big Splash, said restoration of the barns has begun, with three roofs completed and the perimeter fence painted.
Brames, who is Fuhs’ daughter, said the farm’s adjacent location to the Wilstem property made acquiring the farm a good addition. Initial plans call for moving the horseback riding and zip lining from Wilstem to Castle Knoll, which she said is a better location for those activities.
“We’ve got a lot of different ideas for what the property could be,” she said. “It’s a matter of honing in on those and figuring out what we can do.”
Since announcing renovation plans and the summer concerts, Brames said residents and visitors alike have been positive about the news.
“We’re getting a lot of positive feedback. Castle Knoll is an icon for Orange County. Guests from Indianapolis drive by it, the locals use that road,” Brames said. “Everyone is very excited to see it come back to life.”
Castle Knoll Farms was the farm that provided produce and meats to the West Baden Springs Hotel and French Lick Springs Resort dating back to the early 1920s. Cattle, pigs, chickens, and pheasants were raised on its acres. Brames has reached out to Orange County historian Jeff Lane and Indiana Landmarks to learn more about the farm, which is located on the Indiana Historic Pathway.
Future concerts
A second concert, Roll at the Knoll, is planned for Aug. 25 when Studebaker and Hairball, a 1980s cover band, perform.
“They have a very big following, they dress up like the different bands from the ‘80s,” she said of Hairball. “It’s a very fun show.”
Starting in 2024, Brames said the plan is to host four to six live shows per year.
Drawing more visitors to Orange County
The restoration of Castle Knoll Farms fits with the Fuhs’ family’s larger goal of increasing tourism in Orange County.
Brames said many visitors come to the area for a night or two without knowing there is plenty to do for an extended stay.
“Some people come to Orange County to golf or stay at the resort but maybe they don’t know Wilstem is here. Or they come to Wilstem for an elephant encounter but they’ve never heard of the dome at West Baden,” she said. “One of our big goals is what can we offer to keep people here longer.”
If you go
What: Party at the Knoll featuring Anthony Smith and special guests Kevin Charles, Tammy Cassidy, Stan LaGrange, and Kelly Clark.
When: July 15, doors open at 5 p.m. EST with the show beginning at 6 p.m. EST.
Where: Castle Knoll Farms, 4809 US 150, is between French Lick and Paoli. The Amphitheater is an outdoor open venue, guests should bring blankets and chairs.
Tickets/info: Visit www.castleknollfarms.com or call Wilstem at 812-936-4484.