Carol Johnson, Southern Indiana Business Report
FRENCH LICK – The French Lick Resort is in the running to be named one of the Best Family Resorts in a USA Today Readers’ Choice contest.
The Orange County resort is a top Midwest destination known for its award-winning golf courses, luxury spas, fine dining, casino and fascinating history. It also offers horseback riding and earlier this year, it opened the Sand Creek Course, a 9-hole course that can be played in about 90 minutes with just two clubs.
The resort’s hotels in French Lick and West Baden draw a million visitors every year to Orange County.
A panel of travel experts nominated 20 properties for USA Today’s contest. The nominated properties cater to families and offer a wide array of amenities that includes kids activities and family friendly entertainment options. Public voting will determine the top 10 family resorts. Voting is live now through Aug. 4 at noon Eastern time.
“This nomination for USA Today’s Best Family Resort is a milestone not just for French Lick Resort, it’s a win for all of Orange County and the Indiana Uplands. It shines a national spotlight on our rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and the small‑town charm that defines our region,” said Joe Lannan, executive director of Visit French Lick West Baden. “We’re proud to show America why Timeless French Lick isn’t just a tagline, it’s our story.”
Lannan said French Lick’s unique natural features – stunning views atop Mount Airie and those healing sulphur springs – set it apart from most resorts.
“That sense of place is at the heart of French Lick,” Lannan said. “Being recognized nationally proves these authentic regional assets resonate far beyond southern Indiana.”
Just being nominated brings more visibility to Orange County and that translates into economic opportunity.
“When families discover French Lick, they stay in our hotels, dine locally, visit Orleans’s farmers markets, enjoy a nature cruise at Patoka Lake – benefiting small businesses across the Uplands,” Lannan said. “That’s tourism working its magic for our entire region.”
Other resorts in the running include the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Colorado, the Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Virginia, Sun River Resort in Sun River, Oregon, and Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa, in Ko Olina, Hawaii.
The 10 winning resorts will be announced Aug. 13 at noon ET. If you’d like to see the French Lick Resort land in the top 10, you can cast your vote here.
