City: West Baden, IN

Category: Tours & Attractions

Telephone: (888) 936-9360

Address: 8538 West Baden Ave.

Description: The story of the West Baden Hotel began long ago, when the West Baden/French Lick valley was a busy resort area. Dr. John Lane acquired property a mile away from the French Lick Spring Hotel in 1855 and named his hotel West Baden Springs after the famous springs in Wiesbaden, Germany. Indiana banker Lee Sinclair took over the property and in 1902 constructed a sophisticated resort. With its one-of-a-kind domed atrium spanning 200 feet, the National Historic Landmark has been called the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” Rooms rise in 6 tiers around the dome and balcony rooms provide a panoramic view of the atrium. Not to be outdone by his rival up the road, Sinclair promoted his Sprudel water, which means “spring” in German. The hotel became the social playground of the wealthy elite, sports heroes, politicians, and even gangsters like Al Capone and John Dillinger. But the Great Depression of 1929 ended those glory days. Many of the guests were ruined financially and the hotel never recovered from the shock. Over the years, this crown jewel of the valley fell on hard times and sat deserted. In 1991 a portion of the hotel collapsed.That’s when medical-device entrepreneur Bill Cook of Bloomington stepped in to fund an amazing restoration and renovation project. In 2007, West Baden Springs Resort was officially opened. Three-quarters of a century after the last guest checked out, visitors again checked in. And that’s what they have been doing ever since.