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Clockwise from upper left -- Famous entrance archway -- View of the hotel from the formal gardens -- Atrium view from inside the dome -- World renown dome, the eighth wonder of the world -- Top
The West Baden Springs Hotel is located about 270 miles southeast of the city of Hammond, in the gentle rolling forests of Orange County, Indiana. The hotel is situated on State Road 56 in West Baden Springs, Indiana. Seeing this architectural wonder is well worth the trip in itself. Once the largest free standing dome in the world until the completion of the Houston Astrodome. Other points of interest are also located in the nearby town of French Lick as well.
The history of the West Baden Springs Hotel is filled with many ups and downs spanning over 100 years. The original hotel building was first built in 1855. A fire in the early morning hours of June 15, 1901 completely destroyed the wooden framed structure. The hotel was quickly rebuilt as a completely fireproof building in 1902. The West Baden Springs Hotel was a tourist meca for the rich and famous in the early part of the 20th century until the great Stock Market Crash of 1929. The hotel was then forced to close and later reopened as a college for Jesuit priests from 1934 to 1964. In 1966 the former grand old hotel was sold at auction and donated to the Northwood Institute when it served as a private college until its closure in 1967. The building lay vacant and decaying up until 1996 when it was purchased by the Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana. A partial restoration of over $30 million has recently been completed by the Cook Group Incorporated. Top
One of the best ways to get there from Hammond is via US Route 41. Take US 41 south to State Road 63, proceed south to Terre Haute continue south on to Vincennes, then take US Route 150 east to State Road 56 then turn south about 2 miles to the hotel. This route lets you travel on 4 lane divided highways up until the last 50 miles of the journey. Travel time is approximately 5 hours. Plan your trip on Mapquest.
Besides the tours of the historic West Baden Springs Hotel in West Baden Springs. Other points of interest in the neighboring town of French Lick are as follows. Stop and see the Beechwood Mansion a fully restored 19th century mansion now operating as a bed and breakfast inn. The French Lick Winery & Coffee Company, offering free tasting and tours is also located at the Beechwood Mansion. The Indiana Railway Museum located in the old Monon passenger station and features unique train excursions through the countryside. Stay at the French Lick Springs Resort and Spa, once the rival of the West Baden Springs Hotel this property still operates as a luxury hotel and offers a host of activities. Several antique shops are also located in town. Top
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One Tank Road Trips © 2000 HammondIndiana.com all rights reserved.
