The French Lick West Baden Museum, was established in 2007 for French Lick's 150th birthday!

The museum began retelling the stories of our incredible towns as a pop-up museum. In 2011, we returned and in 2014 our current location was placed in the beautifully restored Dickason Building in downtown French Lick. Today, we continue to tell the incredible histories of our towns through impressive exhibits, interactive experiences, and first-person stories. 

We feature two exhibits:

The CASINO EXHIBIT- We were Vegas before there was a Vegas… despite the fact that gambling in Indiana was illegal. The Springs Valley boasted several documented casinos from the 1860's until 1949 when the state stopped looking the other way. You’ll see relics from those old casinos and learn about some of the characters who ran them.

The CROSS EXHIBIT- Local artists Henry and Ferdinand Cross made and sold their work out of a place known as Cross Cave. Henry was a painter and Ferdinand was a stone carver. The Cross Brothers moved to southern Indiana in the mid-1800's and would gain national acclaim.  We have a display of Henry’s magnificent paintings and Ferdinand's spectacular Cross columns and fireplace; vivid examples of what Ferdinand could do with a chunk of raw limestone, working in a cave.

And of course, you can’t come to French Lick and not know about LARRY BIRD!

One of the greatest to play the game and is a home town boy.  Larry Bird, "The Hick From French Lick", starred at Indiana State University before joining the NBA's Boston Celtics in 1979. Over the course of his 13-year Hall of Fame career, the sharpshooting forward led the Celtics to three NBA titles and claimed three MVP awards. Visit us and discover how he got started.

Come see our recent exhibit for limited time - When Governors Met in the Valley. Stories and artifacts from 1923 West Baden Springs Hotel, 1931 and 1971 French Lick Springs Hotel Governors Conventions. 

We also are the Home of The World's Largest Circus Diorama!  

So, we look forward to your visit, and to stepping back into history with us! https://www.flwbmuseum.com/