Two NTA members showcase different options for groups in Indiana. Established in 1845, French Lick Resort offers luxury accommodations and a variety of activities to create the perfect vacation, while the Amish Country area of northern Indiana provides cultural and religious tour options.
French Lick Resort
Groups can enjoy a world-class experience at French Lick Resort in the town of French Lick. Recently named the Best Historic Resort in America by Historic Hotels of America, the resort has two historical hotels, two world-class spas, three championship-level golf courses, a casino, stables with horseback riding and carriage rides, complimentary trolley service, and numerous restaurants and shops. French Lick Scenic Railroad offers themed train excursions including Wild West Hold-ups, Polar Express and a newly launched dinner train service that includes a fine-dining experience aboard the train.
Wilsterm Wildlife Park at the resort offers animal encounters that include bathing an elephant, feeding giraffes or getting up close and personal with grizzly bears and their handler Jeff Watson, formerly of Animal Planet’s Project Grizzly. Other options include step-on guided tours of the property, walking tours of the historical hotels, scenic nature cruises of Patoka Lake and culinary delights at the eateries.
For more information, email Kristal Painter or go to visitfrenchlickwestbaden.com.
Amish Country
Northern Indiana has the third-largest Amish population in the U.S., and the area offers a variety of great options for groups. Groups can fly into Chicago, only 120 miles away, and arrange pick-up services by a local coach company.
One of the most popular tours is the Quilt Gardens tour. Located in six towns along the Heritage Trail, the gardens feature more than one million blooms planted to resemble typical quilt patterns. Groups can visit the Quilt Gardens during the summer months up until mid-September.
Faith groups can explore the Amish religion and culture as part of the Amish Country Backroads tour or by experiencing hands-on cooking and tasting in Amish homes. In addition, the University of Notre Dame is just 20 minutes away, where groups can visit the basilica with its spectacular stained glass and gold embellishments.
For more information, reach out to Sonya Nash of the Amish Country of Northern Indiana CVB or go to amishcountry.org.
Top photo: Elkhart Quilt Gardens
Photo by Elkhart County, IN CVB
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