Family Fun
For the easiest way to plan your trip, use the What to Do, Where to Stay, Where to Eat, and Helpful Services links below.
Enjoy a day on the lake, family entertainment, or shopping spree!
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Cabins, houseboats,
bed & breakfasts, hotels, camping and lots more!
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From bar & grills to fine
dining - and lots in between!
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Meeting areas, camping supplies, bait & tackle, and more!
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Looking for a great place to have some fun with the kids? Then come to Southern Indiana and turn them loose for the vacation of a lifetime.
With lots of wide open spaces for kids to be kids, we offer a variety of outdoor activities perfectly suited for active families.
Your kids are sure to enjoy Patoka Lake, two state parks, four show caves, a restored pioneer village, a 20 mile train ride, and the drama about Abe Lincoln's childhood.
Canoe the Blue, ski Paoli Peaks, picnic at Sycamore Springs, and go horseback riding at a working ranch. Make Southern Indiana your vacation destination and let the fun begin!
Cave Country Canoes
Flowing through the heart of Indiana's newest state park, Blue River is a great Class 1 stream (perfect for groups and families). Half-day, full day, and overnight trips are available from April through October. Come and experience the thrill of canoeing Indiana's first Designated Scenic Waterway.
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Canoeing Blue River on a beautiful day |
Dubois County Museum
Settled by German immigrants, their heritage and history is showcased in the many exhibits at the Dubois County Museum. Visit an authentic 2-story German log house. Crawl inside a reproduction of an 1850s immigrant ship's bunk. Learn about Buffalo Trace. All this and more!
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German history and heritage come alive
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French Lick Resort
The elegant, but comfortable accommodations of this historic resort are perfect for any family, church, or corporate event. Two golf courses, two swimming pools, indoor and outdoor tennis, riding stables, ballroom, exhibit hall, convention center, world class spa, bowling alley, and children's activities make this a world class facility.
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The Midwest's premier resort destination. |
Gilligan's Boats
BOAT RENTAL on PATOKA LAKE; Crappie FISH, Go Tubin or explore Patoka on a cruise pontoon from Gilligan's friendly staff. Fishing boats, waterslide Pontoons, Ski barges ready in-water for your family at Gilligan's Lagoon. Rent skis, kneeboards, & Jet Skis. Fuel included!
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Taking a break from jet skiing |
Golf Shores Fun Center
Two exciting 18-hole courses, one outdoor and one indoor with black-lighting provide challenging and entertaining miniature golf adventures for all ages.
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Miniature golf adventures for all ages.
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Hinshaw Rock N Gems
Family owned Lapidary, Rock and Mineral Shop for 48 years. Unique jewelry by silversmith. Custom cutting and design. Open Thursday through Monday 1 to 5 pm (other times-call for appointment)
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Historic Landmark Tours
Take guided tours of the historic French Lick and West Baden Springs Hotels, two of Indiana's most outstanding and stunningly restored landmarks. Call for tour times.
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Hoosier Hills Marina
This full service marina is tucked away in a quiet cove of Patoka Lake. With slips and moorings for 170 boats, Hoosier Hills can accommodate everything from 20' pontoons and cruisers to 70' houseboats. A rental fleet and conveniently stocked store are also available.
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Boats docked at the marina on Patoka Lake |
Indiana Railway Museum
The entire family will enjoy this 20 mile train ride through the scenic hills of the Hoosier National Forest. Lasting about 2 hours, the trip includes passage through one of the longest tunnels in the state. All Aboard!
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20 mile train ride through scenic woods |
Patoka Lake Marina & Lodging
Water enthusiasts can choose from small fishing boats to party barges and large houseboats. Landlubbers can pick from a variety of fully-equipped rooms, suites, and cabins. Two convenient stores and a grill & laundrymat will help make your stay at Patoka Lake pleasurable and fun.
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A family enjoying Patoka Lake at the marina |
Patoka Lake Visitor Center
Providing year round interactive events, this educational facility helps visitors gain an appreciation for nature. Learn more about native plants, local geology, raptors, wetlands, local wildflowers, and more. Self-guided nature trails are also available.
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Learn about Patoka Lake through many exhibits |
Ski Paoli Peaks
Skiers and snowboarders of ALL AGES are welcome! A Kids' Snow Kamp provides all day supervision for ages 5-12. Fifteen slopes, equipment rentals, ski school, pro shop, certified instructors, food service, and ski lodge add up to winter fun at its best.
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Friends enjoying the snowy slopes |
The Fun Farm
Laser tag, go-kart, rock-climbing wall, paintball games and store, (1 indoor and 7 outdoor fields for paintball and laser tag), arcade, bean bag game, 22-hole championship disk (frisbee) golf course, corn maze, hayrides, karaoke, large pavilion for weddings / reunions / company outings / birthday parties, and hiking trails. 5$ admission charge. Open Jan-Dec. Hours: Wed-Sun 10am - 6pm. Other hours by reservation. (handicapped acc)
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1 indoor and 7 outdoor fields for paintball and la
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Valley of the Springs
French Lick's NEW Family Destination Resort! Splash & Stay at Valley of the Springs Resort featuring one of the few retractable roof indoor water parks in the world, Big Splash Adventure Indoor Water Park! 154 Rooms and Suites, many with bunk beds.
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Wilstem Guest Ranch
Situated on 1,100 acres of rolling hills and green pastures, this working ranch has 30 miles of riding trails, a swimming pool, volleyball, fishing, hiking, hayrides, and more. Accommodations include a lodge, ranch house, and cabins. Group events can be held in the Big Red Barn.
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Leisure activities abound at Wilstem Guest Ranch |
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