Mountain Biking in Hoosier National Forest
Explore the mountainous scenery of southern Indiana in Hoosier National Forest from the saddle of your mountain bike. While the forest covers 200,000 acres, French Lick is the gateway to nearby mountain biking challenges including the Ogala, Spurgeon's Corner and Shirley Creek trails. Trailheads are located less than 10 miles north of downtown French Lick with ample parking available.
Hoosier National Forest Supervisors Office
811 Constitution Ave.
Bedford, IN 47421
(866) 302-4173
www.fs.fed.us/r9/hoosier
Play Through a Historic Golf Course
Tee up where golfers have been creating legends since 1917. World Golf Hall of Fame designer, Donald Ross, built a golfer's paradise where more than 100 national championships have been played. Part of the French Lick Resort, the Donald Ross Course is adjacent to two equally challenging sites: the Pete Dye Course, home of the 2010 PGA Pro National Championships, and Valley Links, with its Golf Learning Center.
French Lick Resort
8670 W. State Road 56
French Lick, IN 47432
(888) 936-9360
frenchlick.com/golf/index.jsp
Hike and Fish Patoka Lake
Keep your eyes open for osprey, eagles and wildlife as you hike through the habitat that has grown up around the reservoir, Patoka Lake. The Patoka Lake Trail is at the north of the lake. If you trailer your own boat, there are 10 boat launch ramps within the Patoka Lake State Park for easy access. Alternatively, rent a 16-foot fishing boat at the marina where short-term fishing licenses are also available to purchase.
Patoka Lake Marina and Lodging
2991 North Dillard Road
Birdseye, IN 47513
(888) 819-6916
patokalakemarina.com
Ride the Scenic Railway
Settle back with a relaxing railroad ride through the tree-covered mountainsides of Hoosier National Forest. Scenic trips last just under two hours. Linger over the impressive collection of steam locomotives and rolling stock in the Indiana Railway Museum, and then stop in the museum store to find books, collectibles and clothing to satisfy every railroad buff.
French Lick Scenic Railway Station
Indiana Railway Museum
1 Monon St.
French Lick, IN 47432
(800) 74-TRAIN
indianarailwaymuseum.org
Article Written By Denise Schoonhoven
A seasoned business traveler, Denise Schoonhoven specializes in food, travel, landscaping, design and personal development topics. She has lived and worked in London, San Francisco, New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and the Pacific Northwest. Schoonhoven hails from the corporate writing world where she authored marketing material, catalogs, presentations and training documents.
