After more than 90 years of being closed to the public, the historic Billiard and Bowling Pavilion at French Lick Resort has reopened, returning one of Indiana’s oldest recreational buildings to active use for the first time since the 1930s. Originally opened on Christmas Day in 1917, the 108-year-old pavilion stands as a rare surviving example of early 20th-century resort recreation.
The pavilion served guests of the French Lick Springs Hotel and the nearby West Baden Springs Hotel during the resort’s peak years before closing amid economic pressures following West Baden’s shutdown during the Great Depression. Now, after a carefully executed restoration, this piece of Indiana history is once again part of the resort experience.
A Century-Old Entertainment Hub Returns
When it opened in 1917, the Billiard and Bowling Pavilion functioned as a central indoor gathering space for resort guests, offering bowling lanes and billiards at a time when French Lick was emerging as one of Indiana’s premier leisure destinations and one of the country's best-kept secrets. The facility operated continuously for decades, hosting social gatherings and games that defined resort life in the early 1900s.
Restoring the pavilion required preserving original architectural character while upgrading structural systems, safety features, and accessibility to meet modern standards. Rather than repurposing the building for a new function, the restoration returns the pavilion to its original role, demonstrating how hidden gems in Indiana can be revived without sacrificing authenticity.
What Makes This Reopening Special
The pavilion represents the longest operational gap of any major structure at French Lick Resort. While other historic buildings on the property have been renovated or continuously adapted over time, the pavilion remained largely untouched for nearly a century.
Unlike restorations that convert historic spaces into museums or event venues, this project restores a recreational facility to active daily use. Guests today experience the pavilion much as visitors did more than 100 years ago through shared games and social interaction rather than passive observation.
French Lick recreation space to reopen after more than 90 years – Inside INdiana Business
Part of French Lick’s Broader Revival
The reopening aligns with French Lick Resort’s long-term commitment to historic preservation. Over the years, the resort has invested heavily in restoring landmark properties while maintaining their relevance within a modern hospitality operation.
The pavilion’s return also reflects broader preservation efforts across southwest Indiana, where historic buildings are increasingly being restored for functional use rather than left dormant or demolished. These projects support tourism while preserving regional architectural identity.
A New Chapter for Historic French Lick
The Billiard and Bowling Pavilion’s reopening after more than nine decades demonstrates the lasting value of preservation done with restraint and purpose. Rather than reimagining the space, the restoration honors its original intent while ensuring its viability for future generations.
Now fully operational, the pavilion stands as both a functional amenity and a living artifact of Indiana tourism history. Its Christmas Day 1917 opening date anchors it firmly in the golden era of American resort culture, and its return marks a meaningful new chapter for French Lick Resort.
Whether you are a longtime visitor or discovering French Lick for the first time, the restored pavilion offers a rare opportunity to experience a piece of Indiana hospitality history that remained closed for nearly a century.