Daytrippers, Part I

I had wanted to take this trip for some time now, and this past weekend I finally was able to convince my husband to accompany me. Oh goody, we were going south to tour a couple of hotels. Wait: hotels? We’re going to tour hotels? I’m sure that many of you are scratching your heads by now, wondering why anyone would a) tour a hotel and b) be excited by the prospect. Well, my friends, it just so happens that these are not just any hotels. These two hotels are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and one, when built in 1902, was declared the "Eighth Wonder of the World". Now do I have your interest? Good, then sit back, buckle your seat belt and secure your drink in the beverage holder. We’re going on a road trip.

Heading south through limestone country.

Sunday dawned bright and beautiful and soon we were ready to go on our little adventure. Since it was such a lovely autumn day, we decided to take the more scenic route to our destination. This required traveling on back roads through part of the Hoosier National Forest. These roads were not on your standard road map, and in truth they barely qualify as roads, being only a lane and a half wide. At least we were driving on paved roads – most of the time.

This part of the trip was beautiful, even if I never could see the forest because of all the trees blocking my view. Interestingly enough, even in this remote area, a few houses could be found. “Oh look, dear. There’s a young boy playing the banjo.” On second thought, why don’t we just keep driving?

After about an hour and a half on the road, we arrive. Can you see it peeking through the trees? Yes, our first stop is the historic and recently restored West Baden Springs Hotel. I will tell you some of the history of this fine building in my next post, so you can concentrate on the beauty of the surroundings.

We get to drive through the arch. No, the arch isn't crooked, but the photographer might be...

At one point my husband commented that it was a shame that such a beautiful building was hidden behind large trees. Believe it or not, this is actually the back of the hotel.

This was the world’s largest free-span dome until the Astrodome was built in 1963. This domed area measures 200 feet wide by 100 feet tall. Pictures cannot even begin to convey the sheer size and majesty of this place.

Dome ceiling detail.

Listen to the music while you admire the fireplace.

Stone mosaic flooring detail in the dome.

There is a spa at the hotel that is at the end of a grand enclosed colonnade. Throughout the hotel, gorgeous stone mosaics grace the marble floors.

The indoor pool - off limits to sightseers like us.

The original mosaic floor in the front lobby.

A series of photos show the state of the building and grounds when restoration began. An overgrown arch in the gardens.

The dome, stripped of its former glory.

The dome restored.

I am not sure what area this is, but the standing water on the floor hints at a slight water problem.

At one point, a six-story section of the outer wall fell, taking the old hotel rooms with it.

West Baden Springs from the air.

The lobby has been restored. Guests were busy checking in and out of the hotel while sightseers like us wandered around taking pictures.

The sunken, formal gardens have also undergone renovation and one of the spring houses remains. This fountain was completely rebuilt. I am not sure if it is the original design, but the frog and the turtle fountains splashing together are playful.

On the far side of the garden stands the old Billiards and Bowling Pavilion. A peek through the windows reveals that restoration has yet to be done in this building.

Could this day have been any more beautiful? Just perfect.