My wife and I recently had the opportunity to stay at the West Baden Springs Hotel for a relaxing weekend away and to get into the holiday spirit. The hotel, designated a National Historic Landmark since 1987, is located in a very rural area of southern Indiana, bordering the Hoosier National Forest, approximately an hour drive northwest of Louisville, Kentucky, and a two hour drive southwest of Indianapolis. Here’s a brief summary of the hotel’s history.
The hotel as it currently stands was opened in 1902, and until the Great Depression of the 1930’s, was a very popular vacation spot for the wealthy, politicians, captains of industry and even gangsters. Al Capone was reported to be a frequent guest.
When the West Baden Springs Hotel was opened, it was advertised as the 8th wonder of the world, because of its 200 foot diameter circular dome, which stands 100 feet above the hotel’s atrium. At the time, it was the largest free-standing dome in the world and remained so until 1913. It was the largest free-standing dome in the US until the 1950’s. The following photos provide a glimpse of the West Baden Springs Hotel dome and the atrium as it was decorated for the 2016 holiday season.
The West Baden Springs Hotel was located in southern Indiana to capitalize on the mineral springs in the area, which were claimed to possess curative and restorative powers for just about any type of disease or malady. The hotel was built in the tradition of fine European spas, emulating their elegant décor and opulence. The main attractions of the West Baden Springs Hotel were not only the mineral springs and natatorium, but also a casino, golf courses, an opera house, concerts, bowling, horseback riding and hiking trails.
The Great Depression began a rapid decline for the property until it was closed in 1932. It became a Jesuit seminary, and then a private college, before falling into complete disrepair and being closed as unsafe in 1989. It was eventually purchased by a wealthy Bloomington, Indiana family, who undertook a complete restoration of the building around 2005. After nearly $100 million in restoration costs, the hotel was re-opened in 2007.