Day 3 - From French Lick to Jasper

Not so much riding today. We take a guided tour in West Baden Springs Hotel, an architectural wonder built in early 1900. It hosted gambling as well as various sport facilities (e.g. horse riding, golf, baseball, bicycling and hiking) and other sorts of entertainment (e.g. theatre and mineral baths) for the great until the Depression. After thorough reconstruction work, the building still is an impressive site and for sale for $32 million.

In the early afternoon we are back on our bikes and start pedaling backroads to Jasper. Jasper, as well as many Indiana small towns, has a good library. Even if the city's official visitor center is closed (as it is during the times that tourists usually hang around), the library is the second best option to seek for information about available accommodation. This is how it works out this time, too.

We find a hospitable and pleasant Bed & Breakfast place just in downtown Jasper, Powers Inn. The lady of the house prepares us a delicious breakfast with German pancakes, bacon and berry yoghurt.

Back to the previous night: The only thing people tend to know about Jasper is Schnitzelbank. There we enjoy more or less exotic dinner including frog legs with German and some Finnish beer. The southern Indiana, especially Jasper and its surroundings, is heavily influenced by German culture to the extent of German street names, German-American monetary and insurance companies, and finally, good selection of beers.


French Lick Springs Resort Indiana Railroad Museum (Sat, Sun only) Bed and Breakfast A Tourist West Baden Springs garden
West Baden Springs Hotel The Atrium Ionian Gold Mosaic
Top of the atrium Before renovation After Corinthian It is huge.
New doors Old windows French Lick city center The Bar in French Lick Cuzco - Norton Rd
Lawn Bed & B in Jasper Decent for bikers Sink Bathroom
Day 4