Click on the name of the exhibit on the left to read more information about the exhibit and see images on the right.
Exhibits
Sports In The Valley
Yes, basketball legend Larry Bird is our most famous son and he’s front and center in this exhibit. We also have a rich golf history. Walter Hagen won the 1928 PGA Championship here and the day’s greatest lady golfers decided LPGA Championships here in the 50’s.
Did you know the last time the Chicago Cubs won the World Series they had spring training at the West Baden Springs Hotel? A lot of major league teams trained here in the early 1900’s and again in the WW2 years. You’ll learn all about it. The hotels also fielded teams, often scrimmaging against the major leaguers.
Teeing off at the lower golf course behind the French Lick Springs Hotel and Golf Course - circa 1910.
Golf scorecard featuring a bird's-eye view of French Lick Springs Hotel - circa 1910.
Photo of the West Baden team in later years.
Photo of the West Baden team circa 1910-1915.
Shown in this picture are a few pieces of memorabilia from the incredible basketball career of Larry Bird. Bird played for Indiana State and was then drafted by the Boston Celtics in 1978 and signed a 5 year deal in 1979. He retired as an NBA player in 1992, began coaching the Indiana Pacers in 1997 and was elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1998.
This exhibit is sponsored by Hoosier Hills.