Visit Harrah's Hoosier Park for Indiana's world-renowned harness racing. The casino features 2,000 slots, e-tables, racetrack views, and live music. Casinos Legalization efforts. Critics of lottery legalization said the measure would lead to casino gambling, while legislators said there would be little support for casinos. Within months of the amendment's passage, Gary mayor Thomas Barnes proposed opening up the economically depressed city to high-rise resort casinos. The Indiana General Assembly rejected a Gary casino bill in 1989, but.
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Whether you are looking for a relaxing and romantic trip, or a family-friendly property with many activities, Indiana has resorts to suit any traveler on any budget.
The state has a short stretch of shoreline on Lake Michigan as well as several rivers that empty into the Mississippi and many large lakes.
Many vacationers come to the state for its waterfront attractions and recreation opportunities. Therefore this list includes many waterfront properties. However, you will also find a few that are nestled away in the forest, a couple of resorts nearby winter ski villages and even one on a college campus.
Lets have a look at the best resorts in Indiana:
1. French Lick Resort
French Lick Resort
French Lick Resort is home to two award winning AAA Four-Diamond hotels – French Lick Springs Hotel and West Baden Springs Hotel.
Both hotels are stunning examples of historic architecture with French Lick being on the National Register of Historic Places and West Baden being a National Historic Landmark.
The resort is tucked away in the hills of the Hoosier National Forest just a short drive from Indianapolis, Louisville and Cincinnati, and is both family-friendly and perfect for a couples getaway.
The hotel has a plethora of amenities and entertainment options including a 45-hole Pete Dye golf course, two luxurious, world-class spas, a Vegas-style casino, horseback riding and plenty of activities for kids.
Website: https://www.frenchlick.com
2. Turkey Run Inn
Turkey Run Inn
Turkey Run Inn located at Indiana’s Turkey Run State Park provides visitors with a relaxing forest refuge.
The Inn was built in 1919 but has undergone many upgrades and renovations over the years.
Today the inn is a popular weekend retreat and vacation destination with both the comfort and convenience of a modern resort hotel as well as the rustic ambiance of a country inn.
Accommodations include sixty-one guest rooms in the main lodge as well as five buildings with cabin-style rooms and three stand-alone cabins.
Enjoy everything that Turkey Run State Park has to offer during your stay as well as the amenities of the hotel itself including an indoor heated pool with sundecks, a game room, bike rentals and the on-site Narrows Restaurant.
Website: http://www.turkeyrunstatepark.com/Turkey_Run_Inn/
3. Bay Side Resort
Bay Side Resort
Bay Side Resort is a family-owned and managed resort on the shores of Lake Shafer.
The resort is popular among family travelers and offers a range of different rentals to suit the size of your group.
The resort is located directly across from Indiana Beach and has a miniature golf course, arcade and a modest water park all within walking distance.
The resort itself has fishing poles, kayaks, canoes and paddle boats to facilitate maximum fun on the water during your visit.
There is also an indoor pool and sauna as well as an outdoor hot tub.
Guests rave about the hotel’s beautiful deck and fire pit which are perfect for watching the sunset.
Website: http://www.baysideresortlodging.com
4. The Lighthouse Lodge
The Lighthouse Lodge
The Lighthouse Lodge sits on the relaxing shores of Lake Shafer.
Accommodations include seven deluxe suites that are each equipped with kitchenettes, balconies and fireplaces.
There are also two stand-alone cottages that have full kitchens and provide additional space and comfort.
Amenities include a daily breakfast and a recreation room with pool tables, card tables and darts.
With the proximity to the lake, activities on the water are always close-at-hand.
Guests can swim at the lake’s shallow beaches or take a scenic cruise.
Nearby Crooked Creek offers horseback riding and there are several golf courses in the area.
Website: http://www.thelighthouselodge.com
5. Swan Lake Resort
Swan Lake Resort
Swan Lake Resort is a golf-centered resort located on 500 acres of countryside in Northern Indiana.
The resort features a total of 36 holes of golf and is home to the United States Golf Academy which offers golf lessons and camps.
Rooms at the resort range from standard hotel rooms to suites, cottages and cabins as well as special fairway villas that have a good view of the 18th hole.
The golf theme extends to resort dining as Swan Lake Resort is home to the only Sam Snead’s Tavern and Grill in this part of the country.
The restaurant is decked out with artifacts from the golfing legend’s personal collection and serves a delicious menu of steak and seafood.
Website: http://www.swanlakeresort.com
6. Indiana Beach Amusement Resort
Indiana Beach Amusement Resort
Indiana Beach Resort is a well known family amusement park featuring roller coasters, a variety of old fashioned rides and traditional carnival games.
The park also has a water park section that has several water slides among other attractions.
The resort offers a range of accommodation options including cabins, campgrounds, motels and inns.
Options include the Beach House Inn, Indiana Beach Jellystone Park, Indiana Beach Cottages and the Boardwalk Motel.
With a wide range of fantastic options, there is something for everyone looking for a place to rest their head after a busy day playing at the amusement park.
Website: http://www.indianabeach.com
7. Potawatomi Inn Resort and Conference Center
Potawatomi Inn Resort and Conference Center
Potawatomi Inn Resort and Conference Center is located on the shores of Lake James within the grounds of Pokagon State Park.
The rustic resort has taken inspiration from their wooded surroundings and feature knotty pine walls and beds adorned with traditional Amish-made quilts.
The resort is open year round, but is especially popular in the wintertime when guests can fish and ice skate on the lake as well as enjoy the park’s exhilarating toboggan run.
The toboggan slide is the only refrigerated one in the state making it possible to ride even when there is no snow.
Potawatomi Inn offers several options of suites, cabins, patio rooms and six kids rooms that are a fantastic choice for families.
Website: http://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/inns/potawatomi/
8. Raccoon Lakeside Lodge
Raccoon Lakeside Lodge
Raccoon Lakeside Lodge is comprised of a collection of waterside apartments and suites.
The accommodations range from one to three bedrooms and sleep six to eight people.
Each room comes with well-equipped kitchens and a patio with gas grill and table seating.
The highlight of lodge is the lake and there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy it.
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Pontoon boats and jetskis are available for rent and the resort has a nice swimming pool.
There is also a public beach only a few minutes away.
For golf lovers, the nearby golf course offers an affordable option for a round of golf.
Website: http://raccoonlodge.com
9. Belterra Casino Resort and Spa
Belterra Casino Resort and Spa
Belterra Casino Resort & Spa is a resort built around a casino riverboat that is docked on the Ohio River.
The resort is geared towards adults with a few activities for older children.
There are more than 600 guestrooms on the property including some specialty suites.
There are even some pet-friendly rooms for those who like to travel with their furry friends.
The resort offers a wide range of entertainment such shows, concerts and of course, Vegas-style casino gambling.
The resort has a full-service luxury spa as well as a pool and several shops.
Guests can also use Belterra’s Tom Fazio Golf Course which is one of the best in the region.
Website: https://www.belterracasino.com
10. Beachwalk Resort
Beachwalk Resort
Beachwalk Resort is located on the shores of beautiful Lake Michigan.
Accommodations at the resort consist of a group of small lakefront cottages.
The resort is a quite popular family getaway in the summer and many of the surrounding community’s attractions cater to the summer tourists that flock to the area during the warm months.
Even though the property is built to be a relaxing getaway, the resort has plenty of options for keeping active.
Beachwalk features a golf course, dining options and a beach with sand dunes.
Families especially love the property’s playgrounds, tennis courts and the fishing pier on the lake.
Website: http://www.beachwalkresort.com
11. Paoli Peaks
Paoli Peaks
Paoli Peaks is a popular ski resort in the Southern Indiana area.
The ski resort features natural slopes with a 300-foot vertical drop.
The slopes feature something for any type of skier as they range from beginner and intermediate to advanced and expert slopes.
They even have a family slope where the whole family can ski together.
Paoli Peaks also has a tubing park with nine lanes of hills for tubing.
The resort has a snow-making machine to provide skiing, boarding and tubing fun when it’s cold but there isn’t snow.
Paoli Peaks lodge is strictly a day lodge, but guests who wish to stay overnight can stay at the Trailview Ski Lodges which are rustic cabins located on the slopes themselves or several other hotels in town.
Website: http://www.peakresorts.com/our-resorts/paoli-peaks/
12. Oakwood Resort
Oakwood Resort
Oakwood Resort is located in Syracuse on the shores of Lake Wawasee.
The lake is the largest natural lake in the state and provides the perfect ambiance for a special occasion, family vacation or weekend escape.
Oakwood offers 77 guest rooms and suites and an additional ten vacation homes on their property which means they can cater to a variety of group sizes and budgets.
Resort amenities include a full-service salon & spa with Aveda trained professionals and Aveda products.
The resort also has an on-site restaurant and bar that features a stylish indoor dining room and seasonal outdoor seating.
Website: http://oakwoodresort.com
13. Morris Inn
Morris Inn
Morris Inn is a AAA 4 Diamond hotel located within the campus grounds of Notre Dame University.
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The Hotel has 18 well-equipped suites and 132 modern, renovated guestrooms.
The Grand Suites feature 48-inch televisions, 1 ½ bathrooms and a large amount of living space making them a comfortable option for families and couples looking for a bit more room.
There are three on-site restaurants offering a range of dining including fresh seafood, light bites and casual outdoor dining.
Guests at Morris Inn can take advantage of many of the University’s amenities including the Warren Golf Course, the DeBartolo Performing Arts Center and sporting events at the campus stadium.
Website: http://morrisinn.nd.edu
14. Fourwinds Lakeside Inn & Marina
Fourwinds Lakeside Inn & Marina
Fourwinds Lakeside Inn & Marina is a casual lakeside retreat that is perfect for families.
The property is located on Lake Monroe in Bloomington and is part of the Fairfax State Recreation Area.
The inn has 118 guestrooms which offer a relaxed but elegant experience.
The highlight of the property is the lakeside location and a plethora of water activities including fishing, relaxing on the private beach, swimming in the indoor/outdoor heated salt water pool and a full-service marina offering jet-ski and boat rentals.
Fourwinds has many land-based activities as well including picturesque hiking trails, a fitness center and sports facilities including tennis and basketball courts and miniature golf.
Website: http://www.fourwindsresort.com
15. New Harmony Inn Resort and Conference Center
New Harmony Inn Resort
New Harmony Inn is tucked away on a bend of Southwest Indiana’s Wabash River.
The resort is the perfect relaxing retreat for couples wishing to have a romantic getaway.
The peaceful property has acres of rolling hills, hiking trails and walking paths, beautiful waterfalls, ponds and carefully landscaped gardens.
There is a covered heated pool outdoor in the garden as well as a fitness center and other amenities.
The resort offers a curated package for couples in their all-inclusive Harmony for Two package.
The package includes dinner and breakfast for two, chocolate covered strawberries and champagne and the option to have a late checkout.
Website: https://www.newharmonyinn.com
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Recently a blog reader sent me the following study produced for Fort Wayne, Indiana as it considered allowing casinos in 2009. Here is the link: http://www.ipfw.edu/dotAsset/174199.pdf . He said he believed the study to be reasonable and objective. It was commissioned by the City of Fort Wayne and written by the Community Research Institute of Indiana University/Purdue University. Apparently the 38 pages of information produced did not deter the officials in Fort Wayne and two non tribal casinos are now in operation: the Fraternal Order of Eagles 3512 casino and the Canterbury casino. There are several major differences between Fort Wayne’s casinos and the proposed Glendale casino. No reservation land was created as these are not tribal casinos; local, county and state taxes are paid and revenue sharing deals were implemented. Here are a few highlights of the study.
- “When fiscal costs were included as well a multiplier effects, most of the options which were calculated results in costs exceeding benefits.”
- “However, the averages wages are less for casino employees compared to the overall average wage.”
- “For 5-10 miles, there was an average loss of $195 for all industries…businesses located 10-30 miles away lost $243.”
- “…casino ‘undercut’ local bars, restaurants, and lodging by subsidizing their on-site casino facilities.”
- “In 2007, gambling industries (the majority of which are casino employment) had an average wage of $28,148 while the average national wage was $44,458.”
- “Wichita State (2007) states that 50 percent of new jobs will come through substitution of existing jobs.”
- “…one negative would be more traffic, more accidents, and more DUI arrests.”
- “Rose (1998) identifies sewer and road maintenance as a drain on communities, as well as costs of increased crime and crime prevention.”
- “…approximately 41 percent of the patrons lived within 20 miles, approximately 27% within 20-60 miles, and approximately 32 percent traveled more than 60 miles.”
- From Wichita State (2007) annual spending per person living 0-10 miles from a casino is $528; 10-25 miles from a casino is $234; and 25-50 miles away is $115.”
- “Research shows that proximity to a casino increases the likelihood of problem gambling…and most pathological and problem gamblers lives within 50 miles of a casino.”
- “Strong evidence is produced that there is a correlation between crime and casinos…It has been suggested that after time, the pathological and problem gamblers may resort to crime to cover gambling related debts (bad check, check forgery, theft from employers, tax evasion, tax fraud, loan fraud, embezzlement, larceny, bookmaking, hustling, fencing stolen goods, confidence games, pimping, prostitution, selling drugs, and others.)”
- “In a 2004 study done b the Department of Justice pathological or problem gamblers were arrested a rate 3-5 times higher than that of the general population.”
- “Different studies have found ranges which are substantially higher for problem gambling in adolescents.”
- “Substance abusers appear to be particularly vulnerable to gambling problems.”
- “Studies indicate that casino employees may also be at higher risk for pathological gambling.”
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The Community Research Institute made clear that it had no dog in the fight and was merely compiling research from a vast amount of available material. Their bibliography is extensive. Even an seemingly non-biased study such as this one raises red flags about the long term effects of casinos – tribal or non tribal.
Two of the major reasons supporters advocate for the Tohono O’odham casino in Glendale are: 1. historically we have treated Indians poorly, subjugating and placing them on reservations and therefore we, the United States, owe them; and 2. Glendale will benefit financially from a casino in its community. Questions arise. How far back does this nation have to recall history in paying for past sins? 50 years? 100 years? 150 years? The U.S. government has acknowledged its historical ill treatment of indigenous Indian people and has paid and continues to pay vast amounts of money in reparation.
Glendale, despite the monies being offered by the Tohono O’odham, will suffer financially. It will be tasked with installing new and upgraded infrastructure to serve the casino and its associated development. It will strain an already strained public safety system and the casino will remove sales tax dollars from nearby businesses through unfair, untaxed, subsidized competition.
The action taken by the Glendale city council to bend over on the casino issue will, in the future, be just as detrimental financially to the city as the infamous arena management deal and the Camelback Ranch Spring Training Facility. It will become just another sink hole draining dollars that could be used to provide amenities that enhance the quality of life of Glendale’s residents.
There is still hope that the casino can be defeated. The General Election of November 4, 2014 produced a Republican majority in the Senate. I suspect that now it may be far easier to get a bill passed that stops the Tohono O’odham in their tracks. Perhaps that is why, even though they had a major ground breaking event a month or so ago, not one shovel full of dirt has moved on the TO site. This may signal the most prudent decision they have made to date. Actually starting a multimillion dollar development while congressional legislation remains a threat would be fool hardy indeed.
I never have and do not now bear any ill will to the people of the Tohono O’odham Nation. The Tohono O’odham people have suffered financially for many years. Where do the annual millions of dollars earned by the Tohono O’odham’s three current casinos go? Apparently not to the people of the Nation. However, I do believe that the actions of Ned Norris, Jr. and the Tohono O’odham Legislative council with respect to violating the State Gaming Compact and attempting to plant a casino in Glendale have been incredibly imprudent, greedy, selfish and self-serving. I do not wish them well in this endeavor.
© Joyce Clark, 2014
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