March in Indiana. The air is crisp, the anticipation for basketball palpable. It’s practically a Hoosier commandment to immerse oneself in the world of hoops this time of year. And when you think Indiana basketball, you inevitably think of Larry Bird, a name as deeply intertwined with French Lick as the town’s historic hotels themselves.
For fans making the pilgrimage to French Lick, the spirit of Larry Legend is alive and well. Beyond the luxurious accommodations and scenic landscapes, a journey into Bird’s history awaits. Here are five essential stops for any basketball devotee seeking to connect with the legend in his hometown, culminating in a unique experience at 33 Brick Street that you won’t find anywhere else.
Visit Larry Bird’s Childhood Home
Garage with basketball hoop at Larry Bird's childhood home in French Lick, Indiana
The starting point of Bird’s incredible journey is humble yet iconic: his childhood home. Thanks to the marvel of Google Maps, tracing your steps to this significant location is effortless. While time has brought updates to the house and garage, and the original hoop is gone, the current owners thoughtfully installed a classic wooden backboard. Standing there, you can almost hear the echoes of bouncing basketballs and envision a young Larry honing his legendary skills, shot after shot, in that very driveway.
Cruise Down Larry Bird Boulevard and Snap a Photo
Larry Bird Boulevard street sign in French Lick, Indiana
Statue of Larry Bird outside the Springs Valley Teen Center in French Lick, Indiana
French Lick proudly honors its hometown hero with Larry Bird Boulevard. A drive down this street is a must for any visitor. Be sure to pull over for a photo opportunity at the Larry Bird Boulevard sign itself. Remarkably, the sign is positioned so close to the French Lick Resort that you can capture both the French Lick Springs Hotel and French Lick Casino in the background of your shot, perfectly blending Bird’s legacy with the town’s present-day attractions. Continue along the boulevard towards Springs Valley High School, and you’ll encounter another photo-worthy spot: a bust of Larry Bird standing proudly outside the Springs Valley Teen Center, a fitting tribute to his enduring influence on the community.
Step into History at Springs Valley High School Gym
Interior of Springs Valley High School gym where Larry Bird played basketball
For a truly immersive experience, try to catch a glimpse inside the Springs Valley High School gym. This is where Larry Bird’s basketball journey truly took flight. Before captivating audiences at Indiana State University and dominating the NBA with the Boston Celtics, Bird was racking up an astounding 1,125 points right here. While game schedules vary, keeping an eye on the Springs Valley home game schedule during basketball season provides the perfect opportunity to witness the gym in its element. Even an off-season visit might offer a lucky peek inside. It’s a chance to stand in the very place where one of basketball’s greatest careers began.
Display case with Larry Bird's high school basketball records at Springs Valley High School
1974 Springs Valley High School basketball team photo featuring Larry Bird
Retired Larry Bird #33 jerseys hanging in the Springs Valley High School gym
The moment you enter this 61-year-old gym, Bird’s presence is unmistakable. Directly above the main entrance, a prominent photo of Larry Bird welcomes visitors. Look upwards, and you’ll see a collection of his retired #33 jerseys hanging from the rafters, a constant reminder of the legend who once graced this court. Seek out the team photo of the undefeated 1974 Springs Valley squad, Bird’s senior year, where he averaged an unbelievable 31 points and 21 rebounds per game. Even when the gym is empty, you can absorb the atmosphere of small-town Indiana basketball. Springs Valley’s gym exemplifies the classic “sunken bowl” style common to many schools in southern Indiana, adding another layer to the authentic Hoosier hoops experience.
Interactive History at 33 Brick Street Bar & Grill: Try on Larry’s Olympic Jacket
Larry Bird's 1984 Olympic warmup jacket on display at 33 Brick Street Bar & Grill in French Lick
A visit to 33 Brick Street Bar & Grill in downtown French Lick is more than just a meal; it’s a trip into Larry Bird memorabilia heaven. This local establishment, a cornerstone of French Lick, boasts an impressive array of Bird artifacts. Among the treasures is a truly unique piece: Larry Bird’s warmup jacket from the 1984 Olympics. But here’s where 33 Brick Street elevates the experience: simply ask, and they will bring out the jacket and allow you to try it on. This interactive encounter offers an unparalleled and personal connection to Bird’s legacy in his hometown. It’s not just seeing history; it’s briefly stepping into it.
Explore the French Lick West Baden Museum’s Larry Bird Exhibit
Larry Bird exhibit at the French Lick West Baden Museum featuring a basketball and hoop
No Larry Bird pilgrimage to French Lick is complete without a visit to the French Lick West Baden Museum. Situated just across the highway from the French Lick Springs Hotel, the museum dedicates a significant section to French Lick’s most celebrated son. Within this exhibit, you’ll discover fascinating relics, including some of Bird’s vintage jerseys and a wooden backboard salvaged from the old Springs Valley gym. Standing before this backboard, imagining the countless shots a young Larry Bird practiced on it, truly brings his journey full circle. It’s a worthwhile stop to appreciate the tangible pieces of his early career and understand the roots of his greatness.
French Lick isn’t just a charming destination; it’s the heartland of Larry Bird’s story. From his childhood home to the interactive exhibit at 33 Brick Street, the town offers a unique and personal journey through the life of a basketball icon. For any fan seeking to connect with Larry Legend, French Lick awaits, ready to share its rich basketball heritage.
