Main Page - Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park

Manager's Message

Animal Folklore & Wisdom Workshop series August 28th through October 23rd

1st Saturday Art in the Park 9am-5pm

Pottery Wheel Workshop August 26th through October 14th

Golden Slipper Dinner & Dance October 3rd, 2008

Jeanie with the Light Brown Hair and Stephen Foster Vocal Auditions October 4th, 2008

20th Annual Suwannee River Quilt Show & Sale October 17th-19th- Registration now open

Rural Folklife Days November 5th through 7th, 2008

SUWANNEE DULCIMER RETREAT- November 14th and 15th, 2008

4th Annual Old Time Music Weekend December 5th through 7th, 2008- Registration Now Open!

Workshop Information- Blacksmithing, Pottery, Silk Painting, Weaving.

Visit our Craft Store and learn about our Citizen Support Organization online.

New & Improved Trails-The park trails have recently been redone. New signs and trail maps have greatly increased the accessibility of over 10 miles of trails within the park. Feel free to pick up a copy of the new trail map at the Ranger Station.

Museum & Carillon Tower Group Tours Available- Intersted in bringing your group for a VIP tour of the park? Please contact the Museum at 386-397-4408 for information & scheduling.

The park's First Saturday Coffeehouse, held monthly, invites everyone to take the stage for a song, a poem or a story. Coffee and desserts are available for sale.

CALLING ALL CRAFTERS & DEMONSTRATORS & CAMPGROUND HOSTS- Crafters and demonstrators are needed at the craft square. If you have a special talent and are interested in demonstrating a special craft or art, space is provided and available. Please contact Craft Square Manager Kelli Pipkins at (386)397-1920. Campground hosts and volunteers are also needed. If you are interested in volunteering in exchange for a campsite, please contact Park Ranger Larry Hoover at (386)397-2733

The Suwannee River experiences periods of drought and flooding throughout the year. During periods of drought, caves and limestone formations are exposed along the riverbank, revealing habitat for alligators and other wildlife. During periods of moderate to high water, the river current ranges from 2 to 3 miles an hour or more. Canoe and kayak liveries are located in White Springs and surrounding counties, offering trips of half a day or more. More information on traveling the Suwannee may be obtained by contacting the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail at 1-800-868-9914.

For more information on our activities, call (386) 397-4331. We hope to see you soon.
- Benjamin Faure, Park Manager

Welcome to Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park

Situated on the banks of the legendary Suwannee River, this center honors the memory of American composer Stephen Foster, who wrote "Old Folks at Home," the song that made the river famous. The museum features exhibits about Foster's most famous songs and his music can be heard emanating from the park's 97-bell carillon throughout the day. In Craft Square, visitors can watch demonstrations of quilting, blacksmithing, stain glass making, and other crafts, or visit the gift shop. Hiking, bicycling, canoeing, and wildlife viewing are popular activities. Miles of trails wind through some of the most scenic areas of North Florida. For overnight stays, visitors can camp in the full-facility campground or stay in a cabin. Every Memorial Day weekend (last weekend in May), the park hosts the Florida Folk Festival. Other special events include concerts, weekend retreats, a monthly coffeehouse, a regional quilt show, and an antique tractor show. Located in White Springs off U.S. 41 North.

Contact the Florida Park Service Information Center for general inquiries.
For Information about Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park, please call 386-397-2733.

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Get more information on making a reservation.

Hours of Operation

Museum, Tower and Gift Shop are open from 9:00 A.M. until 5:00 P.M. daily.

Driving Directions

Located on U.S. 41 in White Springs. From I-75 to S.R. 136 (Milepost Exit 439 - Old Exit 84), travel east on S.R. 136 for 3 miles. Turn left on U.S. 41. Park entrance is on the left. From I-10 to U.S. 41 North (Milepost Exit 301 - Old Exit 43), travel 9 miles to White Springs. Park entrance is on the left.

Park Fees

Admission Fee - $4.00 per vehicle (limit 8 people per vehicle).
Single Car Occupant - $3.00
Motorcycle Fee (one or two persons) - $3.00 Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, each passenger in vehicle with a holder of an Annual Individual Entrance permit - Admission fee is $1.00

Cabin Fee - $90.00 per night.

Camping Fee - $16.00 per night per campsite.

Organized Youth and Adult Group Camping - $1.00 per youth. $2.00 per adult/chaperon.

Nelly Bly's Kitchen - $60.00 per day.

Auditorium - $60.00 per day.

Food Shelter - $30.00 per day.