Manager's Message
Special Events for Stephen Foster Folk Cultural Center State Park:
Suwannee Dulcimer Retreat- Friday & Saturday November 13th & 14th, 2009
Suwannee Old Time Music Weekend- December 4th-6th, 2009
Stephen Foster Festival of Lights- December 12th-31st 2009
Gift Shop Grand Re-Opening December 12th-now with Internet Cafe', Coffee and much more!
Swingin on the Suwannee Dance Event- Saturday December 19th, 2009
Workshop Information-Currently Offering Blacksmithing, Poetry, Digital Photography and Pine Needle Basket Making workshops.
Visit our Craft Store and learn about our Citizen Support Organization online.
Museum & Carillon Tower Group Tours Available- Interested 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.
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:
$5.00 per vehicle. Limit 2-8 people per vehicle.
$4.00 Single Occupant Vehicle.
$2.00 Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass.
Camping Fee:
$20.00 per night, plus tax. Includes water and electricity.
Cabin Fee:
$100.00 per night, plus tax. Two bedroom, one bathroom cabin with kitchen and porch.
Organized Youth and Adult Group Camping:
$1.00 per youth.
$5.00 per adult/chaperon.
Nelly Bly's Kitchen:
$125.00 per day, plus tax.
Auditorium
$125.00 per day, plus tax.
Food Shelter:
$50.00 per day, plus tax.
Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park
Post Office Drawer G
White Springs, Florida 32096
Phone: 386-397-2733
Fax: Contact Park for Number
Citizen Support Organization
Stephen Foster Citizen Support Organization
P.O. Box 666
White Springs, Florida 32096
Visitor Service Provider
Kelli Pipkins, Concession Manager
Post Office Drawer G
White Springs, FL 32096
(386) 397-2733
