Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park

Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park is an amazing Florida state park. Located in White Springs, Florida this unique area has a long historical past and a rich cultural heritage that is well displayed in the many art galleries, craft shops and antique stores found throughout town.

The state park itself is the people magnet for the town, as each year the longest running consecutive folk festival is held here on Memorial Day weekend. It plays host to dozens of other smaller venues, fairs and concerts throughout the year, bringing tourists by the ton to this small town on the famous Suwannee River.

Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park is dedicated to preserving Florida's unique history and heritage. The park is named in honor of Stephen Foster, composer of "Old Folks at Home" (Way down upon the Suwannee River, far, far way...) the state song of Florida. He was born in 1826 and composed more than 200 songs in his lifetime.

The parks main feature is dedicated to Stephen Foster as well. The 200-foot Stephen Foster Memorial Carillon Bell Tower is the world's largest tubular bell instrument. Each hour it chimes the tune "Old Folks at Home".

The antebellum home at Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park houses the parks museum. Inside the museum are exhibits about Stephen Foster's life and songs that made the Suwannee River famous.

Craft Square is an area in the center of the park that brings to life the cultural heritage of Florida's past and brings it to present day. Quilting demonstrations, pottery kilns, stain glass classes and even blacksmith demonstrations can be found at the square on a daily basis.

Once you've had your fill of the museum, bell tower and craft square, roaming through the many miles of trails at Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park is a popular pastime outdoor activity. Horseback riding, off-road biking and hiking all takes place on the parks multi-use trails.

Canoeing and kayaking along the Suwannee River is great place to explore this historic area. The Suwannee River Wilderness Trail is located along the banks of this historic river. Local outfitters can provide you with all you need for day trips or extended overnight trips along 170 miles of canoeing and kayaking paradise.

Stay overnight at the park in your tent or RV at the full-facility campground. Upgrade to a deluxe cabin and enjoy a two bedroom, one bath overnight experience your whole family will love.

For more information on park hours, directions to the park or park fees, visit the official Florida state park website here.