Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park

The Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park commemorates the memory of Stephen Foster, the music composer famous for writing songs like "Old Folks at Home" and "Camptown Races." Foster wrote a lot of other famous music, too, and the 97-bell carillon tower in the heart of this park plays his music all day long. As a Folk Culture Center, you can see demonstrations of blacksmithing, stain glass making, quilting and other folk arts and crafts in Craft Square. Every year on Memorial Day Weekend, the park is host to the Florida Folk Festival. The park also offers weekend retreats, music concerts, quilt shows, an antique tractor show and a monthly coffeehouse event.

Outside the central area of the park you'll find about four miles of hiking, biking and horseback riding trails that offer plenty of chances to see the abundant wildlife of the area. A section of the trail is part of the Florida National Scenic Trail. Horseback riders need to present proof of a negative Coggins test before bringing their horses onto the property.

Visitors can also take advantage of the full-facility campground or rent one of the park's five cabins. The park is located along the banks of the Suwannee River so canoeing, kayaking and fishing opportunities are readily available. For about six months of the year, the river's water level only allows for canoe and kayak access. During that time the limestone formations, small caves and tree overhangs become more prominent.

Located near the river, the campground offers 45 shaded sites, each with water, electric, picnic table and fire ring. There are two universally accessible restroom/shower facilities within the campground. The park also has a central RV dump station. For organized groups, the park offers two primitive camping areas that can accommodate up to 20 people each. Each group site has a picnic table and fire ring.

The Museum, Carillon Tower and Gift Shop at Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park are open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park is located off US Highway 41 in White Springs.