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, stained 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.
Experiences
Bicycling
Stephen Foster’s Hammock Loop Trail is an 8-mile single track mountain biking and hiking trial. Catfish Hole, the Suwannee River Overlook, “Beavor Crossing” and other unique areas along this scenic trail provide bikers with an exclusive adventure throughout the Upper Suwannee River Valley’s diverse topography. Bikers will traverses some of the most beautiful natural features including high river bluffs and limestone outcroppings, fun elevations throughout the floodplain swamp forest and many other beautiful and scenic natural communities within the 800 acre park.
Both on-road and off-road trails wind through a beautiful countryside in the Suwannee River Valley. Trails are available to meet or challenge a range of riding skills levels for the entire family. The Suwannee Bicycle Association hosts a Fat-Tire Festival in White Springs in the autumn and weekend rides throughout the year. The town of White Springs has accommodated bicyclists with marked riding lanes through town along Highway 41. A variety of trail challenges is an easy ride away at Big Shoals Public Lands where 33 miles of trails take riders through thirteen natural communities. Helmets are highly recommended for all cyclists and Florida law requires helmets for cyclists age 16 and under.
Camping
Located near the Suwannee River, the campground offers 45 oak-shaded sites with electricity, water, picnic table and fire ring. All campsites are ADA accessible. Two ADA accessible restrooms with showers are located within the campground. A dump station is available. Pets are welcome but must be kept on a six foot leash controlled by the pet's owner.
Close by are miles of trails for off-road bicycling, hiking and horseback riding. Also, within walking distance is the Museum and Carillon Tower which houses exhibits and dioramas depicting scenes from some of Foster's most popular songs. Group tours are available with advance notice. The carillon's electronic roller plays Foster tunes daily.
Maximum RV length = 100 ft.
Reservations: Reservations may be made up to 11 months in advance through ReserveAmerica. Book Online or call 800-326-3521 (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.) or TDD 888-433-0287.
Camping, Primitive Group
Two primitive group camping areas can accommodate up to 20 people at each location. Carter Camping area and Cable Crossing Camping Area are situated behind the park's campground on River Road. Carter Camp is located approximately 1,500 feet from the park's main campground and Cable Crossing primitive camping area is located adjacent to the Suwannee River. Each camping area has a picnic table and a group fire ring. Sites are primitive and do not have running water, electricity or restrooms. Parking is limited and the camps are accessed through a dirt road off of the main campground. Collection of firewood or cutting of trees is prohibited. Firewood is available for sale at the park entrance station. Call the park for reservations at 386-397-4331.
A youth camping area accommodates up to 20 people. Sites are primitive. Call the park for reservations.
Paddling
For about six months a year, water levels in the Suwannee make the river accessible only by canoe. In the springtime, wild azaleas crowd the ridgeline above the river. During periods of low water flow, limestone outcroppings, small caves, rock formations and overhangs can be enjoyed along the river course. Alligators and turtles can be viewed in their natural habitats. Canoeing also affords visitors excellent fishing opportunities. Canoe rentals are available locally.
Fishing
Fresh water fish are plentiful, especially when traveling the river by canoe. Large-mouth bass, black crappie, known locally as speckled perch, channel catfish, and many types of sunfish and bream are swimming and breeding in the waters year-round. All fishing within the park must conform to regulations concerning size, number, method of capture and season.
A fishing license may be required. More information is available at the Florida Wildlife Commission’s Fishing in Florida.
Geo-Seeking
Geocaching is an outdoor game using hand-held global positioning systems (GPS) devices. It's effectively an inexpensive, interactive, high-tech treasure hunt that's a great way to learn geography. Participants use location coordinates to find caches. Some caches are easy to find; others are more difficult. The biggest reward is the thrill of the search and the discovery of a place where you have never been. Geocaching should have minimal impact to the environment and conscientious land use ethics should be followed.
Hiking
Hikers will traverse some of the most beautiful natural features including high river bluffs and limestone outcroppings, fun elevations throughout the floodplain swamp forest, hammocks, piney flatwoods and many other beautiful and scenic natural communities within the park. Hiking alongside the Suwannee River visitors can see limestone outcroppings and rock formations. Gopher tortoise, box turtles, alligators, white-tailed deer, wood ducks and many bird species are companions along the forested trails.
Stephen Foster’s Hammock Loop Trail is an 8-mile single track mountain biking and hiking trial. Catfish Hole, the Overlook, “Beaver Crossing” and other unique areas along this scenic trail provide hikers with an exclusive adventure throughout the Upper Suwannee River Valley’s diverse topography.
All of our trails are multi-use for hiking, bicycling, and horseback riding except the Florida Trail (FTA) which is hiking only.
Proof of a negative Coggins test is required for horseback riding.
Picnicking
Picnic tables are located throughout the park, in tall pine groves and beneath shaded oaks. Tables are available near the carillon tower, at the children’s playground, near the museum, and Nelly Bly's Kitchen. Each campsite in the park also has a picnic table.
Walking
Our formal grounds are wonderful for walking! We have numerous areas for walking, both on stabilized surfaces and/or trails.
Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife viewing is possible at this park.
Amenities
Cabins
Located along the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail, each of five riverside cabins accommodate up to six people. These spacious two bedroom cabins have heating and cooling, a gas fireplace, screened porch and kitchenette. They are fully equipped with linens and kitchen utensils. Picnic tables and grills are conveniently located at each cabin. One cabin is ADA accessible.
On weekends and holidays there is a two night minimum stay unless only one night is available between two confirmed reservations.
Pets are not permitted in cabins.
For the guest's relaxation, televisions and phones are not provided.
Reservations may be made up to 11 months in advance through ReserveAmerica. Book Online or call 800-326-3521 (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.) or TDD 888-433-0287.
Cabin Rental: $100 per night, plus tax, plus a non-refundable $6.70 reservation fee.
Amphitheater
Stephen Foster has a wonderful amphitheater that is used for the Florida Folk Festival, ranger programs and workshops. This facility may be rented for your special event.
Museum
The museum was built in 1950 and features eight dioramas depicting Stephen Foster songs. Also on display are historic pianos and the desk where Stephen Foster penned the final touches to Florida’s state song “Old Folks at Home” or commonly called “Way Down Upon the Suwannee River.” Guided tours are available for groups by calling 386-397-4408.
Pets
Well-behaved dogs are welcome at Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park. They must be kept on a 6-foot leash at all times. Pets are not permitted in our buildings or cabins and may not be allowed at some special events. If you are planning to bring your pet to a special event, please call the park in advance to confirm pet access.
Picnic Pavilion
Stephen Foster’s new 10-table Picnic Pavilion with beautiful pine ceilings is the perfect location for your family reunion, birthday party, wedding or reception, and much more! Conveniently located near the playground, craft square and gift shop, river gazebo and vacation cabins. $75 per day/plus tax.
Playground
Stephen Foster offers two playgrounds. One is conveniently located within the campground and one is near the picnic pavilion, gift shop and cabins.
Canoe Kayak Launch
A canoe/kayak launch is located just past the Gazebo.
