Stephen Foster

Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park

Florida folk history is preserved and enjoyed on the banks of the Suwannee River

Spring House Closed

The Spring House is closed until further notice. 

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Effective March 19, 2024: The canoe launch ramp at Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park is closed, but access is available to the river via the staircase.

Carillon Tower Restoration

Phase one, repair and restoration, of the Carillon Tower Bells has begun! Help the Stephen Foster Citizen Support Organization save our bells.

Hours

8 a.m. to sundown
 

Fees

$5 per vehicle

See all fees

Location

11016 Lillian Saunders Drive/U.S. Highway 41
White Springs FL 32096

Get directions

Contact Info

386-397-4331

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.

Hiking, bicycling, canoeing and wildlife viewing are popular activities. Miles of trails wind through some of the most scenic areas of North Florida.

Overnight visitors can stay in the full-facility campground or 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 regional quilt show, a holiday light display and an antique tractor show.

Plan Your Visit

Manager's Message Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park
Learn

Manager's Message

There’s always something happening at Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park! With over 800 acres, you can hike, bike, horseback ride, camp, canoe, shop or take a step back in time.
Florida Folk Festival
Initiative

Florida Folk Festival

The Florida Folk Festival is a three-day celebration of the music, dance, stories, crafts and food that make Florida unique. From Irish fiddle tunes to chocolate-covered Key lime pie, the state's cultural heritage reflects the lives of generations of Florida families and communities.
Image of the porch of a cabin with a rocking chair and cornhole board at Suwannee River State Park.
Service

Stay Overnight at Suwannee River

Five riverside cabins will allow you to take a much-needed break in nature while maintaining the comfort and coziness of home. Park trails and the Suwannee River are easily accessed, and disconnecting from the world is encouraged in this rustic and peaceful setting.

Experiences

Bicycling
Bicycling
Camping
Camping
Camping, Primitive Group
Camping, Primitive Group
Fishing
Fishing
Geo-Seeking
Geo-Seeking
Hiking
Hiking
Horseback Riding
Horseback Riding
Paddling
Paddling
Picnicking
Picnicking
Reunions and Gatherings
Reunions and Gatherings
Walking and Running
Walking and Running
Weddings
Weddings
Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife Viewing

Amenities

Accessible Amenities
Accessible Amenities
Amphitheater
Amphitheater
Cabins
Cabins
Campfire Circles
Campfire Circles
Campgrounds
Campgrounds
Canoe Kayak Launch
Canoe Kayak Launch
Interpretive Exhibit
Interpretive Exhibit
Meetings and Retreats
Meetings and Retreats
Museum
Museum
Nature Trail
Nature Trail
Parking
Parking
Pets
Pets
Picnic Pavilion
Picnic Pavilion
Playground
Playground
Recycling
Recycling
Restroom Facilities
Restroom Facilities
RV
RV

Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park Photo Gallery

Carillon Tower
Stephen Foster
Stephen Foster Gift Shop Sign
Stephen Foster Corn Grinding
Stephen Foster Tower and Fiddler
Stephen Foster Museum
Stephen Foster Pink Room
Stephen Foster Museum
a brick tower stands amongst pine trees under a blue sky
Learn

Stephen Foster Memorial Carillon

Musician Stephen Foster’s melodies and songs are rooted in American culture and expression. They inspired the establishment of a large carillon tower, a memorial to Stephen Foster. Each day, the bells play Foster melodies in the setting he made famous along the banks of the Suwannee River.
a dark river flows beneath green trees
Learn

The Spring House at Stephen Foster

Florida’s tourism history stretches back much further than theme parks and beaches, in fact as far back as the 1800s. See the spring that started it all! Located on the edge of Stephen Foster Folk Culture State Park on U.S. 41, the Spring House is a gem of natural and cultural history.

Upcoming Events

See More Events
Event

72nd Annual Florida Folk Festival

EDT

The Florida Folk Festival - showcasing the best of Florida music, arts and culture - unfolds every Memorial Day weekend at Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park.
Stephen Foster

White Springs, FL

People Make the Parks

Park Ranger Andrew Hughes

Staff Spotlight

When he was growing up, Andrew was fortunate enough to have his father take him hunting and fishing.
Members of the Stephen Foster CSO receive the award.

Volunteer Spotlight

The Stephen Foster Citizen Support Organization is the recipient of the Long-Term Project of the Year Award for Cultural Resources.
Stephen Foster Citizen Support Organization

Stephen Foster Citizen Support Organization

Friends groups meet the critical needs of individual parks and the system of state parks. They share one thing in common – passion for parks.

This Park is Recognized by:

Florida Women's Heritage Trail
Green Lodging
Suwannee River Wilderness Trail

Park Map

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