The Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park is like many other state parks in that it has a ranger station at its entrance, miles of nature trails, a campground and rental cabins. That is where the comparison ends. It is here that history and cultural tradition come together in grand style, in the form of a Southern mansion-style museum, to honor a great composer and his songs; and, a stately 97-bell carillon that plays his music throughout the day. Add to that a mix of folk and music festivals and craft demonstrations scattered throughout the year and you have the recipe for the perfect (and most unusual) Florida state park experience.
The Museum
The museum at Florida's Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park pays tribute to the great American composer Stephen Collins Foster and celebrates Florida's cultural traditions. Outside the museum you will find stately columns and a manicured lawn. Inside, exhibits and dioramas depicting scenes from some of Foster's most popular songs that acknowledge his great contribution as a musician during a difficult time in history that included minstrel shows, plantations and slavery. Foster's songs touched hearts and were often accepted by the Negros, who sang them to express their own emotions.
The Carillon
The 97-bell carillon operated by an electronic roller plays Foster's tunes daily. Even though the carillon's music and chimes can be heard throughout the park, the surrounding area and nearby oak-shaded benches provide the perfect sanctuary-like setting for enjoying one of the daily concerts. And, if you get hooked on the music, the park gift shop sells albums and tapes featuring the carillon, so you can take it home to enjoy over and over.The interior base of the carillon tower is open to the public and features beautiful marble floors and walls. It serves as an extension of the museum, housing additional memorabilia and more dioramas depicting Foster's songs, as well as examples of the electronic rollers that play Foster's tunes.
This YouTube Video provides a slightly shaky close-up of the Carillon, but if you watch the entire video, a nice example of the bells follow.
Campground
We camped for two nights in the beautiful oak-shaded campground at Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park. The campground is located far enough away from the museum and carillon to offer campers privacy from day-trippers stopping by to visit, but close enough to still hear the carillon concerts from your campsite.Paved roads wind around 45 campsites that offer either RV or tent camping in three camping areas — Canebreak Loop, Gopher Loop and Suwannee Loop. Each campsite is equipped with electric, water, a picnic table and ground wood-burning grill, and both back-in and pull-through sites are available. We stayed in Suwannee Loop which offers some of the most private campsites.
There are two buildings housing modern facilities — toilets, showers with hot water and a coin washer and dryer. One facility is situated between Canebreak Loop and Gopher Loop and the other at the entrance to the Suwannee Loop. We thought they had either been recently rebuilt or refurbished because they were the nicest facilities we've come across lately. The park personnel get kudos from us for keeping them clean too.
Pets are allowed in the campground, but must be confined, leashed and under control at all times. Other restrictions apply, including the important one of always picking up after your pet. The park does provide "Mutt Mitts" at each restroom facility, so no excuses!
Reservations for the campground may be made up to 11 months in advance by calling 1-386-397-2733 or booking online at ReserveAmerica.com.
Cabins
The cabins at Florida's Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park are situated along the Suwannee River. Each cabin has two bedrooms, one bath, a fully-equipped kitchen (including microwave and dishwasher), a full dining area, gas fireplace, heating and air-conditioning and a screened porch (with picnic tables and rockers). Dishes, pots & pans, silverware, linens and towels are also provided. All you need is food and your personal items.One out of the five rental cabins is wheelchair accessible. No pets are allowed. Reservations may be made up to 11 months in advance at ReserveAmerica.com or by calling 1-386-397-2733.
Explore the Outdoors and More
Considering the Florida National Scenic Trail follows the river through the park, there are miles of trails to explore either by bicycling, hiking or horseback riding. Canoeing, kayaking and fresh water fishing are popular activities along the river.Besides a gift shop that is open daily, artists and craft demonstrators are often on hand during weekends to teach Florida's early traditions in blacksmithing, quilting, pottery and more. Weekend retreats offer instruction in building and playing early musical instruments, such as banjos and dulcimers. While the park can be a peaceful retreat, there is always something going on. A myriad of cultural events fill the calendar each year — the most popular being the Florida Folk Festival, held every year on Memorial Day weekend.
Directions
From I-75 to S.R. 136 (Milepost Exit 439 - Old Exit 84) and travel east for three miles. Turn left on U.S. 41. The park entrance is on the left.From I-10 to U.S. 41 North (Milepost Exit 301 - Old Exit 43) for nine miles to White Springs. Park entrance is on the left.
