stephen foster folk culture center state park

Stephen Foster is a hidden jewel, essentially at the intersection of I-75 and I-10. Besides one of my favorite mountain bike trails through a variety of terrain and along the Suwannee, the bell tower has a fascinating museum (with a working carillon to listen and learn). The main building is an impressive planation mansion with interesting historical pieces and dioramas. Camping is fun and cheap (with well maintained bathrooms), but the real secret are the cabins. The cabins have two bedrooms, a/c, a wrap around porch with rockers and ceiling fans, and a full kitchen, and just above the kayak launch to the river. The village has a variety of attractions that vary, and the store has free wi-fi!

It was a special experience to listen to the sweet sounds of familiar Stephen Foster tunes echo through the pines in this lovely setting. There are interesting dioramas and informative exhibits in both the Carillon Tower and the Stephen Foster Museum. We especially enjoyed the collection of antique and historic pianos. The gift shop and the craft areas were interesting, as well, although rather quiet during the Sunday morning of our visit.

Large RV camping spots. Exceptionally clean rest rooms. Beautiful museum. Wish it had been warm enough to kayak the Suwannee River. Launch was very near camp site. Park is definitely one of the top parks in Florida.

We came to see the dioramas and it was very worthwhile. They are works of art with incredible attention to detail and include moving elements and special lighting. The park itself is in a beautiful setting. I wish we'd had more time to explore the park but the visit was worth it just for the dioramas. The park employee we questioned was wealth of information about the displays.

Arrived with our 5th wheel at 1:30pm to camp for the night before moving on. Glad we made reservations since the last of 45 sites was being taken while we waited to check in. The sites provide water/electric hookups, are clean, easy to maneuver in/out of & cost under $25 per nite. The beautiful museum depicting scenes of Stephen Foster's life was educational & the outstanding music drew me to the adjacent room. It was captivating to hear such soothing music of the 1800's by this self taught musician playing the hammered dulcimer. The gift shop offered many unique high quality hand made items & the craft shops that were open we're welcoming and informative. We viewed craft making in progress at the fiber arts shop & the blacksmith shop. Never had time to go to the Carillon Tower or ride our bikes through the various trails. Everyone was friendly & knowledgeable & the grounds and bathhouses immaculate. Definitely will return to this special place staying longer to participate in classes offered.

This is a really good state park. The Museum is very good and there is a lot else going on with various activities through the year. The campground is very good with large spaces, well spaced. The bathhouses are very clean and completely functional. Near I-75 and will make a great trip break if you don't want to stay.

I've lived in Florida most of my life and had since now missed this gem. A visit to Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center States Park is a trip worth taking. I was there for the celebration of National Stephen Foster Day on January 11th. When the performance on the Stephen Foster Carillon was played I can honestly say I got goose bumps. What a beautiful sound experience. I love history so I enjoyed the museum as well and the beautiful nature surround, transports you to another time.

October 23, 2014 - Two years ago, we enjoyed visiting the Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center state Park's museum and carillon. It was such a wonderful experience, we decided to bring our British friends along this time. We arrived at the Park around 9am to first visit the museum. The museum has several dioramas which depect scenes associated with many of Stephen Foster's songs. Diorama's exist for "Oh Susanna!", "Jeanie With the Light Brown Hair", "Way Down Upon the Swanee Ribber", and others. The diorama's scenes are animated and colorful. 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.The first carillon concert started around 9:30am and lasted for around 5 minutes. Then, other Stephen Foster songs are played at various times during the day. While one cannot climb the stairs to the top of the carillon tower, one can go into the first level and see more information about Stephen Foster and the construction of the tower.I believe it only costs $5.00 to enter the museum and that includes the carillon. What an inexpensive treat!

What a great way to spend the evening! Get there a little early to get a great parking spot. The lights were not the main attraction to me but the little village free popcorn and hot chocolate and making smores around the bonfire were great! It was interesting going all the way down the path to the blacksmith's shoppe and listening to him talk about Santa's Reindeer and how we could listen for them. What a great story teller and really involved the kids. The little snow was fun but again filled up fast with limited seating. The store was full of christmas gifts and ideas. Loved the light up quilt! How neat. And Ornaments in all shapes and sizes. It was a fun time and geared towards younger children nothing scary or upsetting. Cost was a little high per person but the freebies were nice.

Not only is this one of the most beautiful Florida State Parks (and we have been traveling them for 4 years now) when you are able to get a site during the month of December you are treated to the most spectacular Christmas lights! And, there is a Santa's village where you can meet and mingle with other visitors while eating scores, drinking hot chocolate, buying homemade ornaments, watching the potter, seeing the hand-weaver, need I go on? Miles of bike trails and to top it off, first class kayaking! Do not miss visiting this park any time of year!

This is our second time camping here. In December the park is decorated for Christmas. They do a really great job with the lights. It is set up for all ages. The park is kept really clean. I was very impressed with the campground. The bathhouses are spotless.

Beautiful park showing Stephen foster songs at the museum. Christmas lights were up when we were here they were beautiful. Walk down to see Swanee river it is just beautiful. Lovely gifts shop on the property. The staff are very friendly. Very peaceful here

This park is on the beautiful Suwannee river. Excellent campground. The carillon tower is awesome, as are the museum, craft village, and gift shop. Hiking and biking on miles of trails. Home of many events, including the annual Florida Folk Festival in May and the Festival of Lights with millions of lights in December. I go there often, am never disappointed, and discover something new every visit.

Very beautiful State Park. Camping opportunities from primitive to trailer and tent sites with electric and water to 2bed/1 bath cabins with ac and heat. Great place for hiking, biking, and walking. There are museums in the park highlighting the life of Steven Foster. Very informative and interesting! There is a little country store that offers coffee, snacks, and souvenirs. There is an area for crafters to display and demonstrate their crafts. A must see in December when the entire park is lit up with Christmas lights. Located along the Swanee River a must visit for a day or week. (No swimming in this park.)

This is a beautiful park with wonderful campsites. The sites are big and roomy. There is electricity and water, although no sewer hook-up, but a dump site is available. The park has a museum dedicated to Stephen Foster, the father of American folk music. There is a bell tower that chimes songs during the day. A craft village and gift shop is also on site. People share their home-made crafts and teach how to make the things they sell. During the month of December there is a 'festival of lights' nightly. We were lucky to see them testing the lights in late November. Just beautiful! To top it off, there are plenty of hiking trails and the Suwanne River is nearby for kayaking and boating. Bike rental is also available at the gift shop.