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Idlewilde Interior

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Idlewilde Event Center

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Welcome to Idlewilde Event Center at Indian Springs State Park

Conveniently located near I-75 in middle Georgia, Indian Springs is one of the oldest state parks in the United States and a popular spot for outdoor recreation.

Idlewilde Event Center at Indian Springs State Park is available for reservations. The name is derived from the majestic house on the property that serves as the park office and visitor center; and is on the National Historic Register. With another nod to past, the individual rooms in the center are even named after the historic hotels that once thrived in the village of Indian Springs. Idlewilde has 20,000 square feet of event space including a massive lake side porch with beautiful views of the water. With a capacity of 500 people, Idlewilde can accommodate a variety of events, from birthday parties and family reunions, to weddings and corporate retreats. Additional features include a catering kitchen and audio visual capabilities in every room.

For inquiries or to join the Idlewilde Event Center waiting list, please contact us on 470-707-8071.

  • Operated by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources
  • Available event hours: 8:00AM – 10:00PM
  • Total footprint 19,557 square feet
  • Opened September 2018

 

Chief Vann House State Historic Site

Field Trip Information

» Pet Notice:
› Leashed pets are allowed on historic site trails, however, they are not allowed in buildings. Please view our Park Rules page for more information.

Chief Vann’s historic plantation house, and grounds, serve as a physical connection to present day visitors of the early nineteenth century Cherokee cultural assimilation efforts planned to counter Georgia’s early expansion which ultimately led to the Cherokee Trail of Tears.

During the 1790s, James Vann became a Cherokee Indian leader and wealthy businessman. He established the largest and most prosperous plantation in the Cherokee Nation, covering 1,000 acres of what is now Murray County. In 1804 he completed construction of a beautiful 2 ½ story brick home that was the most elegant in the Cherokee Nation. After Vann was murdered in 1809, his son Joseph inherited the mansion and plantation. Joseph was also a Cherokee leader and became even more wealthy than his father.

In the 1830s almost the entire Cherokee Nation was forced west by state and federal troops on the infamous Trail of Tears. The Vann family lost their elegant home, rebuilding in the Cherokee Territory of Oklahoma. Today the Vann House survives as Georgia’s best-preserved historic Cherokee Indian home. A guided tour allows visitors to see the house which features beautiful hand carvings, a remarkable “floating” staircase, a 12-foot mantle and fine antiques.

Facilities

  • 137 Acres
  • Visitor Center
  • Gift Shop
  • 12 Picnic Tables
  • Bus Parking

360° Tour

Things To Do & See

  • ½ Mile Nature Trail one-way
  • Guided House Tour
  • Physicians Garden - seasonal
  • 19th Century Cherokee Farmstead
  • 1920s Bradford Spring House
  • Three-Sisters Garden - seasonal
  • Former site of the 19th century Springplace Moravian mission and cemetery
  • Vann Kitchen/Workhouse Exhibit
  • Field Trips

2025 Exhibits

Included with admission, exhibits inside the Vann House.

  • Historic Maps of Georgia, March – April: View our legend-ary collection of Georgia land lottery maps and maps of Georgia from the 15th-19th centuries, donated by the Ivan Allen Family.
  • Handwoven Baskets, May – June: Enjoy our collection of handmade baskets crafted with materials and styles authentic to the Cherokee culture.
  • Fall into Quilts, October – November: Settle into fall with our vast collection of handmade quilts from the 19th and 20th centuries.

Nearby Attractions