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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

 

Field Trips - Fort King George State Historic Site

Fort King George Logo

Ranger-Led Programs

To book a field trip, please call 912-437-4770 for more information or to schedule a ranger-led program. All field trips are led by rangers in living history attire, including (but not limited to) British redcoat soldiers, navy sailors, Scottish Highlanders, and colonial settlers.


Guided Fort Tours, Grades 1st-12th

Learn about the history of Georgia's first fort. From discovery to defense, muskets and mutiny! All standard field trip tours include a walk into and around the fort as we explore the need for a British military outpost, as well as the hardships of daily fort life.

  • Program length: minimum 1 hour.
  • Program cost: $2.75 per students ages 2 and under, $4.25 per students ages 3-18, $6.50 per Adult/Teacher.
  • GSE: SS8H2, SSUSH1, SSUSH2
  • View Georgia Standards

For a small fee your group can opt to include a special package upgrade for your experience:

  • $50 for Colonial Toys & Games.
  • $50 for a Navy Swivel Gun cannon firing.
  • $100 for a 6lb. “Great Gun” cannon firing.

Ranger-Led FAQ:

Q: What comes included with the standard program cost?
A: ranger-led fort tour, a flint-lock musket demonstration (subject to weather conditions), access to the museum and film, plus a picnic area for lunch/snacks.

Q: Do you offer a discount to Title 1 schools?
A: No

Q: How do these programs relate to what I am teaching?
A: Each of these programs were designed to align around the grade-specific standards outlined by Georgia’s Standards of Excellence: GSE: SS3H1-3, SS8H1-3, SSUSH1-2.

Q: Is there a cost or limit for chaperones?
A: There is no limit for the number of chaperones that can come on a ranger-led program, however parking for chaperones is limited to 10 spaces to accommodate the busses.

Q: How early in advance do I need to book our program?
A: We require at least a two-week notice to book any ranger-led programs. To book your trip, call the Visitor Center at 912-437-4770 and request to speak with the Interpretive Ranger in charge of field trips.

Q: Is there a late arrival policy?
A: Yes. There is no guaranteed guidance for groups that arrive 15 minutes late.


Ranger-Led Additional Information

One lead teacher and any bus drivers are free, the rest must pay the adult group rate. Payments are due upon arrival via cash, check, or card. A late fee of $50 for everyday past-due may be added to your charges. Tax exemption is available to credible institutions.


School Friday Festival Events

Keep your student’s calendars open for our annual School Fridays that lead up to any of our large-scale reenactment weekends. For the same price as a regular guided tour, experience the Fort filled with fun activities, educational stations, and black-powder demonstrations!

November, “Autumn Encampment”

  • The colonial military life in early Georgia is on display. We will have Scottish Highlanders, soldier "enlistment" stations, a field hospital, navy sailors, black powder demos, and more!

December, “1721: Life of a Pyrate”

  • The Fort has been commandeered by bands of marauders, buccaneers, sailors, scouts, and pirates! Experience the hardships and comradery of real life during the Golden Age of Sail in the Caribbean.

February, “Colonial Winter Village”

  • A village has sprung up inside the fort and all the colonists will have 18th century lives on display: tinkers, crafters, artisans, merchants, and more! Get a feel of crime and punishment, tavern life, kids entertainment, and pioneering skills.

March, “Scottish Heritage Days”

  • Scottish Highlanders are back in town, setting up with fellow Gaelic clans and immigrants! Meet inspiring heroes such as General James Oglethorpe and Lachlan McIntosh. Hear how the colony of Georgia began with plaid and bagpipes.

Call in advance to book a one-hour timeslot between 9am and 5pm. Staff can accommodate 150 students max per booking.


Other Information

For any questions, visit the Visitor Center or call us at 912.437.4770.