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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 - Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation State Historic Site

Hofwyl Broadfield Plantation Logo

Ranger-Led Programs

To book a field trip, please call 912.264.7333.


Plantation House Tour, Grades (4th - 12th Grade)

At Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation, students will learn about the history and culture of Georgia’s rice coast, the planter families that brought this once booming industry to our tidal marshes, and the enslaved African workers who made rice cultivation possible. During their visit students can tour the museum, watch a brief informational film, take a guided tour of an 1850s plantation house, and explore several other historic structures.

  • Program length: 1.5-2 hours
  • Program cost: $5
  • GSE: SS5H1, SS8H5, SS8H6, SS8H7, SS8H10, SS8G1, SSUSH2

Tree Identification Walk, Grades (4th - 12th Grade)

The land on which Hofwyl-Broadfield sits is covered in hundreds of trees, enjoyed by nature-loving visitors from all over. These trees include beautiful, centuries-old Live Oaks draped with Spanish moss, as well as Loblolly Pines, Longleaf Pines, Red Cedars, Southern Magnolias, Palms, Palmettos, Wax Myrtles, and many more. Our Tree Identification Trail highlights the trees and plants that are found here and can be either self-guided or ranger-led.

  • Program length: 1 hour
  • Program cost: $5
  • GSE: SS8G1

Rice Pounding Demonstration, Grades (4th - 12th Grade)

Not everyone knows about the steps that go on behind the scenes to get food ready before it gets to the store. For Carolina Gold rice, there were a lot of steps! With this demonstration students will learn about the steps it took to grow, harvest, and process this historic cash crop of the Georgia coast. They will also take part in a hands-on activity to experience one of the oldest ways to pound rice for themselves.

  • Program length: 1 hour
  • Program cost: $5
  • GSE: SS8H10, SS8G1, SSUSH2

Ranger-Led FAQ:

Q: What comes included with the program cost?
A: Guided tour, indoor museum and film, access to several historic structures, as well as use of trails and picnic areas

Q: Do you offer a discount to Title 1 schools?
A: Yes available upon request.

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

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. All youth and adults in groups of 15 or more will pay the group rate admission, $5 per person.

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. In order to book your ranger-led program either call the Visitor Center at 912.264.7333.


Ranger-Led Additional Information

Be aware that classes may need to be split into smaller groups upon arrival, depending on class size.


Outreach Programs

If you can’t make the trip to the site, we will bring a little piece of the site to you. Please call 912.264.7333 to schedule an outreach program.

Rice Pounding Demonstration

With this demonstration, students will learn about the steps it took to grow, harvest, and process Carolina Gold rice, a historic cash crop of the Georgia coast. They will also take part in a hands-on activity to experience one of the oldest ways to pound rice for themselves.


Self-Guided Explorations

Educators and group leaders have the opportunity to experience Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation on a self-guided basis. Our admission fee grants access to our museum, film, trails, historic structures, and regularly scheduled guided tours.


Other Information

For any questions, visit the Visitor Center or call us at 912.264.7333.