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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 - James H. Floyd State Park

James H. Floyd Logo

Ranger-Led Programs

To schedule a ranger-led field trip, please fill out and submit a Field Trip Contract and Request Form. For more information call 706.857.0826.


Outdoor Senses Pre-k - K

Rangers will lead students around the lake and explore different sounds, textures, and colors. Then we will learn how these influences different animals in our environment.

SKP1, SKL1, SKL2

Discover Local (Plants and Animals)- 1-4th Grade

Rangers will discuss different local plants and animals and how each play a vital role in our ecosystem. Rangers will use different live and taxidermized animals.

S1L1, S2L1, S3L1, S4L1

Producer Predator Prey and Food Web Activity 4th -5th Grade

Through two interactive games, students will explore the Food Web and relations between Producers, Predators, and Prey.

S4L1, S5L1

Lower Lake Hike 3rd Grade – 12th Grade

This trail is a 1.0-mile loop and will take approx. 1- 1.5 hrs.

Tree ID Hike/ Plant ID Hike
Students will join Rangers on a hike exploring different plants/ trees and their importance to the ecosystem.

Ecology Hike
Students will join Rangers on a hike exploring different species located on the park. We will discuss vital relationships, key species, and environmental characteristics while learning the importance of conservation of our natural resources.

S3L1, S4L1, S5L1, SBO5, SEC1, SEV1

Marble Mine Hike- 4rd Grade – 12th Grade

This is a 1.5mile trail and will take approx. 2hrs.

Nature Hike
Students will hike with Rangers to discuss different plants, animals and history of James H. Floyd State Park.

Plant ID Hike
Students will hike with Rangers and learn about different vital species and how they contribute to our natural resources. Students will learn about different parts of the plant, life cycles, and diversity.

S3L1, S4L1, S5L1, S6E5, S7L1, SBO5, SEC1, SEV1, SS8CG6

Other Potential Programs:

  • Water Cycle
  • Service Project
  • Birding Hike
  • Rock Hike
  • Fishing
  • Archery - 3rd Grade and up
  • Find Bigfoot - Basic Orienteering – SSMGS1

Custom Programs: If there is a particular goal or standard, please reach out to the park directly or make a request on the Field Trip Request Form. Park Staff will insure requirement will within the park’s ability.


Ranger-Led FAQ:

Q: What comes included with the program cost?
A: Rangers will lead guided programs. Some specialty or more in-depth programs may incur additional costs for supplies.

Q: Do you offer a discount to Title 1 schools?
A: No Title 1 discounts are offered. Most Programs will hold a $2 fee per student unless otherwise discussed.

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

Q: Is there a cost or limit for chaperones?
A: There must be at least one adult per 15 students. Any chaperone or parents who drive a personal vehicle must have a ParkPass tag displayed in their vehicle. Cost for a ParkPass is $5 per vehicle.

Q: How early in advance do I need to book our program?
A: We ask that you book no less than two weeks in advance by calling or filling out the Program Request Form on gastatparks.org/JamesHFloyd. Scan and email it to the park. For questions, call 706.857.0826.


Other Information

For any questions, visit the Visitor Center or call us at 706.857.0826.