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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

 

Paddling in Georgia State Parks

Paddling at Tugaloo

Tugaloo State Park

From the raging rapids of Tallulah Gorge to the serene Okefenokee Swamp, Georgia has paddling experiences for all skill levels. Canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and aquacycles may be rented seasonally at more than 20 state parks, and visitors may also bring their own boats.

Mountain Lakes

Fort Mountain, Vogel and Unicoi rent equipment for paddling their small mountain lakes. These are good locations for beginners to practice paddling skills.

Coastal Kayaking

Visitors at Fort McAllister can rent canoes to explore Redbird Creek with its sawgrass, fiddler crabs and occasional dolphins. Paddlers who bring their own boats to Crooked River can enjoy abundant wildlife and the shortest route to Cumberland Island National Seashore (across the Intracoastal Waterway). Boaters should check tidal charts and weather before exploring, otherwise they could become stranded until the next high tide. Strong currents and wind can make coastal kayaking challenging.

Whitewater

While there are numerous whitewater rivers throughout north Georgia, Tallulah Gorge is the only state park to feature whitewater kayaking. The first two weekends of April and first three weekends of November are when the dam’s water release is high enough for this activity. Boaters must be quite skilled to tackle Oceana, Bridal Veil and the other falls. Spectators will find the best views from the new Inspiration Point overlook, #1 North Rim overlook and #9 South Rim overlook.

Blackwater

Stephen C. Foster is the western entrance to the famed Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. It features more “open” water than the grassy plains of the eastern entrance. Rent canoes or kayaks to explore Minnie’s Lake, Billy’s Island or “the narrows.” Alligators, deer, ibis, heron and egrets are commonly seen within the swamp. Reed Bingham, George L. Smith, Magnolia Springs, Laura S. Walker and Little Ocmulgee also have pretty lakes where Spanish moss, cypress trees and lily pads reflect off the dark water.

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