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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

 

Field Trips - Pickett's Mill Battlefield State Historic Site

Picketts Mill Battlefield Logo

Ranger-Led Programs

To book a field trip, call 770.443.7850.

Soldier’s Life, Grades (4th-8th)

A visit to Pickett’s Mill Battlefield will allow students to step back in time and discover the gear, foods, and social life of both Confederate and Union Soldiers. Programs will be led by staff in period dress and consist of one or more of the following: museum walk-through, guided trail hike on the battlefield, student muster, soldier life display, and musket firing.

  • Program length: 2 Hours
  • Program cost: Standard admission is $3.00 per student.
  • GSE: SS4H2, SS4H4, SS4H5, SS4H6, SS8H5

Civilian Life, Grades (K-8th)

The Civilian Life program is focused upon life on a rural homestead in Georgia during the Mid 1800s. The program will consist of one or more of the following: museum walk through, guided trail hike to the Prather cabin, and a choice of two of the following demonstrations: home chores, woodworking, period cooking, gardening, and home economics. Each demonstration allows for limited student participation.

  • Program length: 2 Hours
  • Program cost: $3.00
  • GSE: SSKCG1, SSKCG2, SSKE1, SSKE2, SSKE3, SSKE4, SS1H1, SS1CG1, SS1CG2, SS2G1, SS2E1, SS2E2, SS2E3, SS4E1

The Nature of Pickett’s Mill, Grades (K-6th)

The continued effort to preserve history at Pickett’s Mill Battlefield has resulted in the preservation of forests, streams and wildlife that thrive here. This nature-based program will focus on exploring the natural world of Pickett’s Mill and include a nature hike, animal skins and skulls, nature scavenger hunt, and possibly wildlife encounters.

  • Program length: 2 Hours
  • Program cost: $3.00
  • GSE: SKE2, SKP1, SKL1, SKL2, S1L1, S2E3, S2L1, S3E1, S3E2, S3L1, S3L2, S4E3, S4P1, S4L1, S5E1, S5L2, S5L4, S6E3, S6E6, S7L1, S7L4

Ranger-Led FAQ:

Q: What comes included with the program cost?
A: All materials are included, and picnic tables are provided 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 specifically around the grade-specific standards outlined by Georgia’s Standards of Excellence.

Q: Is there a cost or limit for chaperones?
A: We allow one chaperone per 10 students free. Any chaperone who drives 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 require at least a two-week notice to book any ranger-led programs. Call the museum at (770) 443-7850.

Ranger-Led Additional Information

All programs are subject to cancellation or postponement due to inclimate weather.

Outreach Programs

If you can’t make the trip to our historic site, we will bring a little piece of the historic site to you. Outreach programs can be scheduled within a 50-mile radius of the Pickett’s Mill Battlefield. The cost is $150 per program for a group (maximum 30 students). Programs are 60 minutes in length. The following outreach programs are available. Please call 770.443.7850 for more information or to schedule an outreach program.

Impersonation of Ambrose Bierce

Ambrose Bierce was the cartographic planner for the Union Army before and after the Battle of Pickett’s Mill. He was also on the front line and his brigade was the first to enter the deadly “Ravine” in an effort to launch a direct attack against the Confederate Army. After the war, he wrote a short story based on what he and others witnessed before, during, and after the battle. After his military career, Ambrose later became an American literary great through his writings of poetry, short stories, and many other compositions.

Our impersonator will arrive at your school in period dress. He will be armed only with pen and paper, just as Ambrose was during the battle. After giving a summary of the battle, the program also includes activities such as map drawing and poetry writing.

Programs by Request

Have a specific Civil War or nature topic in mind? We may be able to provide a program.

Self-Guided Explorations

Educators and group leaders have the opportunity to experience Pickett’s Mill Battlefield on a self-guided basis. Hike trails that meander through history while exploring nature along a cool running stream. $5 parking per vehicle, (Mon.-Thur.), and $3-$6 per person, (Fri. - Sun.)

Other Information

For any questions, visit the Visitor Center or call us at 770.443.7850.