Plains Visitors Center

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

Plains Visitors Center

Events

Reservations

Hours

Tuesday-Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Closed Monday

Phone Numbers

Office 229-824-7477

Address

1763 Hwy 280 West
Plains, GA. 31780
Sumter County

Annual Passes

Purchase Historic Site & ParkPasses at this location.

Georgia Products

Georgia Grown & State Parks products now available.

The Plains Visitors Center Is located on U. S. Hwy 280 1 mile east of the town of Plains, Ga., home of former President Jimmy Carter.

Opening on December 6, 1977. Mrs. George Busbee, then First Lady of Georgia and First Lady Rosalynn Carter gave the dedication.

The Visitors Center sits on 17 acres including a 2 ½ acre pond. Our grounds include several picnic tables as well as covered picnic areas with grills.

Planted on the grounds are plants and shrubs including the Georgia State tree (live oak) and the Georgia State flower (Cherokee rose). We have 2 butterfly gardens honoring Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter which are featured on the Rosalynn Carter Butterfly Trail.

Our building has 2 large porches with rocking chairs where visitors can take a moment to rest before continuing their trip. Inside our building we have a room dedicated to the life and presidency of President Carter. We have a selection of brochures and pictures promoting the State Parks as well as attractions and historic sites across the state of Georgia.

The Visitor Center sells Georgia Grown and Georgia made products as well as Georgia State Park Passes.