Last Updated on April 12, 2024
White Springs, Florida, is a quintessential small Florida town. There are fun things to do in White Springs, including attending the annual Florida Folk Festival.
Considered to be “Florida’s Original Tourist Destination”, this area attracted well-heeled tourists in search of the relaxing, medicinal waters of the White Sulphur Springs.
There’s not a lot remaining from its heyday in the early 1900s, but we have pulled together a list of the six best things to do in White Springs today.
Things To Do in White Springs
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Visit Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park
In 1851, composer Stephen Foster wrote the popular tune “Old Folks at Home,” and White Springs became a destination “Way Down Upon the Suwannee River.”
Nowadays, the Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center and Park, known for its carillon-playing melodic Stephen Foster tunes, is home to the annual Florida Folk Festival and an antebellum museum that pays homage to Foster and his music.
Check out: Celebrate the 70th Annual Florida Folk Festival Memorial Day Weekend
Shop and Stroll Down Spring Street
While there is no longer a bubbly spring, Adam’s Country Store has reopened as Suwannee Hardware and Feed.
We recommend a stop at this historic store followed by a stroll around this small town to absorb its charm.
If you plan to attend the 2024 Florida Folk Festival at Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center, don’t miss the Memorial Weekend Festival at the Suwannee Hardware & Feed Store.
The event features live bands, clogging, food, arts and crafts, a kid zone, and the soap box derby.
Suwannee Hardware & Feed Address: 10572 Bridge Street, White Springs, FL 32096.
You will see churches dating back to the late 1800s and several historic homes that stand as authentic reminders of the past.
Bike, Hike, Paddle and Bird Watch
White Springs is an eco-tourism destination, as hikers and bikers enjoy nearby Florida trails and paddlers also enjoy the rivers and springs.
White Springs is celebrated for its extensive array of hiking, biking, and paddling trails, excellent navigation, hospitable locals, and a rich blend of amenities and history.
Bird watchers flock to traipse through the woods where Eagles, Osprey, Pileated Woodpeckers, and Owls call home.
Outside White Springs, along the Suwannee River, is Big Shoals, State Park. This is home to Florida’s largest whitewater rapids.
Hike the trails that lead to the shoals (shallow, rocky rapids). The well-laid-out trail is in the pine Flatwoods, along wetlands, and beneath towering longleaf pines.
White Springs, renowned as the Florida Trail’s initial Gateway Community, has earned the prestigious title of a Trail Town by the Florida Office of Greenways and Trails.
This achievement is a testament to the dedicated efforts of the local community.
Stop at the Old Bathhouse
In 1908, the bathhouse was a four-story building with dressing rooms, examination and treatment rooms, and a concession stand. The circular balconies surrounded a 20 x 30-foot bathing pool cut from solid rock.
By the 1930s, the popularity of the resort had dwindled. The spring, which once flowed at a rate of about 47 million gallons a day, dried up in 1990.
Today you can visit the old bathhouse for free and learn about its historic past.
Lodge in a Slice of Old Florida
The White Springs Bed ‘n Breakfast is an original 1905 Boarding House located in the Historic District of White Springs. Even today, guests love to gather on the front porch and enjoy the peace and quiet.
Back in the day, several fancy hotels provided lodging as the railroad brought visitors to the town.
A fire destroyed most of the hotels, but The Telford Hotel has tried to remain open throughout the years and most recently served as a Bed and Breakfast.
Sadly, in 2020 there was a handwritten For Sale sign on the front door of The Telford Hotel.
Camping and lodging are also available at Suwannee River State Park, O’Leno State Park, and Spirit of the Suwannee to name a few.
For a comprehensive list of local public and private campgrounds, cabins, and also motels, visit Suwannee Valley.
Dine at Fat Belly’s Bar-B-Que and Grill
There are not a lot of dining options in White Springs. We did enjoy a meal (the fried shrimp was excellent) and sweet tea at Fat Belly’s Bar-B-Que & Grill.
We heard they have a good Southern bar-b-que, so we plan to try it the next time we’re in White Springs.
If you want to find other places to eat, Lake City is not too far away and offers many choices.
Looking for other recommendations for things to do and places to visit? See below.
- 72nd Annual Florida Folk Festival 2024 (Memorial Day Weekend)
- 27 Best Places to Kayak in Florida
- 27 Scenic Drives in Florida for Your 2024 Bucket List
- Six Unforgettable Adventures in the Suwannee River Valley
- Our 19+ Favorite Freshwater Florida Springs in 2024
- Cedar Key in 2024 – A Small, Authentic, Old Florida City
The Adams Country Store is open. It is Suwannee Hardware and Feed. Their number is (386) 397-2551
Thank you for letting us know, Adrienne. We are going to edit our article for 2024.