|
 FLORIDA MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY,
Gainesville, FL Alachua County (352)846-2000
Corner Hull Rd. and SW 34th St. on campus of University of Florida -
I-75 exit 384, travel east on Archer Rd. (SR 24), left on SW 34th St., right on Hull Rd.
Archaeology enthusiasts will especially enjoy exhibits in the Hall of Northwest Florida Waterways and Wildlife and the Hall of South Florida People and Environments. Florida's fossil record is on prominent view in the Hall of Florida Fossils. Walk among exotic butterflies fluttering atop lush tropical foliage and flowers in the Butterfly Rainforest, the Museum's newest permanent exhibit. Open 10-5 weekdays, 1-5 Sundays, closed Thanksgiving and Christmas. Web site. www.flmnh.ufl.edu
For current events and activities at this site, please go to the Trail Activities and Events page. |
|
CRYSTAL RIVER ARCHAEOLOGICAL STATE PARK,
Crystal River, FL Citrus County (352)795-3817
3400 North Museum Point. Rd. - 2 miles north of Crystal River on US 19, left on State Park St., left on Museum Point Rd.
 For thousands of years coastal dwellers relied on the rich marine estuaries of Florida's Gulf Coast and traveled to Crystal River for the burial of their dead and other religious and political purposes. Evidence suggests an extensive exchange network with other parts of the Southeast and Midwest. The Visitor Center showcases artifacts from Crystal River and related sites, and includes a video presentation. Web site. www.floridastateparks.org/CrystalRiver
For current events and activities at this site, please go to the Trail Activities and Events page. |
| MOUNT ROYAL ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE
Welaka, FL Putnam County (386)467-9709
136 William Bartram Drive - From I-95 take 207 SW for 25 miles, then go south on US-17 for 9 miles. Take 309 south for 6 miles to Welaka, through the stop light. Watch for Mt. Royal/Florida Historic Landmark sign, turn on Ferry Gates Road (stay on hard road). See sign Mount Royal Air-park, follow for 1/3 mile and look for sign for the Mound. Web site: www.mtroyalairpark.com
Mount Royal has been a favored location for people to live for thousands of years. This major archaeological site, was first observed by William Bartram in 1765. Archaeologist, Clarence B. Moore excavated the site in 1893. He found that the site includes a Native American burial mound, earthworks, a village area, and evidence of a Spanish Mission occupied by Timucan Indians. Moore unearthed an embossed copper breast plate, polished stone tools, pearl and shell beads and decorated ceramic vessels. The mound was constructed between AD 1250 and 1500. The village area contained a Spanish Mission (San Antonio de Enacape) that was occupied by Timucan Indians. The Mission was built by the Jesuits who left in 1572 and then was occupied by the Franciscans from 1573 to 1587.
For current events and activities at this site, please go to the Trail Activities and Events page.
|
|
 MAY-STRINGER HERITAGE MUSEUM,
Brooksville, FL Hernando County. (352)799-0129
601 Museum Court - I-75 exit 301 west on SR 98/50 eight miles, continue straight on Alt. SR 50 when SR 50 turns left.
Built in 1856, this 12-room, 4-story Victorian mansion houses over 10,000 artifacts including many from excavations on the mounds at the Weeki Wachee Springs attraction. Docents provide guided tours. Open to the public from 12-3 Tuesday through Saturday. Group tours at other times may be arranged. Web site, www.hernandoheritagemuseum.com
For current events and activities at this site, please go to the Trail Activities and Events page.
|
|
SAFETY HARBOR MOUND, PHILIPPE PARK, Safety Harbor, FL Pinellas County (727)669-1947
2525 Philippe Parkway. - I-275 Tampa exit 47 on Hillsborough Ave. to Philippe Parkway. I-275 St. Petersburg, exit 31 Roosevelt Blvd. around Clearwater Airport to SR 688 to Bayside Bridge which becomes McMullen Booth Rd., Right at Enterprise Rd., left at end to Park entrance.
 Tucked away within the boundaries of Philippe Park and jutting out over old Tampa Bay, an ancient mound continues to stand as silent sentry for the history of the people that came before us. Here the mighty Tocobaga thrived and made pottery and other artifacts that gave name to the Safety Harbor cultural period from about 1000 AD until the first Europeans landed in Pinellas County. Web site, www.co.pinellascounty.org/park11_Philppe.htm
For current events and activities at this site, please go to the Trail Activities and Events page.
|
|
SAFETY HARBOR MUSEUM OF REGIONAL HISTORY, Safety Harbor, FL, Pinellas County (727)726-1668. 329 S. Bayshore Blvd. - 3 miles south of Philippe Park on Philippe Parkway which becomes Bayshore Blvd. south of Main Street.
The museum offers a rare opportunity to trace the history of Safety Harbor and the surrounding Tampa Bay area from prehistoric to modern times. Dioramas and displays tell the story of Florida's first people and the arrival of Spanish explorers in the 16th century. Offering rotating exhibits, tours and summer camps. Web Site, www.safetyharbormuseum.org
For current events and activities at this site, please go to the Trail Activities and Events page.
|
|
TAMPA BAY HISTORY CENTER, Tampa, FL Hillsborough County (813)228-0097
225 S. Franklin Street in the Convention Center Annex. From Clearwater via SR60, From St. Petersburg from I-275, From Orlando from I-4
Archaeological evidence discovered at the southern end of the Courtney Campbell Causeway dates to the 18th century when Cuban fishermen and their Tocobaga workers plied the waters of Tampa Bay at the end of the Spanish occupation. On display are artifacts used by the native population of the Hillsborough County area, as well as reproduced objects and tools from the Key Marco Site. Web site, www.tampabayhistorycenter.org
For current events and activities at this site, please go to the Trail Activities and Events page.
|
|
WEEDON ISLAND PRESERVE CULTURAL AND NATURAL HISTORY CENTER,
St. Petersburg, FL Pinellas County (727)453-6500. 1800 Weedon Dr. NE - I-275 exit 28 Gandy Blvd. east, south on San Martin Blvd. and east on Weedon Dr. NE, continue to third turn on left.
 This 3,700-acre nature preserve is situated on Old Tampa Bay. It was home to at least four prehistoric cultures. Perhaps the most celebrated group is the Weeden Island Culture whose distinctive ornate pottery was first recorded on Weedon Island in 1924 by Jesse Walter Fewkes of the Smithsonian Institution. Through public programs, guided hikes and exhibits, the Weedon Island Preserve and Natural History Center interprets the rich natural, cultural and archaeological history of the Preserve and how the environment and people support and shape each other. Web site, www.pinellascounty.org/environment
For current events and activities at this site, please go to the Trail Activities and Events page.
|
|
SCIENCE CENTER OF PINELLAS COUNTY, St. Petersburg, FL Pinellas County (727) 384-0027
7701 22nd Ave. N. - I-275 exit 24 west on 22nd. Ave. N., past Tyrone Square Mall on right.
 Visit the Science Center of Pinellas County on Fridays from 10am to 4pm for a self guided tour of displays, exhibits, 600 gallon marine touch tank, live animals and the 16th Century Indian Village. Special Super Saturday events and festivals occur throughout the year. Every March during Florida Archaeology Month, the local Archaeology Society brings the Indian Village to life when re-enactors demonstrate the ancient skills of net making, flint knapping, and shell tool construction. Music, food and dancing are also part of the entertainment plus special presentations by well-known archaeological professionals. Web site, www.sciencecenterofpinellas.com.
For current events and activities at this site, please go to the Trail Activities and Events page.
|
|
ANDERSON-NARVAEZ MOUND AT JUNGLE PRADA MOUND PARK,
St. Petersburg, FL, Pinellas County (727)347-0354. 1700 Park St. N., corner of Park St. N. and Elbow Lane - I-275 exit 24 west on 22nd. Ave. N., turn left on Part St. N., turn right at Jungle Prada Park, park at south end of parking lot.
 Known as the Anderson/Narvaez Site after the 600-man Panfilo de Narvaez expedition that allegedly landed here in 1528, the public portion of the multi-mound site is nestled in a wooded park overlooking Boca Ciega Bay. The private portion, owned by the Anderson Family, contains a 10-foot deep archaeological test pit that looks down into the heart of the mound. Artifacts from the site and information about Tocobaga Indians are on display in the Greenhouse Museum. Individual and group tours can be arranged with the Anderson family. Web site, www.sacredlands.info
For current events and activities at this site, please go to the Trail Activities and Events page.
|
|
 MADIRA BICKEL MOUND STATE ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE, Terra Ceia, FL Manatee County. (941)723-4536. I-75 exit 224 Ellenton west to US 19 north, Bayshore Drive West, follow signs to site.
Designated as Florida's first archaeological monument in 1949, the Madira Bickel temple and Primal burial mound complex reflect native occupations from about AD 300-1200. Some scholars once thought this was the location of Uzita, the village occupied by De Soto in 1539. Follow the trail up to the top of the mound and step back in time. Web site, www.floridaparks.org/MadiraBickelMound
For current events and activities at this site, please go to the Trail Activities and Events page.
|
|
PORTAVANT TEMPLE MOUND AT EMERSON POINT PARK, Palmetto, FL Manatee County (941)776-2295. 5801 17th St. W. - Bus. 41 in Palmetto, west on 10th St. to Snead Island, right on Tarpon Ave., left on 17th St. W. to preserve entrance.
Visit the largest temple mound in the Tampa Bay Area overlooking the scenic Manatee River. Emerson Point Park has witnessed extensive human use for over 4,500 years with the most striking evidence being the 1,200-year-old temple mound and surrounding village middens. Interpretive signs describe the lifeways of former inhabitants and Florida pioneers.
Web site, www.co.manatee.fl.us>Parks and Facilities, Emerson Point
For current events and activities at this site, please go to the Trail Activities and Events page.
|
|
DE SOTO NATIONAL MEMORIAL, Bradenton, FL Manatee County (941)792-0458
I-75 exit 220, follow SR 64/Manatee Ave. west, north onto 75th St. W. which ends at the park entrance.
 This site commemorates the 1539-1542 expedition of Hernando De Soto, first explorers of 4,000 miles of the southeastern US. Be sure to see the film in the visitor center. Discover Native American cultures and the effects of early European contact with living history presentations from December to April. The De Soto Expedition trail winds through the coastal environment that was home to ancient Floridians and a barrier to the Conquistadors. Web site, www.nps.gov/deso
For current events and activities at this site, please go to the Trail Activities and Events page.
|
|
SOUTH FLORIDA MUSEUM,
Bradenton, FL Manatee County (941)746-4131 210 10th St. W. - I-75 exit 220 (SR 64) west about 7 miles to downtown, right on 10th St.
The South Florida Museum houses the world-renowned Montague Tallant Collection of Florida artifacts. Known as one of the premier collections of Florida aboriginal artifacts, the collection includes pottery, shell tools, lithics, beads, gold, silver, and other metals dating from the Paleo Indian period to the arrival of the Spanish explorers.
Web site, www.southfloridamuseum.org
For current events and activities at this site, please go to the Trail Activities and Events page.
|
|
SARASOTA COUNTY HISTORY CENTER, Sarasota, Sarasota County (941)861-1181
701 N. Tamiami Trail - I-75 exit 210 Fruitville Rd. west, right on US 41, left on Blvd. of the Arts, first right, around to front of parking area along US 41.
 The Sarasota County History Center's diverse collection offers the serious researcher and casual visitor alike an opportunity to view physical evidence of our fascinating past. The SCHC collects, catalogs, and maintains records of the history of Sarasota County. The Center maintains an historical archive, museum, and reference service for public interest and research. Web site, www.scgov.net>Arts/Culture/History
For current events and activities at this site, please go to the Trail Activities and Events page.
|
|
 HISTORIC SPANISH POINT, Osprey, FL Sarasota County (941)966-5214
337 N. Tamiami Trail - I-75 exit 195 or 200 west on to US 41, north 4.5 miles to entrance on west.
Explore and experience over 5,000 years of human history on this 30-acre National Register historic site featuring shell middens, pioneer era homestead, and formal gardens. In "A Window To The Past," walk inside a 15-foot high midden where you are surrounded by a thousand years of human occupation. Web site, www.historicspanishpoint.org
For current events and activities at this site, please go to the Trail Activities and Events page.
| |
