Protected since 1948 as Florida’s first state archaeological site, the centerpiece of Madira Bickel Mound State Archaeological Site in Terra Ceia is its 20-foot-tall prehistoric temple mound.
It was purchased and preserved by Karl and Madira Bickel, who turned the complex over to the state for caretaking.
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Overview
Location: Terra Ceia
Trailhead: 27.566119,-82.592919
Address: 955 Bayshore Dr, Terra Ceia FL 34250
Fees: Free
Restroom: None
Land manager: Florida State Parks
Phone: 941-723-4536
Open 8 AM to sunset. Picnic tables provided.
Directions
From US 19 south of Interstate 275, turn right on Bayshore Drive. Continue east 1.5 miles to the pulloff on the left.
Details
A short trail leads 20 feet uphill to the crest of the mound for a scenic view from the flat top of an ancient temple.
Gumbo limbo trees and tropical plants top the mound, and are as far north in their range as they naturally go.
Artifacts from Paleoindian, Weedon Island, and Safety Harbor cultures have been unearthed on the site.
Explore More!
Nearby Adventures
More worth exploring while you’re in this area.
Emerson Point Preserve
Where the Manatee River meets the Gulf of Mexico near Bradenton, Emerson Point Preserve protects the Portavent Mound, one of Florida’s most ancient temple mounds
Terra Ceia Preserve State Park
Home to many wading birds, Terra Ceia Preserve State Park is an aquatic preserve protecting the ragged northern shoreline of the island of Terra Ceia