madira bickel mound state archeological site

We stopped off to see the Bickel Mound on a trip to Bradenton. It is a few miles off of hwy 19. There is a short walk through the site and then steps up to the top of the mound. It is covered in vegetation and hard to really discern the size or get a good view. There is an excellent exhibit board at the bottom explaining about the early inhabitants of the area. The mound is impressive once you know the history, but is not much to see otherwise. I think another exhibit showing a cross section of the mound and explanation of how the archaeologists interpreted the shells etc would be worthwhile. You can get a much better appreciation of an Indian mound at Emerson Point Preserve.

I feel like i have to see every state park now in case Rick Scott gets reelected, as he wants to sell a lot of parks to make more golf courses. But this mound was disappointing. its written about in many archaeological books. The nearby Emerson Point Preserve was much more impressive. But Madira is still a worthwhile visit as its easily accessible right off the Skyway bridge. And the Terra Ceia neighborhood is interesting, still has mango and lychee farms, as it is so surrounded by water, its warm enough for tropical fruits. Also saw a flock of Rosseate Spoonbills in Terra Ceia.

In the winter months when people enjoy most walking around Florida's parks, Madeira Bickel Mound is an interesting location. Don't expect a museum or facilities - this is just a well-preserved native American mound of shell which guarded a village in an area of many small islands, perfect for people who did much fishing and canoe travel.

nothing there just a hill to climb,full of ants,not even a porta potty,did not impress me,to say the least

This mound is small and not really visible - it's overgrown with trees and shrubs so you only see the top when you get there. It's in a part of the state that remains close to its true self. It reminds me of some of the stone sites I visited in England: fairly small and non-descript, yet part of history. I was in a rush when I visited, and was expecting something more, having seen much larger mounds elsewhere around the country. Had I had more time, I would have spent it reflecting on the life of the people who built this mound. Also, the growth is such that if you think you're going to see the water nearby, you'll be disappointed.

At my insistence, we stopped here in march on our way from TIA to Sarasota. I'd been here as a Brownie Scout many many years ago. To may amazement, the mound is stilll there, thanks to local preservationists. It is covered in trees, but if you go to the top, you see shells left by the Native Americans who lived here pre-contact. Gave me pause and I was so glad to see it's still here. It takes only a few minutes off the highway. You go thru a nice Florida neighborhood. There is a gas station/restroom pit stop at the exit/entrance. Go on, see it. You might just be glad you did. It's the REAL FLORIDA.

This attraction consists entirely of a 60 second 100 step path with one mounted commentary board. That's it. Really. The burial mound is not particularly perceptible and the temple mound is a small hill with the 100 step path. This attraction is in Terra Ceia, and not in Ellenton by the way. Even though I happen to live close to this mound, I have never bothered to take any of my visitors to see it, because it is so minor.

Terra Ceia and Madira Bickel Mounds are just across the Skyway bridge south out of Saint Petersburg. Take the first exit after the bridge. The signs for the mounds are on the right. These sites are great examples of the stuff you saw at Weedon Island only better. They are considered are pre-Columbian archeological sites used just prior to the Spanish colonial period. They are like many of the Mississippian period and consist of shell middens which have, to some degree, been damaged or depleted. Possibly used as road gravel. Both the Terra Ceia and the Madira Bickel Mounds date to approximately 1450AD although there is evidence of even earlier habitation and use from the Woodland and perhaps even the Archaic Periods. It has been proposed that the Madira Bickel and Terra Ceia Mounds were inhabited by the Weedon Island culture (700AD to 1300AD). Since this period produced some of the most remarkable pottery products from the pre-Columbian era, the archeological evidence supports this assumption. In Terra Ceia, the mound is a flattened ceremonial mound, or temple, that is composed of sand, shells, and village detritus that is approximately 19-20 feet in height. Newly built stairs lead up the north side to a Gumbo Limbo tree. The site itself is just over 10 acres of which the mound only comprises a small portion of it. Madira Bickel Mounds are not staffed, park take the walk, climb the hill. It is a small site but worth the short side trip