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Florida’s Premier Ancient Artifact Experience!
DIG THIS! Now you can leave your shovel at home and let us do all the heavy lifting! Our skilled equipment operators bring the artifact-laden soil to you on custom screen tables, where you can sift through the sands of time for the relics of Florida’s ancient Native American history.
- Select locations known to produce quality Florida artifacts
- Lunch is included for screen and shaker table guests, and cold bottled water is available to all guests throughout the day.
- Private digs and large party buyouts available
- Children 12 and under are free with paid adult entry
Own property or know someone with a potential ancient artifact site?
Property surveys/evaluations performed by our knowledgeable team.
Temple Terrace and Harney Flats: A Window into Florida’s Earliest Inhabitants
Temple Terrace and Harney Flats: A Window into Florida’s Earliest Inhabitants
Temple Terrace and Harney Flats: A Window into Florida’s Earliest Inhabitants
Nestled along and in between the banks of the beautiful and ancient Hillsborough River, Six Mile Creek and local springs, Temple Terrace was once the home of many ancient indigenous groups that lived and hunted along its shores and countryside. These rivers, springs, and runoff creeks sustained these ancient peoples with fresh, clean water for eons, helping to populate the area with a plethora of flora and fauna that the ancients utilized to establish long-term villages and hunting grounds.
Local outcrops of high-grade lithic materials were also highly prevalent, and made for great stone tools. It was also used to trade for other lithic, shell, and exotic materials, such as the much-prized agatized coral from nearby areas.
During our tests, we found that the peoples of the ancient Paleo through Woodland eras inhabited this site and left their ancient tools and exotic goods for you to discover!
The Collectors Dream Site, from Mississippian to Paleo!
Temple Terrace and Harney Flats: A Window into Florida’s Earliest Inhabitants
Temple Terrace and Harney Flats: A Window into Florida’s Earliest Inhabitants
Temple Terrace and nearby Harney Flats demonstrate that the Tampa Bay region was inhabited continuously from the close of the Ice Age through the historic Native American period and into the colonial era. Beneath the modern neighborhoods, roads, and parks lies evidence of more than ten millennia of human history, making Temple Terrace one of the most archaeologically significant areas in central Florida.
With so many artifact-rich sites along the ridges and lowland areas of Temple Terrace and Harney Flats, it is no wonder that this area of Florida became such a hotspot for artifact collectors, and we can't wait to see what awesome treasures that you will find!!!
Discover Our Favorite Places To Eat and Stay!
Smoked Meats Wicked Eats Homemade Sauces
Find your perfect place to stay near Temple Terrace and Tampa!
Smoked Meats Wicked Eats Homemade Sauces
Serving up award-winning 'Que, Wicked Oak BBQ is a highly-recommended barbecue joint in Tampa, Florida. Located at 6607 North Florida Avenue, this restaurant has received rave reviews for its delicious food and great service. Their menu features a variety of mouthwatering options, including ribs, brisket, pork, and chicken, all smoked to perfection with Bubba's homemade rubs, seasonings, and sauces.
Wicked Oak BBQ is one of the best BBQ joints in the Bay, with everything on the menu being "out of this world delicious!" They offer a range of sides, including loaded mac and cheese, and biscuits, as well as desserts like banana pudding and flija. With its great location and excellent prices, Wicked Oak BBQ is a must-visit for BBQ lovers in Tampa.
Why Temple Terrace and Harney Flats?
Find your perfect place to stay near Temple Terrace and Tampa!
Smoked Meats Wicked Eats Homemade Sauces
The Archaeological and Ancient History of Temple Terrace and Harney Flats, Florida
The modern city of Temple Terrace occupies a landscape with a human history stretching back more than 10,000 years. While the city is best known today for its 1920s golf-course community and citrus-grove heritage, its most significant contribution to Florida history lies beneath the surface: the nearby Harney Flats archaeological site, one of the most important Paleoindian and Early Archaic sites ever discovered in the southeastern United States.
Harney Flats: A Window into Florida’s Earliest Inhabitants
The most important archaeological discovery in the Temple Terrace area occurred during surveys conducted before construction of Interstate 75 in the late 1970s. Archaeologists investigating the proposed highway corridor uncovered an ancient campsite at Harney Flats, northeast of Tampa and adjacent to modern Temple Terrace.
After the Paleoindian era, the region continued to be occupied by Archaic peoples. Rising sea levels and changing climates transformed Florida’s ecosystems. Communities adapted by broadening their diets and relying more heavily on fishing, gathering, and hunting smaller game. The Hillsborough River corridor remained an important travel route and source of fresh water. Archaeological evidence throughout the Tampa Bay region shows continuous human occupation for thousands of years following the end of the Ice Age.
Today, the archaeological significance of Temple Terrace extends far beyond its city limits. Harney Flats demonstrates that the Tampa Bay region was inhabited continuously from the close of the Ice Age through the historic Native American period and into the colonial era. Beneath the modern neighborhoods, roads, and parks lies evidence of more than ten millennia of human history, making Temple Terrace one of the most archaeologically significant areas in Central Florida.
Find your perfect place to stay near Temple Terrace and Tampa!
Find your perfect place to stay near Temple Terrace and Tampa!
Find your perfect place to stay near Temple Terrace and Tampa!
Lodging near Temple Terrace, Florida, ranges from highly-rated extended-stay suites to mid-range hotels, primarily concentrated in the neighboring University of South Florida (USF) and Busch Gardens area. Many options are located under 3 to 5 miles from the city center, making commuting easy.
Residence Inn by Marriott Tampa at USF/Medical Center: A 3-star property with an excellent 9.0 rating. Offers apartment-style suites and complimentary breakfast, making it highly suitable for longer or family stays.
Hilton Garden Inn Tampa North Busch Gardens: Known for budget-friendly pricing and an 8.0/10 rating. Includes an outdoor pool, hot tub, and on-site dining
MainStay Suites Tampa Moffitt-USF: A comfortable 2.5-star property located within the Temple Terrace/USF area. Rates typically begin around $120/night and feature in-room kitchenettes and free Wi-Fi.
Hyatt Place Busch Gardens: Conveniently located just 2.1 miles from the Temple Terrace center. Known for spacious family rooms, complimentary breakfast, and its proximity to major health centers and amusement parks.
Extended Stay America Select Suites - Tampa - Northeast: Located directly on Morris Bridge Road in Temple Terrace, perfect if you are looking for an extended-stay, budget-friendly option.