Mulberry Phosphate Museum

I love finding little local gems that are a great value and teach more about our local history. I always knew phosphate mining was a big thing out in the middle of Florida, having driven by Mosiac and other mining plants and locations many times. But I can’t say I had the slightest idea what phosphate was useful for or when and how mining in mid-​Florida got started. I realize these are not questions likely to keep anyone awake at night, but when I stumbled upon information about the Mulberry Phosphate Museum, it went to the top of my list of «Cool, Cheap Daytrips from Tampa».
First, let’s put this right out there — the museum is free so you are going to be disappointed if you’re expecting videos and touch-​screen displays. It’s made up of three to four box cars/​trailers. One explains phosphate mining and the many uses of phosphate in everything from farming to food production. A second room presented the history of Mulberry with historic maps and photographs of the town in the early 20^th century, the height of the phosphate wealth in the area. The third was my favorite and is packed with fossils found during the mining process. They have a pretty amazing collection with prehistoric cat teeth, mammoth teeth, and all sorts of marine animal fossils. Cute little gift shop where you can buy fossilized shark’s teeth, but if you do buy some — consider it a donation to keep this lovely place going since you can get your own for free with just a little bit of sweat equity. Outside the museum is a huge dig bucket used for the mining and it’s overflowing with waste rock from the actual process. All visitors are invited to dig for treasure and whatever you find is yours to keep. With a little patience and a good eye, you can easily go home with a few shark teeth.
Overall, an enjoyable and informative museum. Great for a stretch break if you are driving through the area and, combined with Bok Tower or some of the other attractions in the area, not a bad stop on a lazy exploration day through mid-​Florida. Lovingly kept and with a wealth of information for those who care to stop.