Mulberry Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Mulberry, Florida with our comprehensive travel guide. Find out what to do, see, eat, and where to stay in this hidden gem of Florida.


Introduction to Mulberry

Mulberry is a small town tucked away in Polk County, Inland Florida. Often overlooked by tourists, Mulberry offers a serene and tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of Florida’s popular tourist destinations. The town is surrounded by lush greenery, water bodies and nature reserves which offer a plethora of outdoor activities and scenic views. Besides, Mulberry is also rich in history and culture, with several museums and historic places to explore.

List of Places to Visit in Mulberry

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Mulberry Phosphate Museum: Explore the town’s phosphate mining past with a visit to the Mulberry Phosphate Museum. Learn about the history of the phosphate industry, view mining equipment and artifacts, and take a guided tour of the museum.

  2. Mulberry Cultural Center: This center showcases local art and hosts special events such as concerts, art shows and community events.

  3. Historic Mulberry House: A restored Victorian-style mansion with guided tours of the historic building, antique furnishings and a landscaped garden.

Natural Attractions of Mulberry: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Alafia River State Park: Situated in the center of the Alafia River Basin, this park is known for its scenic views, hiking trails, mountain biking trails, and kayaking opportunities.

  2. The Circle B Bar Reserve: A nature reserve with various wildlife such as alligators, otters, armadillos, and numerous bird species. It offers a network of hiking trails, boardwalks, and observation towers for bird watching.

  3. Colt Creek State Park: An expansive park with two scenic lakes for kayaking and fishing, hiking trails, and picnic areas.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Mulberry

  1. Fort Fraser Trail: A 7.5-mile paved trail that passes through Mulberry and ends at Lakeland. The trail is popular for cycling, hiking, and bird watching.

  2. Carter Road Trailhead: A 7.2-mile unpaved trail for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The trail features scenic views of the Alafia River and the surrounding woodlands.

Best Things to Do in Mulberry: Activities and Tours

  1. Fishing at the Lakeland Highland Fishery: A picturesque fishing spot about 10 miles north of Mulberry, with well-stocked ponds and an on-site tackle shop.

  2. Take a scenic drive along the hills and twists of the famous Clay Sink Road which stretches for miles with a view to take your breath away.

  3. Experience the thrill of the dirt tracks at the nearby 417 Speedway.

Week-Long Itinerary for Mulberry

Day Activity
1 Explore The Mulberry Phosphate Museum and the Historic Mulberry House
2 Hike the Fort Fraser Trail and enjoy a picnic in the Alafia River State Park
3 Explore the Circle B Bar Reserve and book a guided birdwatching tour
4 Visit the Mulberry Cultural Center and attend one of their events
5 Take a scenic drive along Clay Sink Road and go fishing at Lakeland Highlands Fishery
6 Kayak at Colt Creek State Park and explore the trails
7 Take a day trip to Tampa or Orlando for some theme park fun

Food and Drink Scene of Mulberry

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Beef Brisket at Willy’s Southern Style BBQ

  2. Rib Eye Steak at The Red Top Pit Stop & BBQ

  3. Alligator Bites at The Wildwood Restaurant

Local Beverages

  1. Key Lime Ale at Grove Roots Brewing Company

  2. Lakeridge Winery and Vineyards (just an hour from Mulberry) where you can take a tour of the facility and sample their world-renowned wines.

Where to Stay in Mulberry: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  1. The Hampton Inn & Suites Lakeland South: This hotel is situated in proximity to the town and offers a pool and fitness center.

  2. The Terrace Hotel in Lakeland: This hotel is situated in historic downtown Lakeland, a short drive from Mulberry.

What to Buy in Mulberry: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Local honey and jams from Bramble Creek Farms

  2. Mulberry Phosphate Museum souvenirs

Local Culture and Customs of Mulberry

Mulberry has retained its small-town charm and close-knit communities. Residents are friendly and welcoming to visitors. The town is proud of its phosphate mining heritage, so make sure to take a guided tour of the Mulberry Phosphate Museum for a glimpse into the town’s history.

Best Time to Visit Mulberry

The best time to visit Mulberry is in the spring or fall when the temperatures are mild and comfortable for outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Mulberry

Do:

  1. Respect the environment and pick up after yourself. Mulberry is home to numerous nature reserves and parks, so it’s important to keep them clean and pristine.

  2. Try local food and products. Mulberry has its fair share of delicious food and local products to bring home as souvenirs.

Don’t:

  1. Litter or engage in activities that harm nature or wildlife. Mulberry is a sanctuary for nature lovers and it’s important to preserve the environment.

  2. Park in a prohibited area. Be aware of the parking regulations in Mulberry to avoid citations.

Safety and Health

Safety in Mulberry

Mulberry is a safe town with a low crime rate. However, it’s always important to take basic safety precautions such as locking your car and keeping valuables out of sight.

Health in Mulberry

Mulberry has a few medical centers, such as the Mulberry Health Center and South Florida Baptist Hospital, for any medical emergency that may arise.

Getting to Mulberry: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Mulberry

  1. The Tampa International Airport: a 45-minute drive from Mulberry.

  2. Orlando International Airport: a 90-minute drive from Mulberry.

Bus Stations Near Mulberry

  1. The Lakeland Bus Terminal: a 15-minute drive from Mulberry.

  2. The Greyhound Bus Station in Tampa: 45 minutes from Mulberry.

Other Options

  1. Taxis and ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft

  2. Renting a car

How to Get Around in Mulberry

The best way to explore Mulberry is by car or bicycle. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also available, but car rental is recommended for maximum flexibility.

Where to Go Next from Mulberry: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. The Lakeland, just a short drive away from Mulberry, is known for its range of museums and art galleries, the Florida Air Museum and the Polk Museum of Art among others.

  2. Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Studios, and Busch Gardens are a short drive away from Mulberry.

Conclusion

Mulberry might not be your usual Florida destination, but it sure is a hidden gem that is worth exploring. Surrounded by nature reserves, parks and scenic beauty, Mulberry is the perfect offbeat destination to unwind and relax. With a range of outdoor activities, cultural places to visit, and delicious food, Mulberry trip will surely be an unforgettable experience.

City hall City hall The familiar sight of a gypsum stack. Gypsum is a byproduct of the process of turning phosphate into phosphoric acid. The familiar sight of a gypsum stack. Gypsum is a byproduct of the process of turning phosphate into phosphoric acid.