Crystal River Archaeological State Park

A National Historic Landmark, this 61-acre, pre-Columbian, Native American site has burial mounds, temple/platform mounds, a plaza area and a substantial midden. The six-mound complex is one of the longest continuously occupied sites in Florida. For 1,600 years the site served as an imposing ceremonial center for Native Americans. People traveled to the complex from great distances to bury their dead and conduct trade. It is estimated that as many as 7,500 Native Americans may have visited the complex every year. Although primarily an archaeological site, the park sits on the edge of an expansive coastal marsh. Anglers may catch saltwater and freshwater fish. As part of the Great Florida Birding Trail, the park offers bird-watchers the chance to observe a variety of birds.

A National Historic Landmark, this 61-acre, pre-Columbian, Native American site has burial mounds, temple/platform mounds, a plaza area and a substantial midden.

The six-mound complex is one of the longest continuously occupied sites in Florida. For 1,600 years the site served as an imposing ceremonial center for Native Americans. People traveled to the complex from great distances to bury their dead and conduct trade. It is estimated that as many as 7,500 Native Americans may have visited the complex every year. Although primarily an archaeological site, the park sits on the edge of an expansive coastal marsh.

Anglers may catch saltwater and freshwater fish. As part of the Great Florida Birding Trail, the park offers bird-watchers the chance to observe a variety of birds.

Experiences

Boat Tours
Heritage-Eco Boat Tours are available seasonally at the nearby Crystal River Preserve State Park. The vessel "Monroe" (24 passengers) is the vehicle for a lower river Heritage-Eco Tour. The program "The Ancient River Dwellers" is provided weekly from Labor Day to Memorial Day (September 5th, 2016 - May 29th, 2017). Boat trips run on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., but are subject to change due to weather conditions. The cost is $15 for adults, $10 for children 12 and under (children 6 and under are free). No credit or debit cards - check or cash only. The 1.5-hour trip allows the participants the opportunity to see the coastal marsh, and to learn how it and the associated marine estuary provided for the pre-Columbian people that lived here. Call Crystal River Preserve State Park for confirmation of days and details at 352-228-6028.

Fishing
Anglers may catch saltwater and freshwater fish in designated areas.
All fishing within the park must conform to regulations concerning size, number, method of capture and season.  A fishing license may be required.  More information is available at the Florida Wildlife Commission’s Fishing in Florida.

Geo-Seeking
Explore the park in a new and challenging way. Experienced Geocachers have requested permission to hide caches containing trinkets, treasures, or information in various places around the park.  Please check the Geocaching website for the most current and up-to-date information and clues to locate these caches.

Operation Recreation GeoTour

Picnicking
A small picnic area is provided.

Wildlife Viewing
The area within the park has been largely altered by man. Clearings associated with the mound complex are adjacent to a dense tree line that works well for bird watching. The site will be listed as a birding area in the Great Florida Birding And Wildlife Trail. It is one of four ADA accessible birding sites in Citrus County.

Amenties

Historic Site
A National Historic Landmark, this Pre-Columbian Native American site contains burial mounds, temple mounds, a plaza area and a sizeable shell midden.

Interpretive Exhibit
Interpretive exhibits explore the chronology of archaeological excavations which occurred at the site beginning in 1903.

Museum
Study of the Local Pre-Historic Coastal Dwellers:  The primary reason for this site is to preserve and interpret the mound structures, burial areas and the lifeways of the coastal dwellers who used the area in ancient times. The visitor center/museum contains exhibits displaying artifacts related to the site, and provides a few comparisons with what was occurring in other parts of the world during similar time periods.

The Museum is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Monday. The Museum is closed on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Pets
Well-behaved dogs are welcome at Crystal River Archaeological State Park. They must be kept on a 6-foot leash at all times and cannot be left unattended for more than a half-hour. Dogs are not permitted in the Visitor Center/Museum.