Crystal River Archaeological State Park
Ceremonial mounds used by Native Americans for roughly 1,600 years. Climb the temple mound for views over the Crystal River, a National Historic Landmark.
This riverside site is one of the longest-used Native American ceremonial centers on Florida's west coast. It was in use roughly from 500 BCE to 1000 CE and preserves temple mounds, shell middens, burial mounds and two rare stone monuments. A paved path loops around the site, and wooden steps lead up to the top of the temple mound, where you can look over the mangroves and estuary and sometimes spot dolphins and manatees. A small museum displays excavated pottery and tools. Entry costs about $3 per vehicle. The park is open from 08:00 to sunset, with shorter museum hours. It is about a 10-minute drive from the town center and is best visited together with the neighboring Crystal River Preserve State Park.
Opening hours
08:00 until sunset (museum 09:00–17:00)
Nearby sights
- Crystal River Preserve State Park
- Hunter Springs Park
- Kings Bay Manatee Swim
- Three Sisters Springs
- Fort Island Gulf Beach
- Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
- Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic State Park
- Chassahowitzka River