Frequently Asked Questions about Crystal River Archaeological State Park

Question: Is this a "real” Indian Burial Site?
Answer: The park is the true location of the Indian Burial Mounds. All of the mounds located in the park are authentic mounds, constructed by the Indians right where they are located now. Some of the mounds have been partially excavated in the past and some have barely been touched by archaeologists. That is why it is so important that we protect these mounds. They are some of the last vestiges we have of people the archaeologists call "The Pre-Columbian Mound Builders.”

Question: What is the archaeological dating placed on this mound complex?
Answer: The mound complex at Crystal River has been dated by archaeologists to have been in existence from approximately 500B.C. through 1400A.D. These dates are general dates based on several Carbon 14 date samples taken from burials excavated during the 1960’s. With further work and more date samples taken in the future, there is a possibility that these dates could vary up to 500 years in accuracy.

Question: What tribe was responsible for building these mounds?
Answer: All of the activity at the Crystal River Site appears to have taken place prior to the "European arrival”. Because of this, we have no way of knowing what these Pre-Columbian Mound Builders called themselves. Most archaeologists will agree that they were probably the ancestors of what would later be called, by the Spanish, either the Timucuan Tribe or the Calusa Tribe.

Question: Are the artifacts in the Visitor Center authentic?
Answer: Some of the artifacts are authentic and some are authentic replicas. All of the "contemporary exhibit” artifacts are replicas with the exception of the pottery vessel from New Mexico. All of the projectile points, jewelry, tools and pottery shards on display are authentic. Intact pottery vessels are, for the most part, authentic replicas.

Question: How long does it take to tour the site?
Answer: The Visitor Center takes approximately 20 minutes to tour and the ½ mile paved foot trail through the grounds takes about 20 minutes to walk. Visitors should plan on sending from 40 minutes to one hour in order to completely enjoy all the site has to offer. NOTE: I have, however, known people to get stuck for several minutes on our 30 foot high observation deck, atop the main Temple Mound. Sitting and watching the river meander by, enjoying the breezes and the scenery atop this wonderful mound are often the culprit.

Question: Where do we go to see/swim with the Manatee?
Answer: The archaeological site does not deal with the manatees in any way. The Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, the location of the manatees during cold weather, is located in the Crystal River about three miles upstream from the site. The archaeological site does not offer access to this area. For information about the Manatee you can call the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge at 352-563-2088. The Manatee can also be viewed year round at the Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, about 10 miles south of Crystal River on U.S. Highway 19/98.

Question: Where are the park’s restrooms?
Answer: Go over to the orange bulletin board and go out the glass door to the right. Restrooms are right outside the door.