Main Page - Crystal River Archaeological State Park

Manager's Message

The Crystal River Archaeological State Park has gone through some changes in the past several months. When you visit you will notice that a great deal of vegetation has been removed from the cultural features and other areas of the mound complex. This was done to allow effective cultural management and for research to be conducted by an archaeological field school using archaeologists and students from the University of West Florida and the University of South Florida. This research recorded data from a variety of remote sensing techniques that will provide some knowledge of sub-surface strata with out actual ground disturbance. This will heighten our understanding of the site and the people that used it.

In the upcoming months we will also be conducting research on other archaeological features with in the park. It is anticipated that the Robert’s Island complex will get its long awaited survey. The survey will reinforce the intent over the past 15 years to better understand the role the mound sites played in the ancient regional populations and it relationship to the complex at the Crystal River Mound Site. In conjunction with the survey a research model will be developed so that early archeological research has a lessened impact on that conducted in the future.

The park grounds are open 8:00 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year. The Visitor Center/Museum is open from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Thursday through Monday. The Visitor Center/Museum is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

- Nick Robbins, Park Manager

Welcome to 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. HERITAGE-ECO BOAT TOURS are available at the nearby Crystal River Preserve State Park, 352-563-0450.)

Contact the Florida Park Service Information Center for general inquiries.
For Information about Crystal River Archaeological State Park, please call 352-795-3817.

Hours of Operation

This park is open from 8:00 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year. The Visitor Center/Museum is open from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. except on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Driving Directions

From the town of Crystal River travel north on US 19 for two miles; turn west on State Park Street; travel for one mile; turn left on Museum Pointe and follow it into the park.