Main Page - Crystal River Preserve State Park

Manager's Message

The Crystal River Preserve State Park is truly a unique area on Florida's Gulf Coast. The park is in between temperate and sub-tropical climate zones, which allows for different communities to grow according to their location. In addition to the climatic zones, it also protects expansive grass flats that extend many miles into the gulf. The estuarine system is fed fresh water from seven rivers in the county, which provides for an abundance of sea life. The overall environment of this wonderful area has provided for animal and human residents for thousands of years.

Many new pre-Columbian archaeological sites have been added to the Florida Site Files and it is anticipated that the pre-historic and historic inventory will continue to increase. It is important that we gain knowledge based on our predecessor's impacts on the environment as well as the biological, hydrological, geological, and climatic changes that have occurred, so that we can better understand our own impacts and continuing changes in the systems for comprehensive management.

During the next year, we will continue monitoring our wildlife in an effort to expand the existing base line inventories and get a better understanding of our effects on the land as a result of management techniques. With all of the natural and cultural resource efforts, one can hope to maintain and restore the land within the confines of the preserve. However, without an effective education program, we would not be able to encourage stewardship for responsible management of private surrounding lands.

The very active interpretive/education programming at the preserve will continue and even expand over the next year. New exhibits for the visitor center are in the works, and some unusual interpretive avenues will be tested, so keep checking for the latest changes. Outreach is the most effective land management tool available and has a way of perpetuating environmental awareness that will last for generations. All in all, this is a very exciting place, so please come and visit!

- Nick Robbins, Park Manager

Welcome to Crystal River Preserve State Park

A place of exceptional natural beauty, the undisturbed islands, inlets, backwaters, and forests of this preserve are especially cherished by nature lovers and photographers. The park borders 20 miles of the northern Gulf Coast between the two cities of Yankeetown and Homosassa. Visitors can hike or bicycle along nine miles of trails or study the native wildlife and plants on the two-and-a-half mile interpretive trail. Anglers can walk down a short path to the Mullet Hole for a relaxing afternoon of fishing. Paddlers can launch a kayak or canoe into the waters of the scenic Crystal River to see the park from the water. On the third Saturday of each month, the visitor center features the Redfish Revue Theatre, a video presentation about the park. Located west of U.S. 19 in Crystal River.

Contact the Florida Park Service Information Center for general inquiries.
For Information about Crystal River Preserve State Park, please call 352-563-0450.

Hours of Operation

Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year.

Driving Directions

Visitor Center: is located at 3266 North Sailboat Ave. Take U.S. Hwy 19 3/4 mile north of the Crystal River Mall. Turn left onto State Park Drive at the Days Inn. Follow State Park Drive until it dead ends at the Crystal River. Eco-Walk: 5990 North Tallahassee Road. Take U.S. Hwy 19 north to just before Seven Rivers Hospital. Turn left onto Curtis Tool Road. The intersection of Curtis Tool and Tallahassee Road is the Eco-walk trail head.

Churchhouse Hammock: across from the Crystal River Mall.