Crystal River Archaeological Park View

Crystal River Archaeological State Park

Explore a complex of Native American mounds and get a glimpse into Florida’s past

Hours

8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year

Museum open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday through Monday

Fees

$3 per vehicle; correct change is required

See all fees

Location

3400 N. Museum Point
Crystal River FL 34428

Get directions

Contact Info

352-795-3817

Welcome to Crystal River Archaeological State Park

A National Historic Landmark, this 61-acre, pre-Columbian 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 area served as an imposing ceremonial center for Native Americans.

People traveled to the complex from great distances to conduct trade and bury their dead. It is estimated that as many as 7,500 Native Americans may have visited the complex every year.

Primarily an archaeological site, the park is located 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 species.

Plan Your Visit

A smiling park ranger wearing class A uniform in front of a lake with trees on the far shore of the lake
Learn

Manager's Message

Follow the paved pathways to learn about the Native Americans who lived in the area and the ceremonial, burial and midden mounds they built. Wet a fishing line down by the river for catch and release, or pull in your supper.
Crystal River Archaeological Museum
Learn

Crystal River Archaeological Museum

Visit the museum to see exhibits, artifacts and a video about the prehistoric coastal dwellers who used the area in ancient times.
a long set of stairs leads up a large hill to an observation platform, surrounded by trees draped with spanish moss.
Learn

On Top of the Temple Mound

At the midway point along the Crystal River between the freshwater springs of Kings Bay and the salty waters of the Gulf of America, there is a place where you can stand in the same space where native Americans stood more than 500 years ago.

Experiences

Fishing
Fishing
Geo-Seeking
Geo-Seeking
Hiking
Hiking
Picnicking
Picnicking
Weddings
Weddings
Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife Viewing

Amenities

Accessible Amenities
Accessible Amenities
Amphitheater
Amphitheater
Historic Site
Historic Site
Interpretive Exhibit
Interpretive Exhibit
Museum
Museum
Parking
Parking
Pets
Pets
Restroom Facilities
Restroom Facilities

Crystal River Archaeological State Park Photo Gallery

a paved path winds towards a large hill with stairs. A bench and many trees line the path.
Artifacts Display at Crystal River Archaeological State Park
Daylight Clouds from the Mounds at Crystal River Archaeological State Park
a man paddles a red kayak on a river.
Visitor at Crystal River Archaeological State Park
Mound at Crystal River Archaeological State Park
A brightly yellow-striped turtle perches precariously in the middle of the water on a wood stump.
Temple Mound at Crystal River Archaeological State Park
shells and other materials form a large mound
Learn

Digging into the Past

Two common question from visitors to the park are “When was the last dig here?” and “When will you be doing another one?” Thanks to advancements in technology, digging through the layers of shell and sand isn’t as essential as it once was.
A large limestone rock sits behind a fence enclosure.
Learn

Lore of the Limestone

In 1964 two large lime rock stones of significant size were discovered at the Crystal River Archaeological site. These stones were believed to be stelae, carved or inscribed stone slabs or pillars used by ancient peoples for commemorative purposes.

People Make the Parks

Park Ranger, Ginger Bevirt

Staff Spotlight

Ginger’s deep appreciation and respect for the land shines through in everything she does, even in simple visitor interactions.
John and Rosaly Errickson

Volunteer Spotlight

John and Roslyn are a dynamic duo when it comes to volunteering.
LOGO

The Friends of the Crystal River State Parks

Friends groups meet the critical needs of individual parks and the system of state parks. They share one thing in common - passion for the parks.

This Park is Recognized by:

Native American Heritage Trail

Park Map

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