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Florida State Parks will follow local orders requiring facial coverings or masks to provide for staff and visitor safety. These requirements vary from area to area. Our main priority is the safety of our guests and staff. We will continue to review operations on a daily basis and make additional operational changes as may be deemed necessary for protection of public health. Please review individual park pages for specific information for each location.

View details about online payments, park and campground closures, park programs/events and facial coverings.

Limited Visitation at this Park

Effective November 12, 2020: Mound Key Archaeological State Park is open (see hours of operation and fee information below). Restroom availability may be limited; all other park facilities are closed. Visitors are expected to maintain distances of at least six feet apart.

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Mound Key Archaeological State Park

Mound Key Archaeological State Park

This remote island holds keys to Florida’s ancient history and the people who impacted it

Hours

Sunrise to sunset

Fees

No fee Required

Location

C/O Koreshan State Park
3800 Corkscrew Road
Estero FL 33928

Get directions

Contact Info

239-992-0311

Park Menu

  • Experiences & Amenities
  • History
Download Park Map

Welcome to Mound Key Archaeological State Park

Framed in forests of mangrove trees, the shell mounds and ridges of Mound Key rise more than 30 feet above the waters of Estero Bay.

Prehistoric Native Americans known as the Calusa were non-agricultural hunting and gathering chiefdom that dominated the waters of southwest Florida for over 2,000 years. Mound Key is believed to have been the ceremonial center of the Calusa Indians when the Spaniards first attempted to colonize Southwest Florida in the early 1500s.

Located in Estero Bay, visitors typically launch from Koreshan State Park or Lovers Key State Park to access the park. 

The park is accessible only by boat and there are no facilities. Interpretive displays along the trail crossing the island help visitors discover the history of the island. Mound Key is managed by Koreshan State Park, in Estero.

Plan Your Visit

Mound Key
Learn

Manager's Message

Only accessible by watercraft makes this state park a real Florida adventure! The first time I visited Mound Key Archeological State Park I was immediately captivated by its raw beauty. The island has a hiking trail that takes you from one end to the other.
A view of the canoe launch at Mound Key.
Learn

Paddling at Mound Key

This little island is home to thousands of years of history. Come explore Mound Key Archaeological State Park by boat or foot to discover this amazing park.
A view of two people hiking a trail at Mound Key.
Learn

Hiking at Mound Key

Experience the beauty of Mound Key Archaeological State Park by hiking the trail. View the park's flora and fauna up close as you travel the path through lush overgrowth and past towering mounds.

Experiences

Hiking
Hiking

Amenities

Historic Site
Historic Site
Nature Trail
Nature Trail

Mound Key Archaeological State Park Photo Gallery

Mound Key Archaeological State Park
Mound Key Archaeological State Park
Mound Key Archaeological State Park
Mound Key Archaeological State Park
Mound Key Archaeological State Park
Mound Key Archaeological State Park
Mound Key Archaeological State Park
Mound Key Archaeological State Park
A black and white photo of a Koreshan house.
Learn

Mollie Johnson at Mound Key

Mollie Johnson was a key figure in settling the land at Mound Key and Estero Bay in the late 1800s.
A view of the canoe launch at Mound Key.
Learn

The Calusa Native Americans

The remains of the Calusa Native Americans found on the island date back over 2,000 years and give insight into how these people lived on the land now known as Mound Key Archaeological State Park.

People Make the Parks

Harrison Rardin smiling at the camera.

Staff Spotlight

Harrison has only been a park ranger for a few years but has already proved his dedication to preserving and protecting state parks.
Tad Isaacs smiling at the camera.

Volunteer Spotlight

Tad is a new volunteer to the Koreshan State Park area. He works hard maintaining various things around the park to make sure that the park looks great for visitors.
Florida State Parks Foundation

Florida State Parks Foundation

The statewide nonprofit partner meeting critical funding needs for universal access, conservation, education and preservation.

This Park is Recognized by:

Trail of Florida's Indian Heritage

Park Map

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Florida State Parks

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(850) 245-2157

Or send an email to:
FSP.Feedback@FloridaDEP.gov

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