Experiences
Mound Key Archaeological State Park has a .75-mile hiking trail from the northwest landing to the southeast landing through what is known as the Calusa Capital. The park is home to thousands of years of history, the place from where the Calusa paramount chief ruled his empire.
Visitors will experience a beautiful and scenic walk with some shade coverage. The trails take you over two large mounds located within the park. Climbing to the top of these mounds will give you an astounding bird’s eye view of the tree line of the island. Please keep in mind that the mounds can be quite steep, and you should be careful to make sure that you have secure footing while ascending and descending the mounds.
Along the trail, there are interpretive panels detailing the history of the park and the Calusa. Visitors can learn about how these people of the past lived and worked on the island. The mounds themselves are pieces of living history, left behind by the Calusa. Another piece of living history is the variety of plants and trees that were introduced to the island by the nearby Koreshan Unity Settlement. They still grow on the island, adding to its lush vegetation. Visitors may also encounter a diverse array of wildlife on the island, including the protected gopher tortoise, and a wide variety of native and migratory birds.
Be sure to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, bug spray and a hat on your hike. The trail may be short, but visitors are sure to have an incredible experience exploring this small yet wonderful state park
Mound Key Archaeological State Park is an exceptional place where you can enjoy nature surrounded by thousands of years of history. Being out on the waters of Estero Bay allows you to feel the quiet serenity of nature. Bring your kayak, canoe or boat and travel to Mound Key.
The island is located approximately 4 ½ miles west from Koreshan State Park or approximately 1 ½ miles north from Lovers Key State Park.
While paddling the tranquil waters you may see numerous wildlife including manatees, dolphins, birds and fish. The park is located along the Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail which also provides a scenic paddle route. It drifts along the southwest coast of Florida, eventually leading to the Caloosahatchee River.
In addition to water recreation, there are also opportunities to have fun on land. Mound Key has a .75-mile hiking trail where there are interpretative panels for visitors to learn about the history of Mound Key and the Calusa who lived on the land. Walking the trail will take you through lush subtropical vegetation and past large shell mounds left behind by the Calusa.
Whatever you choose to do, you are sure to enjoy your time at Mound Key Archaeological State Park. There are no boat docks on the island, so only kayaks/canoes and smaller boats can access Mound Key Archaeological State Park. There is a small landing on the NW side of the island as well as the southeast side.
Amenities
The entire island of Mound Key is one large historic site. From the Calusa Indians who built the site, to Spanish explorers who discovered and colonized Florida, up to turn-of-the-century frontier settlers, this site is rich in Florida history.
Interpretation of the site is limited at this time, but much information can be found on this website and brochures are available at Koreshan State Park.
