One of the most important pre-Columbian discoveries
in Florida, Crystal River State Archaeological Site consists of six ceremonial and
burial mounds. These Indian mounds, some of the highest in Florida, mark the site
of 1600 years of human habitation, and stand as a memorium of a vanished civilization.
The site has been excavated periodically since 1903, and a museum in the park details
the excavations. The museum contains a good number of artifacts, and an 8-minute
video aquaints visitors with the sites past. A small gift shop located next to the
visitors center sells a variety of novelty and educational items.
Interpretive trails lead visitors past the six mound sites, which include Temple,
Burial and Midden Area mounds. Two large limestone boulders seen along the trail
may have served as ceremonial markers. The Temple mound also offers a beautiful
view of the Crystal River from an observation deck built by the park service.
