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Tampa, St. Pete & Clearwater
Crystal River Archaeological State Park
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 memoriam 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 acquaints 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.