Crystal River Archaeological State Park

Yesterday on our boat tour we heard a lot about the pre-Columbian inhabitants of the Crystal River estuary. Today we visited the archaeological site, which includes a museum and a large ceremonial site with several mounds and stele. The site is thought to have been used by successive native cultures for many centuries.

A National Historic Landmark, this 61-acre, pre-Columbian, Native American 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 site served as an imposing ceremonial center for Native Americans. People traveled to the complex from great distances to bury their dead and conduct trade. It is estimated that as many as 7,500 Native Americans may have visited the complex every year.

We stopped in the museum to view the displays and watch the short introductory video. Then we started out to follow the trail leading through the complex.



The large temple mound was quite impressive. We climbed the steps to the top, where we had an expansive view of the Crystal River and the surrounding area.

All of the mounds are apparently composed mainly of midden material, largely shells.

This red-shouldered hawk posed patiently for a photo before flying away as we approached too closely.

We stopped to chat with a volunteer out in the hot sun edging the pathway. He turned out to be Mike Petellat, a former ranger and colleague of Leroy Smith. He also is now a committed volunteer, dedicated to the archaeological site.

He told us that visitors were welcome to climb Temple Mound H, which we were standing by. What a nice chance encounter!

Next we decided to hike the Crystal Cove Trail along the river. Big mistake! It was extremely hot, and the biting flies and mosquitoes made our lives unbearable despite the Deet spray we had applied. We hurried back to the truck and drove to the nearby mall to eat our picnic lunch in the food court.


We both got pedicures at the Nail Spa in the mall. Ken really liked his. I was less pleased, and now I'm quite unhappy because one of my toes is throbbing. I've put antibiotic ointment on it. Apparently the nail tech managed to cut into the quick on that toe. Ouch!