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Florida (FL)
Crystal River
Things to Do in Crystal River
Crystal River Archaeological State Park

Crystal River Archaeological State Park: Address, Phone Number, Crystal River Archaeological State Park Reviews: 4/5

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Crystal River Archaeological State Park

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Crystal River Archaeological State Park
4
357
#4 of 25 things to do in Crystal River
Historic Sites
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A top archaeological destination for Native American artifacts.
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The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
55 within 3 miles
The Biscuit Barn
171
1.3 mi$ • American • Diner • Vegetarian Friendly
Shrimp Landing
51
1.1 mi$ • Quick Bites • American • Seafood
Seafood Seller & Cafe
1,980
1.5 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Cajun & Creole • Seafood
Denny's
173
1.3 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Diner
KC Wine and Koffee Bar
34
1.5 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Mediterranean • Wine Bar
Subway
17
1.5 mi$ • Fast Food
New China Mix
5
1.4 miChinese • Asian
Arctic Rolls Creamery
2
1.5 mi
Nicky B's All American
7
1.5 mi
Crystal River Smokehouse And Grill
1.4 miAmerican • Barbecue • Grill
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Attractions
23 within 6 miles
Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic State Park
209
0 ftHistoric Sites
Crystal River
615
0.6 miBodies of Water
Crystal River Preserve State Park
152
0.5 miState Parks
Fort Island Trail Park
105
0.6 miParks
St Martins Marsh Aquatic Preserve
3
0.5 miNature & Wildlife Areas
Three Sisters Springs
1,567
2.1 miBodies of Water • Nature & Wildlife Areas
Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge
322
2.8 miBodies of Water • Nature & Wildlife Areas
Hunter Springs Park
266
2.4 miParks
Franklin Anderson Gallery
43
2.2 miArt Galleries
Gary Maidhof Walk to Nature trail
2
1.2 miHiking Trails
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
357 reviews
Excellent
160
Very good
131
Average
55
Poor
8
Terrible
3
RocFamily
Rochester, NY101 contributions
Bring bug repellent
The site is very pleasant and worth the $3 per vehicle entry fee. The museum (closed 2 days/week) had a lot of displays but was missing several including a prehistoric canoe. A rude/arrogant volunteer at the visitor center was very condescending. The walkways are extremely uneven and they sprayed all the chipped and broken sidewalk with orange spray paint perhaps 20 years ago. Don't bring anyone with balance issues or a walker. However, the grounds themselves are quite nice if you don't trip on the sidewalk. The magnificent main mound has a set of stairs you can climb to see the commanding view. The waterfront area is peaceful. There is a short narration video inside the museum. Learned a lot about the area's history and would take others here. No see um insects were aggressive and numerous. bring bug spray. Very uncrowded.
Written February 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
TrailTrekker15
Tallahassee, FL3,808 contributions
Great History in 45-min Package
Solo
I stopped by Crystal River Archeological SP to see the Indian mounds. The museum has many artifacts from the mounds on display as well as a video describing the site. The mounds are distinct and impressive. The mound by Crystal River is particularly impressive with great views from the top. I learned quite a bit about the Native American peoples who lived here 1 - 2 thousand years ago that I did not previously know. It took about 45 min to see everything which made for a nice place to stretch my legs on my way to Orlando. Definitely a great visit!
Written March 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
hilljs7
Orlando, FL35 contributions
Fascinating Ancient Indigenous History
This place is a hidden gem, I have lived here for 22+ years and have never heard of it. Right off the main road in Crystal River is the site of pre-Native American burial grounds and "Middens" (piles of their shells and trash). The welcome center has a museum of artifacts that have been recovered from the site and a self guided tour around the mounds. It is a beautiful and fascinating place to contemplate what happened here thousands of years ago and why these peoples built these mounds.
Written September 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
P30
Ocala, FL126 contributions
Nice Park and History
We got there on a Wednesday, unfortunately the little museum is closed Tuesday & Wednesday. There are information signs through out the site that are helpful in interpreting the site. The main mound is very impressive, plus you can walk up the stairs to an observation deck on the top for a view over the river. Would of enjoyed seeing the museum and talking to the ranger. Very neat and clean. We'd go back.
Written March 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
pat l
Gainesville, GA1,027 contributions
Peaceful Park
This park is just beautiful. We walked most of the trails on a drizzly wet day in about 30-45 minutes. We climbed the steps to the biggest mound and could see out onto the river as well as around the park. It was a nice quiet place that we really enjoyed.

Due to COVID, the museum is closed so there is very little information about the area. The signs are very lacking and maybe downright confusing. They did, thankfully, have the restrooms open.

There is an honor box to collect your $3 fee to the park. No attendant, so have correct change or you can make an extra donation to the FL State Parks! ;)
Written February 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
cdgeer99
11 contributions
Interesting and Informative
We went on a day when the building was closed, but you are still able to walk around, read the interpretive signs, walk to the top of the ceremonial mound and enjoy the peaceful setting.

It doesn't take long, but was enjoyable and informative.

Maps can be obtained at the interpretive center for the Crystal River Preserve Park (3266 N. Sailboat Ave), but if using a GPS, be sure to keep going after the GPS says you have arrived. The road keeps going, then makes a 90 degree right turn and takes you to a dock area where the interpretive center is located. They also have maps of other walking trails in the park.

Written February 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ann C
3 contributions
Wow! Ancient Indian mounds!
Couples
This site is SO old you wouldn't realize it was in Florida. The museum is excellent showing the distribution of goods from ohio and possibly Caribbean Indians. Amazing pottery samples ( some are I'm the Smithsonian). Some pottery has Mayan aspects. So cheap outta like free to see and so interesting for history buffs. Glad Florida preserved it.
Written March 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
liketotravel010
Selkirk, NY213 contributions
Learning about Florida's past
If you have an interest in the past, this state park is very interesting. There is a 9 minute movie that describes the archaeological findings within the park in addtion to displays of artifacts found at this site. There is a well marked trail around the park that leads you to the sites described in the movie. We spent approximately one hour but it could take longer if you decided to sit and take in the beautiful scenery along the bay.
Written January 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Rorke D
Homosassa Springs, FL63 contributions
Lovely views & trails
Family
This is a pleasant& accessible way to see mounds. The park building is closed but a large mound is a short walk from the parking lot. The views of the river from the top are great. You can spend 1/2 hour and see one mound or longer to walk the trails. Nice signage & the benches at the top of the mound are a nice touch.
Written February 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
WilsonP
Lancaster, NH556 contributions
Worth the $3 per vehicle entrance fee
Couples
Stop in and check out this piece of history. The folks in the information center were very helpful. Check out that old dug out canoe! Just a short walk on the trails to see the mounds and easy walk up the stairs to the tallest mound where you get some nice views. That's a big pile of sea shells!
Written February 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Crystal River Archaeological State Park
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