We were thrilled to see manatees, of course, but if you choose to come here, expect to be around lots of people too. This mound is much longer than Temple Mound A and is not as high, it is called Temple Mound H. The site contains burial mounds, temple/platform mounds, a plaza area, and a substantial midden. Snorkelers swim against a swift current to enter Three Sisters Springs in Crystal River. Come early for the majestic sunrise and cool grassy fields by the beach. For us, we have a garbage truck that will take the trash to the local landfill for disposal or perhaps to a local recycling center. Copyright Law. Inside the museum, exhibits explain the history of thecoastal dwellers who used the area in ancient times. The Crystal River Heritage Council, a council of the Citrus County Historical Society, operates the museum with an all-volunteer staff. At the west end of the Midden Area there appear to be two small mounds. It is the longest occupied site in Florida for over 1600 years. Nature lovers with an affinity for the water can have a blast with River Ventures. WebPeople travelled from great distances to celebrate events, conduct cultural and practical trade, and bury their dead. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western Crystal River Resort, Related: Best Things to Do in Lakeland, FL, 1502 SE Kings Bay DriveCrystal River, FL 34429(352) 563-2088. Fish and Wildlife Service lists three dozen companies that offer tours or boat rentals for seeing manatees. Crystal River Archaeological State Park preserves an ancient Native American ceremonial site located in a beautiful setting overlooking the wide Crystal River.The mounds here are surprisingly impressive, but little is really known about the people who built them starting 2,500 years ago. The snorkeling tours we observed were supervised and well run, but the number of people and nature of the activity makes this a bit of a chaotic scene. Outdoorsy wanderers and enthusiasts of eras gone by will find this sleepy little coastal city a worthwhile escape, especially those who seek less crowds, more trees. With Crystal Rivers endless natural landscapes, this Segway tour is a unique, refreshing way to explore the coastal city. As such, the analysis of pottery forms a cornerstone of many archaeological research programs. By the time the Native Americans abandoned the Crystal River Site, around 1,400 AD, the midden had grown to be about 1,300 feet long, 100 feet wide and seven to ten feet deep, and was crescent shaped. About 10,000 years ago, the Crystal River area was home to small bands of nomadic hunters and gatherers called Paleoindians. That is because oyster, clam, mussel, conch, crab and snails seem to be just some of the favorite foods of these people. The average bone point artifact was four inches in length. Copyright 2023 Copyright 2018 Florida Department of Environmental Protection. The base of the mound covered an area 200 feet long and 100 feet wide. Crystal River FL 34428, 8 a.m. until sundown, Even if you walk into the refuge, you must still pay this entrance fee. Other items found include;ornaments manufactured from conch shells, clay pipe parts, a drilled bear teeth,copper ear spool, copper pan pipe frame, and sheet of mica, galena lead globules, shell beads, and bone pins. Due to the abundance of different types and periods of ceramics at Crystal River, one could compare to the Hopewell and Mississippian complexes, i.e., a ceremonial complex practiced by several cultures. This "midden material" contained various kinds of woodland animal bones, fish bones, turtle shells, broken pottery, broken hand tools and arrowheads. There are tours available in the area for wildlife excursions, so book ahead to experience boating, paddling, and swimming with manatees. Shell Dippers discovered in the mounds were Lightning Whelk shell with the opening and columella cut away. I was wanting to read your section on kayaking the "Chaz", but the link isn't working correctly. The park contains coastal marsh and is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail. There seemed to be indirect trading between the people who lived here and the Hopewell. You must take a trolley to visit and the ticket is a little pricey. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Dinner Bell Motel, 16000 W Fort Island TrailCrystal River, FL 34429(352) 527-7540. The highly rated Florida Fishing Adventures is run by locals who know the Crystal Rivers waters by heart. The springs empty into a beautiful narrow spring run, so swimmers are trying to move upstream against a strong current. WebThe Crystal River site, a large mound complex in west-central Florida, is recognized for its various mounded architecture and expansive artifact assemblage, which includes many items non-local to Florida such as copper, mica, quartz, and more. WebIt is a Clovis type spear point made of crystal quartz. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Comfort Suites near Rainbow Springs Dunnellon, 1 SW 1st PlaceCrystal River, FL 34429(352) 601-1963. If youre lucky, a concert that suits your taste could be coming up at Rock Crusher Canyon Pavilion and Amphitheater. The design incorporated floor-to-ceiling windows optimizing the use of natural light inside of the structure while allowing guests to experience unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape. FSP.Feedback@FloridaDEP.gov, Florida Department of Environmental Protection. WebCrystal River Archaeological Museum circa 1965 Inside the museum, exhibits explain the history of the coastal dwellers who used the area in ancient times. Looking for free things to do in Crystal River? [5] This is odd because the slab is one that is not found on other mound sites except in locations such as the Caribbean, South America, and Central America. The area is called Heritage Village. Look closely and you may be able to imagine how the design mimics the flat-topped temple mound features at the site. Working from the steamboat gave him access to many archaeological sites that were otherwise difficult to reach by train or by road. The author, Bonnie Gross, travels with her husband David Blasco, discovering off-the-beaten path places to hike, kayak, bike, swim and explore. LOCATION 3400 N. Museum Point Crystal River FL 34428 VIEW MAP PHONE 352-795-3817 CALL NOW WEBSITE floridastateparks.org BROWSE HOURS 8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year Museum open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday through Thanks for all the great articles you do! There is more in Crystal River than manatees.. Swimming with manatees is controversial. These finds represent the remains of past lifeways evident at the Crystal River site. Today, only about 1/4 to 1/3 of the original mound remains. Crystal River Archaeological State Park preserves an ancient Native American ceremonial site located in a beautiful setting overlooking the wide Crystal River.The mounds here are surprisingly impressive, but little is really known about the people who built them starting 2,500 years ago. The park is located two miles (3 km) northwest of the city of Crystal River, on Museum Point off U.S. 19/98. The slab is today housed on the site within a metal cage. This would have provided easy access to food (fish and shellfish), cooling sea breezes and ease of transport (canoe). Atlatls were likely the weapon of choice at Crystal River, although the bow and arrow did make an appearance by around AD 200 or so. These exchanges contributed to the development of intricate, regional sacred rituals that were repeated for generations, indicating that the peoples of the Crystal River site were developing more complex societies. Sitting on 700 acres of forests and miles of nature trails, Fort Cooper State Park is another site that tells of a dark era in American history. Crystal River Preserve State Park is adjacent to the archaeological park. (850) 245-2157, Or send an email to: This 61-acre archeological site has burial mounds, temple/platform mounds, a plaza area, and a substantial midden. Consequently, he documented far more information than many of his peers of the period. We paddled inland into Hunter Cove and saw manatees within five minutes. Look closelyand you may be able to imagine how the design mimics the flat-topped temple mound features at the site. In the absence of air conditioning, the building was specially positioned to capture the breezes that track the contour of the Crystal River. The folks at. Stone Points were utilized not only in hunting for game but also as weaponry in conflicts with other tribes. HOME; EXPLORE MAPS; MEMBERSHIP; SPONSORS; ABOUT; DONATE; Search for: Search Trail of Florida's Indian Heritage, Inc. | Site Design and Management by Runjik Productions. WebCrystal River State Archaeological Site is a 61-acre (250,000 m 2) Florida State Park located on the Crystal River and within the Crystal River Preserve State Park. At high tide, thats not an option. Major attractions include the Crystal River State Archaeological Site, which protects significant indigenous structures, and the Eco-Walk Trail, which offers 11 interpretive stations providing family-oriented natural education. The World Famous Crystal River Site (Part I)By Jason D. Moser and Richard Estabrook Florida Public Archaeology Blog, Ceramic Technology Lab, University of Florida Museum of Natural History https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/ceramiclab/, Trail of Florida's Indian Heritage, Inc. | Site Design and Management by Runjik Productions, https://doi.org/10.1080/0734578X.2016.1252190, https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/ceramiclab/. This means that their cultural practices (such as mound building and how they buried their dead) and artifact types (pottery, arrow points, jewelry) are similar to other peoples on the Central Gulf Coast of Florida during this same period (200 A.D. to 800 A.D.). Solve puzzles, crack codes, find hidden objects, use your wits, and unravel the mystery at hand with your own detective squad! Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge has a lovely boardwalk rimming Three Sisters Springs that gives you good views ofthe springs and manatees, if any are present. WebTop ways to experience Crystal River Archaeological State Park and nearby attractions Crystal River Inshore Fishing Charter Adventure Tours from $486.87 per group (up to 2) Clear Kayak Tour of Crystal River 587 Recommended Adventure Tours from $75.00 per adult LIKELY TO SELL OUT* Crystal River Manatee Swim in Kings Bay National Wildlife Refuge An estimated 600 to 800 manatees arrive in the area in the winter to take advantage of the comparatively warm 72-degree water pumped from the various springs, so there are Crystal River manatees in plenty of other locations. Exhibits and a video detail the history of the Crystal River archaeological site, including how it was discovered, and friendly volunteers and rangers stand ready to answer any questions you may have about the exhibits or the park. Most importantly and because sea level was lower, the coast was then somewhere between 60 and 100 miles further west from the present day shoreline. 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