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 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.
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