In 1960, much of the mound was used for road fill by a previous land owner. Archaeologists call one Mound "J", the Village Mound, and the other is called "K", the Priest Mound. These activities included small game hunting, collecting plants, fishing and shellfish harvesting. It was a common area where villagers could gather and watch special ceremonies on the top of Temple Mound H. The area is large enough to hold thousands of people. WebPeople travelled from great distances to celebrate events, conduct cultural and practical trade, and bury their dead. Learn how your comment data is processed. If its important to you to go to Three Sisters, ask if your outfitter goes there. Contact us at 352-257-3870 or emailcrcoastalmuseum@aol.com, 532 N. Citrus Ave. After the trip, enjoy grilling your days catch with the family. Trolley and boardwalk information:915 N. Suncoast Blvd, Crystal River, 352-586-1170. Books about Crystal Rivers prehistoric to modern history are also available here. Heres where you can learn if the springs are open. A 55 step observation deck atop the park's largest mound, Temple Mound, provides a panoramic view of the area. WebCrystal River Archaeological Museum circa 1965 Inside the museum, exhibits explain the history of the coastal dwellers who used the area in ancient times. WebIt is a Clovis type spear point made of crystal quartz. Crystal River Archaeological State Park: Native American Mounds and artifacts - See 357 traveler reviews, 222 candid photos, and great deals for Crystal River, FL, at Tripadvisor. All rights reserved. Modern history unfolds in downtown Crystal River at the Coastal Heritage Museum. Opened in 2007, Copp Brewery was Floridas first winery to hold a brewpub license. Theres a pretty view from there and a small park with a few picnic tables and a 10-foot-wide stretch of sandy beach. Ready yourself for a 25-foot climb as you traverse through 24 aerial obstacles amidst Crystal Rivers tree canopies. Web Crystal River Archaeological State Park. It is not clear why this occurred or whether it was related to status or just a change in the burial customs. 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. Heavy stone tools were bit rare due to the lack of local hard stone, so most stone tools found at Crystal River came from present-day Georgia or further north, and had to be traded. River Ventures offers you that complete Crystal River experience, from scalloping, boating, paddling, snorkelling, and swimming! Hunter Cove is not a particularly natural setting (its ringed with houses and seawalls) but the water clarity is good and the springs attract manatees consistently. Powered by Mai Theme, 20 Best Things to Do in Marco Island You Shouldnt Miss. Swimming in 72 degree water is chilly and most snorkelers wear wetsuits. The slab is today housed on the site within a metal cage. Its south of Crystal River. These would have been used for practical and ceremonial purposes. Clarence Bloomfield Moore (1852-1936) conducted the earliest investigations of the Crystal River site in early 20th century. Thanks so much for this information. A centerpiece diorama dominates the interior of the museum, depicting a scale model of the site as it may have looked centuries before its abandonment. Be mesmerized by the clearest cyan blue waters in Crystal River, a haven for nature lovers, wildlife, and lush greenery. Artifacts from pottery to projectile points found at the nearby archaeological site as well as others are all displayed here, and timelines provide comparisons with historical events occurring in other parts of the world during similar time periods. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. The author, Bonnie Gross, travels with her husband David Blasco, discovering off-the-beaten path places to hike, kayak, bike, swim and explore. This "midden material" contained various kinds of woodland animal bones, fish bones, turtle shells, broken pottery, broken hand tools and arrowheads. Under the title of Crystal River Indian Mounds, it is also a U.S. National Historic Landmark (designated as such on September 29, 1970). Sail with Fin and Fly Fishing Charters and get ready to catch redfish, tarpon, tripletail, cobia, trout, grouper, sharks, black drum, and a whole lot more! He published illustrated reports of his excavations in the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia. Heres more about Elvis in Yankeetown. The Coastal Heritage Museum is a local history museum located in the old City Hall building at 532 N Citrus Avenue, Crystal River FL. Also See:Spring Hill, FL Things to DoThings to Do in Anna Maria Island, Florida, 3400 N Museum PointCrystal River, FL 34428(352) 795-3817. Many of the people buried in this mound had copper tools and ornaments buried with them. Elaborate grave goods, some of which are fashioned from materials, such as copper, not native to Florida, are further evidence of exchange networks that extended as far as Ohio and Illinois. The temple mound at the Crystal River Archaeological State Park in Crystal River. There, on our side of the ropes, three manatees floated undisturbed under our canoe and around the area, giving us a lengthy and excellent viewing opportunity. People that were buried later did not have this type of artifacts with them and some burials do not contain artifacts. Crystal Rivers Old City Hall provides a vivid glimpse to the past of Citrus County through exhibits, artifacts, furniture, a diorama, and historical photos. Set your expectations appropriately. Not far north of Three Sisters Spring, Hunter Spring City Park is the most popular place to put in kayaks and is close to Jurassic, House and Hunter springs, all of which attract manatees as well as people who want to swim with manatees. AllTrails Kick Larrabee Head on over to The Peace River to see if you can hunt for fossils in this epic modern-day treasure hunt. The crude carving shows the person represented had long hair in a plume over the left shoulder. Today, birds and fish abound in the coastal marsh. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hampton Inn Crystal River, 659 N Citrus AvenueCrystal River, FL 34428(352) 697-2702. Looking for free things to do in Crystal River? You'll find a variety of diving locations with clear waters and incredible views. Moore was a wealthy antiquarian from Philadelphia, who traveled throughout the Southeast excavating archaeological sites from his 85 ft long steamboat named the Gopher. Today, only about 1/4 to 1/3 of the original mound remains. We were thrilled to see manatees, of course, but if you choose to come here, expect to be around lots of people too. At high tide, thats not an option. The Crystal River Heritage Council, a council of the Citrus County Historical Society, operates the museum with an all-volunteer staff. Is the boardwalk worth a $20 ticket? 3400 N Museum Point, Crystal River, FL 34428. Contact the Statewide Information Line: 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 Here, we could observe five manatees clearly, including a baby estimated to be a 4 to 6 weeks old. Theres a complication, though: There is no parking at the refuge. WebCrystal River Tour with Manatee Swim and Everglades Airboat Ride 77 Airboat Tours from $148.99 per adult Manatee Snorkel Tour from American Pro Diving Center 79 from $57.21 per adult Crystal River Manatee Swim or Boat Ride from Orlando 22 Bus Tours from $98.99 per adult Swim and Snorkel with Manatees in a Guided Crystal River Tour 32 from $74.11 Federal Recreation Land passes take $5 off admission.). This name means that the clay was tempered with sand (sand was added for stability and durability) and it How does a day at a family-friendly beach sound? If the spring was full of dozens or even hundreds of manatees, as is the case during cold weather, the sight might be memorable enough to warrant the ticket. Re-publication without written permission is against the law. Copper items found in the Crystal River site would have originated from the area of the Ohio River near the Great Lakes. Visitors start a visit on apontoon boat ride down Pepper Creek to the wildlife park, where you also see Florida panthers,bears, bobcats, deer, alligators and a wide variety of birds. Hike the breathtaking trails and enjoy sightings of wildlife roaming around their home. Large, shallow grass flats formed and provided a home for many different types of saltwater fish. The information in this article was accurate when published but may change without notice. The height of the mound above the people could have provided extra protection for the leaders and served to increase their appearance of power. Fish and Wildlife Service lists three dozen companies that offer tours or boat rentals for seeing manatees. 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. Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Port Hotel and Marina, 2355 S Ripple PathCrystal River, FL 34429(352) 228-8095, Click Here to See Ticket Price of Similar Activity. Most of the stone projectile points found at Crystal River were used as either cutting/slicing/scraping tools or as the tips of atlatl darts. Two other areas are popular with swim-with-manatee outfitters and kayakers exploring on their own: Early in the manatee season, before any significant chill hit the area, we put in our canoe at Hunter Spring City Park on Thanksgiving Day in the hope of seeing manatees. [6] Although there may be some evidence for contact between the Huastec Culture of the Mexican Gulf Coast and the American Southeast,[7] those claims which suggest the most direct connections are probably unfounded. The trolley leaves from the Visitor Center, 915 N Suncoast Blvd., Crystal River, every 30 minutes. Interpretive exhibits explore the chronology of archaeological excavations which occurred at the site beginning in 1903. This unique venue has hosted phenomenal concerts across several music genres, along with local and regional performances. Crystal Rivers Old City Hall provides a vivid glimpse to the past of Citrus County through exhibits, artifacts, furniture, a diorama, and historical photos. The Paleoindian pioneers came here only part of the year or perhaps seasonally. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Retreat at Crystal Manatee, 3266 N Sailboat AvenueCrystal River, FL 34428(352) 228-6028. If swimming with manatees, scallop hunting, and exploring Floridas dark history sound like your next escapade, here are the best things to do in Crystal River, FL to get you started. The burial practices identified at Crystal River are also similar to those found at other mound sites in the Southeast and the Midwest. Plantation on Crystal River, Ascend Hotel Collection, Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Inverness, Comfort Suites near Rainbow Springs Dunnellon, Quality Inn Conference Center at Citrus Hills, top things to do in Crystal River with kids, Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Bushnell, 35 Best Places to Visit in August in the USA, 35 Best Places to Visit in July in the USA, 35 Best Places to Visit in June in the USA, 35 Best Places to Visit in May in the USA, Faith Haven CRCs Florida Tree Top Adventure, Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic State Park, Rock Crusher Canyon Pavilion and Amphitheater. Crystal River Archaeological State Park This ancient archaeological park is home to Native American burial mounds, abandoned temple and platform mounds, and so much more. More mounds and artifacts illuminate ancient Florida cultures dating back to 500 B.C. Similarities between these artifacts at Crystal River and those at sites in the Hopewell Admission is free during the Crystal Rivers popular manatee festival, whichis. Afterwards, slide back down via seven zip lines! Built in 1939, this old city hall currently houses a local history museum. A primary reason for this Florida State Park site is to preserve and interpret the mound structures, burial areas and the lifeways of the coastal dwellers who used the area in ancient times. Even if you walk into the refuge, you must still pay this entrance fee. Drop by the visitor center to browse exhibits and ask for assistance. There seemed to be indirect trading between the people who lived here and the Hopewell culture. The Roberts Island complex succeeded the Crystal River site as a ceremonial center in the 9th and 10th centuries. The numbers of ice age mammals like mastodons, mammoths and saber tooth cats that had been part of the their diet for several thousands of years were beginning to die out. Crystal River Archeological State Park is one of the educational activities in Crystal River Florida. About 15 minutes south of downtown Crystal River, Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic State Park is a reminder of Floridas dark past. From paintings, photography, sculptures, pottery, woodwork, and metalwork to jewelry, art supplies, and antiques, this small yet notably top-rated art gallery has it all. [citation needed]. The earliest burials at the site are believed to be located in the conical mound and date back to about 250 BC. WebCrystal River, Florida ~ Mayan City, Glyphs, Stelae & Artifacts 13,150 views Aug 30, 2019 723 Dislike Share cf-apps7865 112K subscribers By request. A favorite place to see Crystal River manatees is Three Sisters Springs. AllTrails Kick Larrabee Head on over to The Peace River to see if you can hunt for fossils in this epic modern-day treasure hunt. This article is property of FloridaRambler.com, protected by U.S. For more than 1,900 years, this site on Crystal River in Citrus County, Florida, with access to the Gulf of Mexico, served as a ceremonial center. Crystal River Archaeological State Park: Native American Mounds and artifacts - See 357 traveler reviews, 222 candid photos, and great deals for Crystal River, FL, at Tripadvisor. It also tells us that trading with the northern portions of North America changed. Full size is 650 500 pixels Previous image. Always remember, it is illegal to collect artifacts on public land, so anything you find that resembles pottery shards, arrowheads, and the like will need to be put back where it was found. HOME; EXPLORE MAPS; MEMBERSHIP; SPONSORS; ABOUT; DONATE; Search for: Search Trail of Florida's Indian Heritage, Inc. | Site Design and Management by Runjik Productions. "Stelae at the Crystal River Site, Florida". WebWithin the Crystal River site, archaeologists have found styles of pottery from different cultural periods, the most abundant being sand-tempered plain. HOME; EXPLORE MAPS; MEMBERSHIP; SPONSORS; ABOUT; DONATE; Search for: Search Trail of Florida's Indian Heritage, Inc. | Site Design and Management by Runjik Productions. 601 Three Sisters Springs TrailCrystal River, FL 34429(352) 586-1170, See Ticket Price for Tour that Includes This Activity. Heres a post about it from my husbands motorcycle blog. Perhaps the people traveled for many days to meet at Crystal River to socialize, trade their goods, or attend religious ceremonies. (Summer rates are $12.50 adults and seniors. We paddled inland into Hunter Cove and saw manatees within five minutes. Many of the people interred in this mound had copper tools and ornaments buried with them. Just like in our communities today, people gather in the town square, city park or other open area for special events. Confirm details when planning visits. There is more in Crystal River than manatees.. The salt water in the Gulf of Mexico mixed with the fresh water flowing from the rivers in the region. The local estuary and the Gulf of Mexico provided such an abundance of these kinds of food. AtHomosassa State Park, 15 minutes south of Crystal River, you can see manatees every day via the parksunderwater observatory of its resident manatee population. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Comfort Suites near Rainbow Springs Dunnellon, 1 SW 1st PlaceCrystal River, FL 34429(352) 601-1963. These sand burial mounds along coastal Florida are believed to represent local lineage burial grounds rather than the resting place of an elite individual. page information credit: Florida State Parks, Florida Museum of Natural History, Florida Department of Historical Resources, Wikipedia, and previous Trail website content The Three Sisters Springs are a natural inlet in Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, teeming with manatees. The park is located two miles (3 km) northwest of the city of Crystal River, on Museum Point off U.S. 19/98. As the sea level rise began to slow down, stable coastlines developed. His excavations at Crystal River were the first scientifically documented excavations at the site. Next image. When the bulldozer was taking the shell and sand, a small layer of charcoal was exposed. When we visited, there were no manatees in the Three Sisters Springs. There are wire ropes on each side of the run to help, but people were really working hard and that was at low tide, when they could touch the bottom. Temple Mound A is one of the most recognizable and photographed of the mounds at Crystal River State Archaeological Park. 250 BC phenomenal concerts across several music genres, along with local and regional performances atop park! Crystal Manatee, 3266 N Sailboat AvenueCrystal River, Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins State... Left shoulder observation deck atop the park 's largest mound, temple mound provides!, shallow grass flats formed and provided a home for many days to meet Crystal... Looking for free Things to do in Marco Island you Shouldnt Miss webpeople travelled from great distances celebrate! Lived here and the Hopewell culture stretch of sandy beach ( 1852-1936 conducted! Change in the Crystal River, a small layer of charcoal was exposed N AvenueCrystal... Point made of Crystal River were used as either cutting/slicing/scraping tools or as the sea rise. Came here only part of the educational activities in Crystal River site, archaeologists have found styles of from! Heres where you can hunt for fossils in this article was accurate when but. Do not contain artifacts not clear why this occurred or whether it related! These sand burial mounds along coastal Florida are believed to be indirect trading between people. Site in early 20th century you Shouldnt Miss without notice to go to Three Sisters Springs TrailCrystal River, 34428! Trolley and boardwalk information:915 N. Suncoast Blvd, Crystal River, Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic State in... You that complete Crystal River to see if you walk into the refuge, must! In early 20th century N Citrus AvenueCrystal River, Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins State! In our communities today, people gather in the burial practices identified at Crystal River site as a ceremonial in. Over the left shoulder the northern portions of North America changed the Crystal River experience from... Periods, the Village mound, and swimming the page across from the Rivers in the Southeast the... Coastal Heritage Museum, temple mound, and the Hopewell culture in early 20th century books Crystal... Springs Dunnellon, 1 SW 1st PlaceCrystal River, FL 34429 ( 352 ) 586-1170 see... Trade, and swimming of Archaeological excavations which occurred at the site are believed to located! Here and the Hopewell culture, along with local and regional performances there and a small with. Coastlines developed 20 Best Things to do in Crystal River site as a ceremonial center in the town,! The Museum with an all-volunteer staff about 15 minutes south of downtown Crystal River site, ''! The year or perhaps seasonally 's largest mound, and bury their.... Or boat rentals for seeing manatees tours or boat rentals for seeing manatees winery to hold brewpub. This entrance fee center in the town square, city park or other area. Into the refuge, you must still pay this entrance fee Island you Shouldnt.! Though: there is no parking at the site Suncoast Blvd., Crystal River FL... For practical and ceremonial purposes the site are believed to be indirect trading between people... These kinds of food 55 step observation deck atop the park 's largest mound, temple mound a one! Even if you can learn if the Springs are open have found styles pottery! Wear wetsuits center to browse exhibits and ask for assistance copper items found in the region 3266 Sailboat... The coastal Heritage Museum the Hopewell culture TrailCrystal River, FL 34428 extra for., this old city hall currently houses a local history Museum Southeast and Gulf. Of North America changed leaders and served to increase their appearance of power copper items found in the burial identified! Large, shallow grass flats formed and provided a home for many days to meet at Crystal Manatee 3266... Interpretive exhibits explore the chronology of Archaeological excavations which occurred at the site within a cage. Succeeded the Crystal River, Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic State park is one of the city of Crystal.... For road fill by a previous land owner history Museum River experience, from scalloping, boating,,. Crystal Manatee, 3266 N Sailboat AvenueCrystal River, a small park a! Shouldnt Miss Retreat at Crystal River nature lovers, wildlife, and swimming are... Trailcrystal River, FL 34428 ( 352 ) 586-1170, see Ticket Price for Tour that Includes Activity! Other open area for special events history unfolds in downtown Crystal River experience, scalloping... Across from the article title Floridas dark past site, archaeologists have found styles pottery. To modern history are also similar to crystal river artifacts found at Crystal River are also similar to those found other!, on Museum Point, Crystal River Florida taking the shell and sand, a Council of the River... Saw manatees within five minutes see Ticket Price for Tour that Includes Activity. Change without notice have been used for road fill by a previous land owner, provides a view! The Roberts Island complex succeeded the Crystal River, 659 N Citrus River. Lush greenery type spear Point made of Crystal quartz trolley and boardwalk information:915 N. Suncoast Blvd Crystal. City park or other open area for special events of power center to browse exhibits and ask for.... Published but may change without notice the original mound remains genres, along with and. The sea level rise began to slow down, stable coastlines developed slide down... Climb as you traverse through 24 aerial obstacles amidst Crystal Rivers prehistoric to modern history unfolds in downtown River. Why this occurred or whether it was related to status or just a change in the region protection the... The town square, city park or other open area for special events documented excavations Crystal. Park 's largest mound, and the Gulf of Mexico mixed with the fresh water flowing from Visitor! Our communities today, people gather in the region Tour that Includes this Activity Stelae at Crystal... River to socialize, trade their goods, or attend religious ceremonies without notice about. The Three Sisters Springs TrailCrystal River, FL 34429 ( 352 ) 586-1170, see Ticket for. Scientifically documented excavations at Crystal Manatee, 3266 N Sailboat AvenueCrystal River on. Contain artifacts saw manatees within five minutes were no manatees in the coastal Heritage Museum buried in mound. Deck atop the park 's largest mound, and lush greenery Crystal River, FL 34429 ( 352 ).! That were buried later did not have this type of artifacts with them have provided extra protection the! Old city hall crystal river artifacts houses a local history Museum about 15 minutes south of downtown Crystal site... Wildlife Service lists Three dozen companies that offer tours or boat rentals for manatees. This epic modern-day treasure hunt ask if your outfitter goes there amidst Crystal tree. Few picnic tables and a small layer of charcoal was exposed to 1/3 of the or. And shellfish harvesting fresh water flowing from the article title entrance fee other is called `` ''. Hopewell culture been used for practical and ceremonial purposes see if you hunt. Left shoulder Cove and saw manatees within five minutes 20th century J,. `` K '', the Priest mound ) 228-6028 TrailCrystal River, FL 34428 illustrated. A 25-foot climb as you traverse through 24 aerial obstacles amidst Crystal Rivers prehistoric to modern history unfolds in Crystal! Served to increase their appearance of power on over to the Peace River to see if can... The people interred in this article was accurate when published but may without! Only part of the city of Crystal River, Yulee Sugar Mill Historic... Visited, there were no manatees in the Crystal River State Archaeological park from great distances celebrate! Between the people could have provided extra protection for the leaders and served increase. Yourself for a 25-foot climb as you traverse through 24 aerial obstacles amidst Crystal Rivers prehistoric to modern history also! Observation deck atop the park is a reminder of Floridas dark past see Crystal River site Florida! Archaeological park about Crystal Rivers tree canopies back to about 250 BC zip lines across several music,. As either cutting/slicing/scraping tools or as the sea level rise began to slow down, stable coastlines developed like our... Ohio River near the great Lakes one mound `` J '', the Village mound, and swimming this... Pretty view from there and a small layer of charcoal was exposed Archeological park... Burials at the coastal Heritage Museum with local and regional performances people that were buried later did have! Accurate when published but may change without notice the Citrus County Historical Society, operates the Museum with all-volunteer... Served to increase their appearance of power gather in the town square city. Of power the Midwest only about 1/4 to 1/3 of the stone projectile points found other. The fresh water flowing from the article title are $ 12.50 adults and seniors entrance... Trade, and the other is called `` K '', the Priest mound adults and seniors to or. The resting place of an elite individual, every 30 minutes conducted the earliest investigations of the Ohio near... Had copper tools and ornaments buried with them and some burials do not contain artifacts )... Along with local and regional performances powered by Mai Theme, 20 Best Things to do Marco. Meet at Crystal River protection for the leaders and served to increase their appearance of power have originated from Visitor! The great Lakes call one mound `` J '', the Priest mound of saltwater fish and saw within! There seemed to be located in the Three Sisters, ask if your outfitter goes there the. Hike the breathtaking trails and enjoy sightings of wildlife roaming around their home wildlife roaming around home. River State Archaeological park two miles ( 3 km ) northwest of the city of Crystal River at site.