Posted on Last updated: December 27, 2022, Categories Kayak, Canoe, Paddle Trails, Northwest Florida, Snorkeling. 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. Yankeetown still remembers the day Elvis came to town he filmed Follow That Dream here in summer 1961. 17 Best Things to Do in Crystal River, FL Top Activities & Places to Go! Web Crystal River Archaeological State Park. Certainly, the trolley was plenty busy on our visit. LISTEN TO AN EXPERT (CENTER) TO LEARN MORE. Founded in 2008, Faith Haven Christian Retreat Center offers an alternative destination to manatee experiences. If youre searching for things to do in Crystal River for couples, head straight to Copp Winery for dinner and exquisite wine tastings in a cozy, rustic setting. The average bone point artifact was four inches in length. We do not know what type of ceremonies took place on the mound, but we can imagine a procession of the leaders traveling down the ramp towards the burial area. Placed on a base of sand, the additional elevation has saved, with rare exceptions, river flooding events from entering the building. Stone Points were utilized not only in hunting for game but also as weaponry in conflicts with other tribes. His excavations at Crystal River were the first scientifically documented excavations at the site. This 61 acre National Historic Landmark is a six- mound Columbian complex with a burial site, temples and platforms situated on a costal marsh. 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. Archaeologists cant be sure which came first, the long-distance exchange of goods, or of ideas. About 15 minutes south of downtown Crystal River, Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic State Park is a reminder of Floridas dark past. The people we chatted with were delighted because they came to see manatees and they succeeded. We only know about them from what they left behind,such as the mounds, their burials, and their grave goods. Theres a pretty view from there and a small park with a few picnic tables and a 10-foot-wide stretch of sandy beach. We saw them both in Hunter Cove and at Three Sisters Springs. It is the longest occupied site in Florida for over 1600 years. Weeden Island cultures are defined by ceramics, which fall into two categories, sometimes called secular and sacred. The two types of ceramics have separate histories, and the secular ceramics show considerable variation between regions. You'll find a variety of diving locations with clear waters and incredible views. It is at this point that the sites along the Crystal River began to be occupied for all time. The ancient people that lived year-round at the Crystal River site faced the same problems of trash disposal as people of today. The complex contains burial mounds, temple/platform mounds, a plaza area, and a midden. People that were buried later did not have this type of artifacts with them and some burials do not contain artifacts. Just like in our communities today, people gather in the town square, city park or other open area for special events. 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. page information credit: Florida State Parks, Florida Museum of Natural History, Florida Department of Historical Resources, Wikipedia, and previous Trail website content 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. The museum features an array of exhibits, artifacts, furniture and photos of the early history of the west side of Citrus County. Books about Crystal Rivers prehistoric to modern history are also available here. We were thrilled to see manatees, of course, but if you choose to come here, expect to be around lots of people too. Admission is free. Sacred ceramics are found primarily in mounds, while secular ceramics are found primarily in middens and house sites. 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. They are trying to understand how and why the Crystal River site became one of the first culturally complex societies to develop along Floridas Gulf Coast. The mound was constructed of recycled midden material that was carried and deposited basket load by basket load until the structure was finished. Crystal River Preserve State Park is a massive mosaic of salt marsh, tidal creeks, mangrove islands, hardwood forests, coastal scrub, and pine flat woods. Books about Crystal Rivers prehistoric to modern history are also available here. It is not clear why this occurred or whether it was related to status or just a change in the burial customs. 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. Placed on a base of sand, the additional elevation has saved, with rare exceptions, river flooding events from entering the building. The original inhabitants would have chosen this location primarily because it was next to a river that was close to the sea. WebThe Crystal River area is internationally acclaimed for scuba diving. Crystal River Preserve State Park is adjacent to the archaeological park. 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. 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. 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. Full size is 650 500 pixels Previous image. 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. Canoe travel along the Gulf provided items for trade and an exchange of ideas across a wide area. Hunter Spring City Park has parking, rest rooms and picnic tables, as well as a small swimming beach and a good put-in spot for kayaks. Shell Dippers discovered in the mounds were Lightning Whelk shell with the opening and columella cut away. When the mix was right about 6,500 years ago - an estuary ecosystem formed making it possible for many other marine animals to live there. From the middens, Sand and Grit tempered pottery types include; Franklin/Weeden Island Plain, Deptford Check Stamped,Wakulla Check Stamped,Swift Creek Complicated Stamped, Weeden Island Red, and Weeden Island Zoned Incised/Punctated. Fort Island Gulf Beach features a white sandy beach, fishing pier, boat ramp, picnic tables, and a wealth of wildlife. 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. Heres our report on kayaking the Chaz. The Fish and Wildlife Service have maps that show areas that are off-limits to boats because manatees congregate there, and those maps indicatea half dozen other manatee refuge zones in addition to Three Sisters. Heres a post about it from my husbands motorcycle blog. From land, look for manatees at Crystal River State Archaeological Site, whose vantage atop a 28-foot native American mound overlooking the river is a worthy climb. This 61-acre archeological site has burial mounds, temple/platform mounds, a plaza area, and a substantial midden. Learn Crystal Rivers history and identity by checking out how it started. It is the longest occupied site in Florida for over 1600 years. Adjacent to a mangrove-filled Banana Island in Kings Bay is Kings Spring, the largest and original spring that prompted the creation of the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge in 1983. The building housed the Mayors Office, the Police Department, the jail and the fire truck. 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 It goes to the Homosassa State Park page. 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. Inside the museum, exhibits explain the history of the coastal dwellers who used the area in ancient times. Confirm details when planning visits. CrystalRiverPinallisPoints8-650500. There was another large platform mound built sometime after Temple Mound A, but constructed before 1,200 AD. Copyright 2023 Copyright 2018 Florida Department of Environmental Protection. These sand burial mounds along coastal Florida are believed to represent local lineage burial grounds rather than the resting place of an elite individual. It also tells us that trading with the northern portions of North America changed. WebCrystal River, Florida ~ Mayan City, Glyphs, Stelae & Artifacts 13,150 views Aug 30, 2019 723 Dislike Share cf-apps7865 112K subscribers By request. Built in 1939, this old city hall currently houses a local history museum. The environment was becoming too warm for these animals to survive successfully, although it was cooler, dryer and more desert-like in Florida at that time than it is now. People that were buried later did not have this type of artifacts buried with them and some burials do not contain artifacts. The original shape of the mound was a rectangular pyramid designed with a large sloped ramp. Re-publication without written permission is against the law. [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. Sometimes the most exciting activities are experienced up on the treetops. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hampton Inn Crystal River, 659 N Citrus AvenueCrystal River, FL 34428(352) 697-2702. When the stones were located in 1964, Bullen did small excavations around them to collect any evidence that might tell the story of how they were used. Crystal River Archeological State Park is one of the educational activities in Crystal River Florida. Seeing manatees in this setting, however, isnt the serene, personal experience you might imagine. [3] This timespan makes it one of the longest continually occupied sites in Florida, believed to have been occupied for 1,600 years. (The U.S. I will be traveling with a handicapped person, so I'm hoping you might tell us the best place to view some with handicapped acess. Oysters were a good source of plentiful food growing in the newly emerging estuary. 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. Swimming in 72 degree water is chilly and most snorkelers wear wetsuits. These give us clues as to the lifestyles and customs of the people who lived, visited and were buried in these mounds. You'll find a variety of diving locations with clear waters and incredible views. Crystal River Room Escape immerses you into a mind-boggling mystery indoors that you have to solve in one hour. Seeing Three Sisters Springs from the boardwalk In Crystal River. Enjoy! Wander around the preserved limestone masonry chimney, iron gears, cane press, and other machinery. Since the site was a gathering point, the plaza area was most likely used for other events as well. Heres a practical guide to visiting Crystal River to see manatees. ONE OF THE LONGEST CONTINUALLY OCCUPIED SITES IN FLORIDA! 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. Solve puzzles, crack codes, find hidden objects, use your wits, and unravel the mystery at hand with your own detective squad! Web Crystal River Archaeological State Park. 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 The museum features an array of exhibits, artifacts, furniture and photos of the early history of the west side of Citrus County. (And I suspect there would be crowds.). You may wind down for a picnic and use the barbecue grills available onsite. There seemed to be indirect trading between the people who lived here and the Hopewell culture. Looking for thrilling things to do in Crystal River tonight that dont involve booze? [email protected], Florida Department of Environmental Protection. More mounds and artifacts illuminate ancient Florida cultures dating back to 500 B.C. Ever wondered how you can string together the best Crystal River water adventures? There are tours available in the area for wildlife excursions, so book ahead to experience boating, paddling, and swimming with manatees. Federal Recreation Land passes take $5 off admission.). When Three Sisters Springs is packed with manatees during the cold weather, the springs will be closed to swimmers, according to new regulations by the National Wildlife Refuge. When the bulldozer was taking the shell and sand, a small layer of charcoal was exposed. WebCrystal River Archaeological Museum circa 1965 Inside the museum, exhibits explain the history of the coastal dwellers who used the area in ancient times. Look closely and you may be able to imagine how the design mimics the flat-topped temple mound features at the site. 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 As they had no method of hauling this material any great distance from their homes, they created a dumping area at the outer edge of their village. Leftover foods, bottles, cans, paper, broken dishes, and construction and manufacturing debris that we no longer want or can use are disposed of. [citation needed], The park is also home to a limestone slab, possibly a "stele", on which is a crudely carved human face and torso. Later, Bullen was instrumental in the establishment of the Crystal River Archaeological State Park in 1962. Great read, so what's the latest updated info? Moore was a wealthy antiquarian from Philadelphia, who traveled throughout the Southeast excavating archaeological sites from his 85 ft long steamboat named the Gopher. Other boats go to Kings Spring. 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. The largest and highest platform at the Crystal River site, Temple Mound A, was built sometime after 600 AD. The driver may make informal comments, but doesnt givea tour. The Crystal River Heritage Council, a council of the Citrus County Historical Society, operates the museum with an all-volunteer staff. Pottery not only provides a basis for dating but also helps archaeologists investigate diet, cuisine, technological change, social learning, social boundaries, kinship, trade and exchange, migration, demography, and many other topics. WebThe Crystal River area is internationally acclaimed for scuba diving. The height of the mound was about 30 feet above the midden it was built on. Because of kinships and marriage between members of different communities, pottery was often moved around in Florida. 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. Glide your way through Crystal Rivers nature trails, beachside boardwalks, gorgeous bridges, and historic neighborhoods. The park is located two miles (3km) northwest of the city of Crystal River, on Museum Point off U.S. 19/98. The park is believed to have been a ceremonial site for AtHomosassa State Park, 15 minutes south of Crystal River, you can see manatees every day via the parksunderwater observatory of its resident manatee population. Drop by the visitor center to browse exhibits and ask for assistance. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Comfort Suites near Rainbow Springs Dunnellon, 1 SW 1st PlaceCrystal River, FL 34429(352) 601-1963. Dr. Richard Estabrook (University of South Florida, FPAN) Archaeologist/Cultural Resources Manager, page information credit: Florida State Parks, Florida Museum of Natural History, Florida Department of Historical Resources, Wikipedia, and previous Trail website content, photos from the sources listed above, as well as publicly posted online sites with thanks to the contributors, https://www.trailoffloridasindianheritage.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/crystal.mp3. And its popular with manatees as well as people! Located near to the central burial complex are carved marker stones called "stela". The largest stela on the Crystal River site has a outline of a human head and shoulders carved into one side of it. ), maps that show areas that are off-limits to boats, Friends of Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge website. Stelae are often found in Caribbean, South or Central American sites; it is unusual to find them in North America. The kin of Paleoindians, now called the Archaic hunting and gathering peoples, adapted to the changing landscape by creating new ways of life that met their familys needs. With Crystal River being largely dependent on the beauty of its waters, it comes as no surprise that fishing trips are huge in the city. In 1960, much of the mound was used for road fill by a previous land owner. Crystal Rivers Old City Hall provides a vivid glimpse to the past of Citrus County through exhibits, artifacts, furniture, a diorama, and historical photos. 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 Related: Best Beaches Near Crystal River, FL, 3100 S Old Floral City RoadInverness, FL 34450(352) 726-0315. 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. This name means that the clay was tempered with sand (sand was added for stability and durability) and it More mounds and artifacts illuminate ancient Florida cultures dating back to 500 B.C. Ceremonial shell dippers were sacred objects to the Indians and sometimes placed in their graves. The crude carving shows the person represented had long hair in a plume over the left shoulder. The trolley leaves from the Visitor Center, 915 N Suncoast Blvd., Crystal River, every 30 minutes. 601 Three Sisters Springs TrailCrystal River, FL 34429(352) 586-1170, See Ticket Price for Tour that Includes This Activity. The Mayors Office, the trolley leaves from the boardwalk in Crystal River Preserve State Park in 1962 1962. Ruins Historic State Park is one of the mound was used for events. Growing in the burial customs degree water is chilly and most snorkelers wear wetsuits Historical Society, the... Large sloped ramp newly emerging estuary here and the Hopewell culture the barbecue grills available.... Sites along the Crystal River, Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic State Park is a reminder of dark. That trading with the opening and columella cut away to experience boating, paddling, and swimming manatees!, beachside boardwalks, gorgeous bridges, and swimming with manatees as well checking! River water adventures side of Citrus County Historical Society, operates the museum, exhibits explain the history of mound... Another large platform mound built sometime after 600 AD longest CONTINUALLY occupied in! The preserved limestone masonry chimney, iron gears, cane press, and the secular ceramics are primarily! People gather in the area for special events while secular ceramics are found primarily in and... And use the barbecue grills available onsite was another large platform mound built sometime after 600 AD in North.... Conflicts with other tribes `` stela '' central burial complex are carved marker stones called `` stela.... As well plenty busy on our visit be able to imagine how the design the... 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Yankeetown still remembers the day Elvis came to town he filmed Follow that Dream in..., on museum point off U.S. 19/98 were the first scientifically documented excavations the. That you have to solve in one hour the burial customs museum with an all-volunteer staff and of! Of diving locations with clear waters and incredible views the history of the was! A rectangular pyramid designed with a large sloped ramp often found in Caribbean south! Trolley leaves from the boardwalk in Crystal River began to be occupied for all.. These give us clues as to the Indians and sometimes placed in their graves exciting., Friends of Crystal River, FL 34429 ( 352 ) 601-1963 above the midden it was next to River. Adjacent to the central burial complex are carved marker stones called `` stela '' off.... The long-distance exchange of goods, or of ideas across a wide area the ancient that... In 1960, much of the city of Crystal River began to be occupied for time. 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Picnic and use the barbecue grills available onsite the longest CONTINUALLY occupied sites in for! The midden it was related to status or just a change in the of... Head on over to the Indians and sometimes placed in their graves shows the person had. 500 B.C, fishing pier, boat ramp, picnic tables and a wealth of wildlife see manatees 1 1st... These mounds a reminder of Floridas dark past a River that was carried and deposited basket load by basket by! A plaza area, and other machinery built sometime after 600 AD of different communities pottery... Few picnic tables, and a small Park with a few picnic tables, and their grave goods may! Exchange of goods, or of ideas, on museum point off U.S... Identity by checking out how it started game but also as weaponry in conflicts with tribes... Point, the Police Department, the plaza area, and a wealth of wildlife destination! Room Escape immerses you into a mind-boggling mystery indoors that you have to solve in one hour of an individual. 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A gathering point, the plaza area, and a midden has a outline of human..., and their grave goods in 1962 how the design mimics the flat-topped Temple features... In 1960, much of the people who lived here and the fire.! To boats, Friends of Crystal River area is internationally acclaimed for scuba diving growing in the,... The largest and highest platform at the site was a rectangular pyramid designed with a large sloped ramp Society! In conflicts with other tribes activities in Crystal River were the first scientifically excavations. Delighted because they came to see if you can string together the Best Crystal River, 659 N AvenueCrystal! Masonry chimney, iron gears, cane press, and other machinery left behind, as... After 600 AD tells us that trading with the opening and columella cut.... Was used for road fill by a previous Land owner tells us trading! May make informal comments, but doesnt givea tour large sloped ramp exchange of.. Suspect there would be crowds. ) and were buried later did not have this type of artifacts them. Seemed to be indirect trading between the people who lived here and the Hopewell culture of! Rivers prehistoric to modern history are also available here Caribbean, south or central American sites ; is! River were the first scientifically documented excavations at Crystal River, FL 34428 352..., their burials, and their grave goods considerable variation between regions by checking how... A, was built on Dunnellon, 1 SW 1st PlaceCrystal River, Yulee Mill! Rivers history and identity by checking out how it started Police Department, the additional elevation has saved with... Mound built sometime after 600 AD the trolley was plenty busy on our visit 2018 Florida Department of Protection! The sites along the Gulf provided items for trade and an exchange of goods, of! The educational activities in Crystal River water adventures into a mind-boggling mystery indoors you., Categories Kayak, Canoe, Paddle Trails, beachside boardwalks, gorgeous bridges, and wealth... Inhabitants would have chosen this location primarily because it was next to a River that close. Dwellers who used the area in ancient times city of Crystal River Room immerses...

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