The park is located two miles (3km) northwest of the city of Crystal River, on Museum Point off U.S. 19/98. 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 Similarities between these artifacts at Crystal River and those at sites in the Hopewell HOME; EXPLORE MAPS; MEMBERSHIP; SPONSORS; ABOUT; DONATE; Search for: Search Trail of Florida's Indian Heritage, Inc. | Site Design and Management by Runjik Productions. The Gulf of Mexico provided a conduit for contact. You can go hunting for scallops, airboating, or swimming with manatees when you book their fun-filled tours. Crystal River, Florida 34428. Fall in love with some of the most popular natural attractions in Crystal River as you hike, kayak, paddleboard, and bike the parks seven-mile trails. The ramp led from the top of the mound to a causeway that crossed a small lagoon towards the main burial area. At high tide, thats not an option. 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. You must take a trolley to visit and the ticket is a little pricey. These Crystal River manatees are within the roped-off sanctuary called Idiots Delight Spring, just outside Three Sisters Spring. Next image. Inside the museum, exhibits explain the history of the coastal dwellers who used the area in ancient times. (850) 245-2157, Or send an email to: Some of the ceremonies were related to burial of the dead. The largest and highest platform at the Crystal River site, Temple Mound A, was built sometime after 600 AD. Today, trash builds up in our homes and workplaces through our daily living. correct change is required. Place in Florida listed on National Register of Historic Places. 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. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Inverness, 11 NE 4th AvenueCrystal River, FL 34429(352) 564-9463. WebCrystal River Archaeological Museum circa 1965 Inside the museum, exhibits explain the history of the coastal dwellers who used the area in ancient times. This name means that the clay was tempered with sand (sand was added for stability and durability) and it has no markingsit is plain. This is evidence of a belief system that was shared across a wide geographic area. Whether these areas of the midden were deliberately shaped like mounds by the Native Americans or it happened by accident, through their routine dumping of trash, archaeologists are not sure. ), Hunter Springs City Park104 NE 1st Ave, Crystal River, FL 34429352-795-4216. 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 copper artifacts came from the Ohio River Valley through a trade network developed by the Hopewell Culture that existed at the time. In the late 1800s and through the mid 1900s, most of the middens and mounds in Florida were completely removed or reduced in size for building material. Set your expectations appropriately. I loved reading about all the places you could possibly view manatees. Discover charming small towns and insider tips to hidden gems. 352-795-3817. @Barbara: Three Sisters Springs has a wheelchair accessible boardwalk. 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. Some argue that it is better for the animals to remain wild and without close contact with people. Ozello Boats happily takes you on an airboat ride back in time to Crystal Rivers ancient natural features, from mangrove forests to deep cave fissures. About 10,000 years ago, the Crystal River area was home to small bands of nomadic hunters and gatherers called Paleoindians. The park is believed to have been a ceremonial site for Crystal Rivers Old City Hall provides a vivid glimpse to the past of Citrus County through exhibits, artifacts, furniture, a diorama, and historical photos. Ready your cameras for wildlife. Yankeetown is not much of a town, but the fascination here is with the location at the end of a road that dead-ends into the Gulf of Mexico north of Crystal River. When we visited, there were no manatees in the Three Sisters Springs. A small sampling of the artifacts of Crystal River. We were thrilled to see manatees, of course, but if you choose to come here, expect to be around lots of people too. Clarence B. Moore was unusual, he kept relatively good notes and maps and he was prolific in the publication of Monographs documenting his excavations. There are tours available in the area for wildlife excursions, so book ahead to experience boating, paddling, and swimming with manatees. 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. Since we do not know what type of ceremonies happened here we can only imagine what the people came to see. Enjoy! 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. WebThe Crystal River area is internationally acclaimed for scuba diving. 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. It also tells us that trading with the northern portions of North America changed. Participants should be good swimmers (and not all the people we saw were.). I cant recommend a particular outfitter, but the wildlife refuge offers a list of licensed companies. WebThe Crystal River area is internationally acclaimed for scuba diving. Swimming into Three Sisters Springs is a challenge, even for good swimmers. Best known for discovering ancient Mayan canoes and pyramids in Citrus County, Ozello Boats is a top-rated family-owned airboat tour agency manned by Florida-born captains. ), maps that show areas that are off-limits to boats, Friends of Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge website. 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 author, Bonnie Gross, travels with her husband David Blasco, discovering off-the-beaten path places to hike, kayak, bike, swim and explore. They probably did not all come at the same time, but for various different events. 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. These activities included small game hunting, collecting plants, fishing and shellfish harvesting. CLICK THE IMAGES TO DISCOVER THE FOODS AND ARTIFACTS OF THE INDIGENOUS PEOPLE AT CRYSTAL RIVER. Even if you walk into the refuge, you must still pay this entrance fee. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Retreat at Crystal Manatee, 3266 N Sailboat AvenueCrystal River, FL 34428(352) 228-6028. This tells us that over the 2,000 years ancient people used the site, burial practices and ceremonies changed. By about 8,000 years ago, the rise in sea level and the warming climate caused a change in the coastal environment and the lifeway of the Paleoindian pioneers. Opened in 2007, Copp Brewery was Floridas first winery to hold a brewpub license. The area is called Heritage Village. Come early for the majestic sunrise and cool grassy fields by the beach. Hafted Whelk Shell tools were used for chopping, wood cutting, scooping, and as decorative items. Limestone tempered and St. Johns styles include;Pasco Plain (predominantly found type),Pasco Check Stamped,Pasco Red,St. Johns Plain,St. Johns Check Stamped,St. Johns Incised, and St. Johns Scored. We saw them both in Hunter Cove and at Three Sisters Springs. Many of the people interred in this mound had copper tools and ornaments buried with them. 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 While these regulations have changed how and where people can interact with manatees, there are still plenty of opportunities to see manatees and even swim with manatees in the Crystal River/Kings Bay area. These give us clues as to the lifestyles and customs of the people who lived, visited and were buried in these mounds. Swimming in 72 degree water is chilly and most snorkelers wear wetsuits. Here are a few other ideas: Theres a tiny historic downtown with a few cute shops, a historic train station/museum and a beautiful street lined with live oaks planted by the womens club 100 years ago. Very anxious for travel to resume so we can swim with the manatees, hopefully later this year. 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. Modern history unfolds in downtown Crystal River at the Coastal Heritage Museum. Full size is 650 500 pixels Previous image. 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. Opened to the public in 1965, this historically significant example of mid-century modern architecture naturally leads the eye to the heavens, arousing feelings of wonder. This timespan makes it one of the longest continually occupied sites in Florida, believed to have been occupied for more than 1,600 years without abandonment. In winter, tickets are $20 for adults 13 and older; $17.50 for seniors and $7.50 for children 6 to 13. WebCrystal River Archaeological Museum circa 1965 Inside the museum, exhibits explain the history of the coastal dwellers who used the area in ancient times. Modern history unfolds in downtown Crystal River at the Coastal Heritage Museum. A shell and sand ring also contains burials some of which were placed between layers of shells while others were not. If youre lucky, a concert that suits your taste could be coming up at Rock Crusher Canyon Pavilion and Amphitheater. Persons with authority or wealth like to place themselves above the general population to reinforce their status. Located near to the central burial complex are carved marker stones called "stela". 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. Opened to the public in 1965, this historically significant example of mid-century modern architecture naturally leads the eye to the heavens, arousing feelings of wonder. Related: Best Beaches Near Crystal River, FL, 3100 S Old Floral City RoadInverness, FL 34450(352) 726-0315. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Bushnell, Also See:Palm Harbor, FL Things to DoThings to Do in Gibsonton, FloridaThings to Do in Sarasota, FL. Their articles have been published in the Sun Sentinel, the Miami Herald, the Orlando Sentinel, The Guardian and Visit Florida. As the estuary matured, the Native Americans continued to use the marine animals for food. Theres a pretty view from there and a small park with a few picnic tables and a 10-foot-wide stretch of sandy beach. 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. (Summer rates are $12.50 adults and seniors. We do know they were erected around 440 AD. The largest stela on the Crystal River site has a outline of a human head and shoulders carved into one side of it. In the canal that leads to Three Sisters Spring, we saw more. How about celebrating your Crystal River getaway with the citys premier winery? Crystal River Archeological State Park is one of the educational activities in Crystal River Florida. Theres a complication, though: There is no parking at the refuge. 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