Crystal River Archaeological State Park

Crystal River Archaeological State Park

Crystal River Archaeological State Park
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A top archaeological destination for Native American artifacts.
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  • Dragonfly8
    600 contributions
    Excellent
    What a lovely park with a lot of archeological history. It's 3.00 to enter (cash only) and the visitors center had a movie to watch, several exhibits on the mounds and pottery and more. The grounds are pretty and it was a nice way to get out and enjoy the lovely florida "winter" weather.
    Visited December 2022
    Travelled with family
    Written January 11, 2023
  • DMarie632013
    Kingston, Idaho83 contributions
    Interesting History
    The park is beautiful and the history is interesting. Definitely climb the steps to the top of the Indian Shell mound. The view is amazing! There is a park eco tour boat on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, but we were not able to go on it. There is also a seven mile walking trail we were able to walk part of the way. Nice area and pretty scenery.
    Visited January 2023
    Written February 4, 2023
  • katmai8
    Lawrence, Kansas315 contributions
    Good place to learn about early human use of the natural resources
    Excellent museum explaining the history and showing a nice collection of artifacts found in the area. Easy walks to see several mounds with one set of steep steps up to the top of a mound by the river. It was refreshingly windy up there!
    Visited February 2023
    Written February 18, 2023
  • Dee Dee
    Atlanta, Georgia134 contributions
    Beautiful Must See Park
    What a beautiful location to learn about the archeological history of the Nature Coast. The little museum was interesting and well-maintained. Meander through the grounds and enjoy the beautiful views. The only suggestion is that they could use a few more benches for those who have trouble walking distances, but if you like history, this should be on your "Must See" list. The attendant on duty could not have been more friendly and gracious. (Personnel means a lot.)
    Visited February 2023
    Written March 5, 2023
  • Helen H
    St. Petersburg, Florida566 contributions
    Good way to learn about the indigenous people
    This was a ceremonial and burial site many hundreds and even thousands of years ago. Interesting small museum with artifacts and a good video explaining the site. The mounds are in an easily walkable area with a paved path. However, there are stairs to climb to get to the top of the largest mound. Check the web site before you go to be sure the museum is open if you want to go inside. Like other places in Florida, it will be hot if you go in the summer.
    Visited February 2023
    Written March 18, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions

4.0
363 reviews
Excellent
164
Very good
133
Average
55
Poor
8
Terrible
3

Jessica B
3 contributions
Aug. 2023 • Family
Had an amazing time. Make sure you wear a light shirt with sleeves the yellow flies are crazy. Other than that had a great time. Make sure to stop at the museum before you leave it's amazing
Written September 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Helen H
St. Petersburg, FL566 contributions
Feb. 2023
This was a ceremonial and burial site many hundreds and even thousands of years ago. Interesting small museum with artifacts and a good video explaining the site. The mounds are in an easily walkable area with a paved path. However, there are stairs to climb to get to the top of the largest mound.
Check the web site before you go to be sure the museum is open if you want to go inside.
Like other places in Florida, it will be hot if you go in the summer.
Written March 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Dee Dee
Atlanta, GA134 contributions
Feb. 2023
What a beautiful location to learn about the archeological history of the Nature Coast. The little museum was interesting and well-maintained. Meander through the grounds and enjoy the beautiful views.
The only suggestion is that they could use a few more benches for those who have trouble walking distances, but if you like history, this should be on your "Must See" list.
The attendant on duty could not have been more friendly and gracious. (Personnel means a lot.)
Written March 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

katmai8
Lawrence, KS315 contributions
Feb. 2023
Excellent museum explaining the history and showing a nice collection of artifacts found in the area. Easy walks to see several mounds with one set of steep steps up to the top of a mound by the river. It was refreshingly windy up there!
Written February 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

DMarie632013
Kingston, ID83 contributions
Jan. 2023
The park is beautiful and the history is interesting. Definitely climb the steps to the top of the Indian Shell mound. The view is amazing! There is a park eco tour boat on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, but we were not able to go on it. There is also a seven mile walking trail we were able to walk part of the way. Nice area and pretty scenery.
Written February 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Dragonfly8
On my computer600 contributions
Dec. 2022 • Family
What a lovely park with a lot of archeological history. It's 3.00 to enter (cash only) and the visitors center had a movie to watch, several exhibits on the mounds and pottery and more. The grounds are pretty and it was a nice way to get out and enjoy the lovely florida "winter" weather.
Written January 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Scott H
Houma, LA11 contributions
Apr. 2022 • Family
It’s an okay place to go and pass some time. We went to fill time before our manatee boat trip. The history is neat and the park is pretty. STAY ON THE PATH!!
Written April 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

TrailTrekker15
Tallahassee, FL3,945 contributions
Mar. 2022 • Solo
I stopped by Crystal River Archeological SP to see the Indian mounds. The museum has many artifacts from the mounds on display as well as a video describing the site. The mounds are distinct and impressive. The mound by Crystal River is particularly impressive with great views from the top. I learned quite a bit about the Native American peoples who lived here 1 - 2 thousand years ago that I did not previously know. It took about 45 min to see everything which made for a nice place to stretch my legs on my way to Orlando. Definitely a great visit!
Written March 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

RocFamily
Rochester, NY102 contributions
Feb. 2022
The site is very pleasant and worth the $3 per vehicle entry fee. The museum (closed 2 days/week) had a lot of displays but was missing several including a prehistoric canoe. A rude/arrogant volunteer at the visitor center was very condescending. The walkways are extremely uneven and they sprayed all the chipped and broken sidewalk with orange spray paint perhaps 20 years ago. Don't bring anyone with balance issues or a walker. However, the grounds themselves are quite nice if you don't trip on the sidewalk. The magnificent main mound has a set of stairs you can climb to see the commanding view. The waterfront area is peaceful. There is a short narration video inside the museum. Learned a lot about the area's history and would take others here. No see um insects were aggressive and numerous. bring bug spray. Very uncrowded.
Written February 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Laura L
Chicago, IL311 contributions
Jan. 2022
Quite a lovely spot in the park and a well thought out presentation regarding our pre columbian forebearers.
Written January 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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CRYSTAL RIVER ARCHAEOLOGICAL STATE PARK - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Frequently Asked Questions about Crystal River Archaeological State Park