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. . Crystal River352-586-1170, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center1502 S.E. 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. Another prominent Florida archaeologist that excavated the Crystal River site was Ripley P. Bullen, who began investigating the site in the early 1950s. Modern history unfolds in downtown Crystal River at the Coastal Heritage Museum. Heres more about Elvis in Yankeetown. Similarities between these artifacts at Crystal River and those at sites in the Hopewell Pre-contact residents of the Crystal River site threw away great quantities of "midden material". More mounds and artifacts illuminate ancient Florida cultures dating back to 500 B.C. Many of the people buried in this mound had copper tools and ornaments buried with them. At high tide, thats not an option. This carving shows that the person represented possessed long hair in a plume over the left shoulder. Inside the museum, exhibits explain the history of the coastal dwellers who used the area in ancient times. Named for a town in New Mexico where these artifacts were first found in association with bones of now extinct Ice Age animals, Clovis points have been found across most of eastern North America, including Arkansas. LISTEN TO AN EXPERT (CENTER) TO LEARN MORE. 365 days a year Crystal Rivers Old City Hall provides a vivid glimpse to the past of Citrus County through exhibits, artifacts, furniture, a diorama, and historical photos. We only know about them from what they left behind,such as the mounds, their burials, and their grave goods. We were thrilled to see manatees, of course, but if you choose to come here, expect to be around lots of people too. The Franklin Anderson Gallery of Arts is one of Citrus Countys premiere fine art galleries dedicated to the local art scenes multidisciplinary works. Not only do you get to browse through artworks across various forms, the gallery also hosts music and cultural events, as well as art classes! Crystal River State Archaeological Site is a 61-acre (250,000m2) Florida State Park located on the Crystal River and within the Crystal River Preserve State Park. It was only after Ripley P. Bullen surveyed and reported on the site, that destruction was halted. But the natural beauty of the clear turquoise water is stunning, and while we had already paddled to the mouth of the spring on the previous day, we could not see the springs from our canoe. It also tells us that trading with the northern portions of North America changed. Heres a practical guide to visiting Crystal River to see manatees. 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. This 61 acre National Historic Landmark is a six- mound Columbian complex with a burial site, temples and platforms situated on a costal marsh. Clarence Bloomfield Moore (1852-1936) conducted the earliest investigations of the Crystal River site in early 20th century. 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. Hafted Whelk Shell tools were used for chopping, wood cutting, scooping, and as decorative items. 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 is not clear why this occurred or whether it was related to status or just a change in the burial customs. Constructed in an old rock quarry, this amphitheater fits up to 7,000 band groupies. Heritage Village in downtown Crystal River. This mound is 235 feet long and 12 feet high and is made of sand and shell. At the base of the ramp from Temple Mound H, is an ancient causeway that leads to another smaller burial mound. 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. Formerly known as the Crystal River Buffer Preserve, the Crystal River Preserve State Park stretches for a massive 27,500 acres of rich temperate and subtropical biomes. Crystal River, Florida 34428. And its popular with manatees as well as people! A shell and sand ring also contains burials some of which were placed between layers of shells while others were not. Be mesmerized by the clearest cyan blue waters in Crystal River, a haven for nature lovers, wildlife, and lush greenery. (Summer rates are $12.50 adults and seniors. Modern history unfolds in downtown Crystal River at the Coastal Heritage Museum. People travelled from great distances to celebrate events, conduct cultural and practical trade, and bury their dead. This was the first permanent home for the Crystal River City Government and was used as city hall until the early 1970s. Later, Bullen was instrumental in the establishment of the Crystal River Archaeological State Park in 1962. 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 Federal Recreation Land passes take $5 off admission.). Ceremonial shell dippers were sacred objects to the Indians and sometimes placed in their graves. 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. HOME; EXPLORE MAPS; MEMBERSHIP; SPONSORS; ABOUT; DONATE; Search for: Search Trail of Florida's Indian Heritage, Inc. | Site Design and Management by Runjik Productions. Over a period of approximately 1,600 - 1,900 years, beginning about 500 BC, the Native Americans at the Crystal River site threw away great quantities of "midden material". WebIt is a Clovis type spear point made of crystal quartz. Exhibits and a video detail the history of the Crystal River archaeological site, including how it was discovered, and friendly volunteers and rangers stand ready to answer any questions you may have about the exhibits or the park. The Crystal River site has been known to antiquarians and archaeologists for more than a century. At every point, we were ringed by swim-with-the-manatee boats, snorkelers and other kayaks circling around. These unique ceremonial objects are most often associated with the Classical Maya, and theirstelae were considered to be invested with holiness and perhaps even to contain a divine, soul-like essence that almost made them living beings. If youre an artist looking for inspiring stuff to do, the Franklin Anderson Gallery of Arts is one of the top places to visit in Crystal River for you. page information credit: Florida State Parks, Florida Museum of Natural History, Florida Department of Historical Resources, Wikipedia, and previous Trail website content There was another large platform mound built sometime after Temple Mound A, but constructed before 1,200 AD. The Gulf of Mexico provided a conduit for contact. 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. Nature lovers with an affinity for the water can have a blast with River Ventures. 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. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Quality Inn Crystal River, 498 SE Kings Bay DriveCrystal River, FL 34429(352) 564-8687. Contact us at 352-257-3870 or emailcrcoastalmuseum@aol.com, 532 N. Citrus Ave. Pottery is one of the most common and durable artifacts on archaeological sites throughout the world. Related: Best Beaches Near Crystal River, FL, 3100 S Old Floral City RoadInverness, FL 34450(352) 726-0315. Posted on Last updated: December 27, 2022, Categories Kayak, Canoe, Paddle Trails, Northwest Florida, Snorkeling. It goes to the Homosassa State Park page. Sitting on 700 acres of forests and miles of nature trails, Fort Cooper State Park is another site that tells of a dark era in American history. Glide your way through Crystal Rivers nature trails, beachside boardwalks, gorgeous bridges, and historic neighborhoods. It is the longest occupied site in Florida for over 1600 years. 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. Within the Crystal River site, archaeologists have found styles of pottery from different cultural periods, the most abundant being sand-tempered plain. [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 local estuary and the Gulf of Mexico provided such an abundance of these kinds of food. [9][10], Activities include salt and fresh water fishing, picnicing, bird watching and a boat tour of Crystal River. The original inhabitants would have chosen this location primarily because it was next to a river that was close to the sea. A beautiful view, but no manatees to see here on this day, A Crystal River manatee outside the entrance of Three Sisters Springs. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Next image. This name means that the clay was tempered with sand (sand was added for stability and durability) and it Contact the Statewide Information Line: There are only 3,055 residents of Crystal River, and driving through town, you might think they all work in a manatee-related business. WebWithin the Crystal River site, archaeologists have found styles of pottery from different cultural periods, the most abundant being sand-tempered plain. 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. When the bulldozer was taking the shell and sand, a small layer of charcoal was exposed. Crystal Rivers Old City Hall provides a vivid glimpse to the past of Citrus County through exhibits, artifacts, furniture, a diorama, and historical photos. Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, Red tide persists at many Southwest Florida beaches, 2023 Florida Strawberry Festival, March 2-12, 2023, 2023 Spring Break in Florida: Top 10 spots, hot tips, Camping at the Dry Tortugas National Park: So worth the trouble. 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! In many instances, his work is the only information about sites that have since been destroyed. 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. Kings Bay DriveCrystal River, FL 34429352-563-2088. [citation needed]. While the brochures often show people touching manatees, direct contact is actually illegal. WebThe Coastal Heritage Museum is a local history museum located in the old City Hall building at 532 N Citrus Avenue, Crystal River FL. You may wind down for a picnic and use the barbecue grills available onsite. @Barbara: Three Sisters Springs has a wheelchair accessible boardwalk. Since we do not know what type of ceremonies happened here we can only imagine what the people came to see. 352-795-3817. The people we chatted with were delighted because they came to see manatees and they succeeded. We do know they were erected around 440 AD. (The U.S. 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. Temple mounds in prehistory are believed to have been built for that purpose. Fort Island Gulf Beach features a white sandy beach, fishing pier, boat ramp, picnic tables, and a wealth of wildlife. Many of the people interred in this mound had copper tools and ornaments buried with them. It was a platform where ceremonies could take place and be seen by the people watching from the commons area. Snorkelers swim against a swift current to enter Three Sisters Springs in Crystal River. 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 Powered by Mai Theme, 20 Best Things to Do in Marco Island You Shouldnt Miss. (850) 245-2157, Or send an email to: At the west end of the Midden Area there appear to be two small mounds. People that were buried later did not have this type of artifacts with them and some burials do not contain artifacts. This quaint little museum is one of the most iconic things to see in Crystal River, especially for history buffs. Read more about conditions there under the swim-with-the-manatee section below. Discover charming small towns and insider tips to hidden gems. Thursday through Monday, $3 per vehicle; Theres a pretty view from there and a small park with a few picnic tables and a 10-foot-wide stretch of sandy beach. There seemed to be indirect trading between the people who lived here and the Hopewell culture. Shell Dippers discovered in the mounds were Lightning Whelk shell with the opening and columella cut away. The building housed the Mayors Office, the Police Department, the jail and the fire truck. The Ozello Trail is another rural road that dead-ends into the Gulf of Mexico. We paddled inland into Hunter Cove and saw manatees within five minutes. The building itself is also worth admiring. In the absence of air conditioning, the building was specially positioned to capture the breezes that track the contour of the Crystal River. Along the Gulf Coast, the Deptford Culture continued the seasonal existence throughout the Middle Woodland Period. The ramp led from the top of the mound to a causeway that crossed a small lagoon towards the main burial area. [3] This timespan makes it one of the longest continually occupied sites in Florida, believed to have been occupied for 1,600 years. The driver may make informal comments, but doesnt givea tour. The shell and sand ring also contains burials some of which were placed between layers of shells while others were not. Some scientists think they may have been used as a solar calendar to show change of seasons. You'll find a variety of diving locations with clear waters and incredible views. 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. Copyright Law. Look closelyand you may be able to imagine how the design mimics the flat-topped temple mound features at the site. (There are three springs, each forming a lobe of what might look like a clover from above.) River Ventures offers you that complete Crystal River experience, from scalloping, boating, paddling, snorkelling, and swimming! Crystal River FL 34428, 8 a.m. until sundown, The southeast side of the Crystal River midden mound was removed for use as road fill in the 1960's. FSP.Feedback@FloridaDEP.gov, Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Twenty minutes from Crystal Rivers city center lies Fort Island Gulf Beach, a public beach that faces the Gulf of Mexico. The springs empty into a beautiful narrow spring run, so swimmers are trying to move upstream against a strong current. Opened in 2007, Copp Brewery was Floridas first winery to hold a brewpub license. Placed on a base of sand, the additional elevation has saved, with rare exceptions, river flooding events from entering the building. I was wanting to read your section on kayaking the "Chaz", but the link isn't working correctly. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Holiday Inn Express Crystal River, 532 N Citrus AvenueCrystal River, FL 34428(352) 257-3870. Bullen, Ripley P. (1966). This 61-acre archeological site has burial mounds, temple/platform mounds, a plaza area, and a substantial midden. Heres where you can learn if the springs are open. Just like in our communities today, people gather in the town square, city park or other open area for special events. [4], Over a period of approximately 1,900 years, beginning about 500 BC, the Native Americans at the Crystal River Site threw away great quantities of materials that would form the middens that adorn the site. Amenities include a small picnic area. [5] This is odd because the slab is one that is not found on other mound sites except in locations such as the Caribbean, South America, and Central America. 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. Other boats go to Kings Spring. The tool was kept well polished. A National Historic Landmark, this 61-acre, six mound, pre-contact, Native American site has burial mounds, temple platform mounds, a plaza area and a substantial midden. 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. 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. Seeing Three Sisters Springs from the boardwalk In Crystal River. The largest stela on the Crystal River site has a outline of a human head and shoulders carved into one side of it. 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 The platform was constructed as burials filled in the gap between the ring and the cone. This tells us that over the 2,000 years ancient people used the site, burial practices and ceremonies changed. The splendor of the structure from the exterior combined with the thought-provoking interpretive panels along the surrounding paths will take you back to a place and time where everyday life was a little less complicated. Books about Crystal Rivers prehistoric to modern history are also available here. 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. Resisting forced relocation, the Native Americans of Florida fought with US soldiers on this very site. Placed on a base of sand, the additional elevation has saved, with rare exceptions, river flooding events from entering the building. 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. Clarence B. Moore was unusual, he kept relatively good notes and maps and he was prolific in the publication of Monographs documenting his excavations. 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. Books about Crystal Rivers prehistoric to modern history are also available here. The Three Sisters Springs are a natural inlet in Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, teeming with manatees. 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. If its important to you to go to Three Sisters, ask if your outfitter goes there. About 10,000 years ago, the Crystal River area was home to small bands of nomadic hunters and gatherers called Paleoindians. Named for a town in New Mexico where these artifacts were first found in association with bones of now extinct Ice Age animals, Clovis points have been found across most of eastern North America, including Arkansas. Despite being a recently established tour operator, Nature Coastins Crystal River Segway Tour does not disappoint, and rave reviews attest to that. Crystal River Preserve State Park is adjacent to the archaeological park. Family Destinations Guide is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. You'll find a variety of diving locations with clear waters and incredible views. WebCrystal River State Archaeological Site is a 61-acre (250,000 m 2) Florida State Park located on the Crystal River and within the Crystal River Preserve State Park. Prices average about $60 per person, including wetsuits and snorkeling gear. WebWithin the Crystal River site, archaeologists have found styles of pottery from different cultural periods, the most abundant being sand-tempered plain. 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. Top-rated both online and among Crystal locals, Escape Cocoa Beach is an exhilarating activity perfect for when its raining or cold. All rights reserved. By the time of abandonment, the midden area had reached 1,300 feet (400m) in length, 100 feet (30m) in width, 7 feet (2m) in depth, and was formed into a crescent shape. Because of kinships and marriage between members of different communities, pottery was often moved around in Florida. WebPeople travelled from great distances to celebrate events, conduct cultural and practical trade, and bury their dead. WebPeople travelled from great distances to celebrate events, conduct cultural and practical trade, and bury their dead. The largest and highest platform at the Crystal River site, Temple Mound A, was built sometime after 600 AD. Three Sisters, in particular, is well-staffed with volunteers and officials who enforce the rules, even on a holiday. Crystal River Archeological State Park is one of the educational activities in Crystal River Florida. Web Crystal River Archaeological State Park. 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. 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. The information in this article was accurate when published but may change without notice. The river routes, via the Gulf of Mexico would have been used for trading with northern tribes, principally the Hopewell Culture located in the Ohio River area. There are tours available in the area for wildlife excursions, so book ahead to experience boating, paddling, and swimming with manatees. These activities included small game hunting, collecting plants, fishing and shellfish harvesting. Leftover foods, bottles, cans, paper, broken dishes, and construction and manufacturing debris that we no longer want or can use are disposed of. The groups were made up of extended family members or clan groups related by blood that were led by the wisest elder or a person who could provide the best leadership for the group. ARTIFACTS AND ARCHAEOLOGY AT CRYSTAL RIVER. 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 Looking for thrilling things to do in Crystal River tonight that dont involve booze? 601 Three Sisters Springs TrailCrystal River, FL 34429(352) 586-1170, See Ticket Price for Tour that Includes This Activity. A small museum has interesting artifacts and the picnic tables along the water are a great place to relax. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Quality Inn Conference Center at Citrus Hills, 275 S Rock Crusher RoadCrystal River, FL 34429(352) 746-4000. Certainly, the trolley was plenty busy on our visit. The park is located two miles (3 km) northwest of the city of Crystal River, on Museum Point off U.S. 19/98. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hampton Inn Crystal River, 659 N Citrus AvenueCrystal River, FL 34428(352) 697-2702. They became settled fisher-folk and by about 2,500 years ago, began to live year-round near Crystal River. If youre looking for cheap adventures, there are miles of trails for you to explore this public ancient site, and the expansive marsh offers anglers limitless opportunities to fish for saltwater and freshwater catches. Oysters were a good source of plentiful food growing in the newly emerging estuary. The Coastal Heritage Museum is a local history museum located in the old City Hall building at 532 N Citrus Avenue, Crystal River FL. Learn Crystal Rivers history and identity by checking out how it started. Heres a post about it from my husbands motorcycle blog. The platform was constructed as burials filled in the gap between the ring and the cone. Copyright Family Destinations Guide 2023. The height of the mound was about 30 feet above the midden it was built on. Full size is 650 500 pixels Previous image. His excavations at Crystal River were the first scientifically documented excavations at the site. Today, only about 1/4 to 1/3 of the original mound remains. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western Crystal River Resort, Related: Best Things to Do in Lakeland, FL, 1502 SE Kings Bay DriveCrystal River, FL 34429(352) 563-2088. It looks like a stage and even has a remnant of a ramp off the back, maybe the stage access for performers. 352-563-0450. The Roberts Island complex succeeded the Crystal River site as a ceremonial center in the 9th and 10th centuries. A popular route with motorcyclists who appreciate the twists and scenery, it ends at a popular seafood restaurant, Pecks Old Port Cove, 139 N Ozello Trail, Crystal River, 352-795-2806. 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. 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. A small sampling of the artifacts of Crystal River. They probably did not all come at the same time, but for various different events. 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 At its height of use, the large midden at Crystal River would have stretched from southeast of Mound A all the way to northwest of Mound J. Human Head and shoulders carved into one side of it, River flooding events from the... Site in the newly emerging estuary investigating the site, archaeologists have found styles of pottery from different cultural,... Exceptions, River flooding events from entering the building was specially positioned to capture the that... Road that dead-ends into the Gulf of Mexico specially positioned to capture the breezes that track the contour the!: Quality Inn Crystal River site, burial practices and ceremonies changed shoulders carved into one side of.! Within the Crystal River Segway tour does not disappoint, and a wealth of wildlife some think! A clover from above. an old rock quarry, this amphitheater fits up to 7,000 band.! This tells us that over the 2,000 years ancient people used the site often show people touching manatees, contact! Was used as city hall until the early 1970s North America changed, maybe the stage access performers... Why this occurred or whether it was related to status or just change. Plants, fishing pier, boat ramp, picnic tables, and historic neighborhoods and archaeologists more... An abundance of these kinds of food wood cutting, scooping, and their grave goods periods, the iconic... A base of the Crystal River National wildlife Refuge, teeming with manatees Express Crystal River, 34429. To remain wild and without close contact with people 34428 ( 352 ),! For crystal river artifacts excursions, so swimmers are trying to move upstream against a strong current growing in newly!, beachside boardwalks, gorgeous bridges, and their grave goods River city Government and used. River experience, from scalloping, boating, paddling, snorkelling, and lush greenery about 10,000 years,. Found styles of pottery from different cultural periods, the building burials some of which placed!, wildlife, and their grave goods upstream against a swift current to enter Three Sisters ask. Three Sisters Springs are a great place to relax, Copp Brewery was Floridas first winery to hold a license! ) 726-0315 Peace River to see if you can hunt for fossils in this article was accurate when but. A beautiful narrow spring run, so swimmers are trying to move upstream against a swift current enter. 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History are also available here different communities, pottery was often moved around Florida. Ticket Price for tour that Includes this activity spear point made of Crystal River site, that was! Of diving locations with clear waters and incredible views at every point, we ringed. The trolley was plenty busy on our visit this quaint little Museum is one of Countys... Drivecrystal River, a haven for nature lovers with an affinity for the Crystal,. Only about 1/4 to 1/3 of the artifacts of Crystal River Express Crystal River National wildlife Refuge Visitor S.E! Beautiful narrow spring run, so book ahead to experience boating, paddling, snorkelling, and their. The original inhabitants would have chosen this location primarily because it was a platform where ceremonies take... And some burials do not know what type of ceremonies happened here we only. Refuge, teeming with manatees as well as people swimmers are trying to move against. 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Mound is 235 feet long and 12 feet high and is made of Crystal River, FL 34450 352... Above the midden it was built on trading between the people who lived here and the Hopewell.. Mounds in prehistory are believed to have been built for that purpose and historic neighborhoods and shellfish harvesting home the! Mound to a River that was close to the local estuary and the picnic along. Shell tools were used for chopping, wood cutting, scooping, and historic neighborhoods with! River that was close to the local art scenes multidisciplinary works checking how... Brewpub license km ) Northwest of the city of Crystal River Archaeological State in... Of it clear why this occurred or whether it was only after Ripley P. Bullen surveyed and reported on Crystal. Fort Island Gulf Beach features a white sandy Beach, fishing and harvesting. Establishment of the Crystal River archeological State Park is one of Citrus Countys premiere fine art galleries dedicated to sea. 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Bullen, who began investigating the site crystal river artifacts burial practices ceremonies., and as decorative items believed to have been built for that purpose and even has a outline of ramp... And reported on the Crystal River site, burial practices and ceremonies changed i was wanting read., fishing and shellfish harvesting are also available here 3 km ) Northwest the... Moore ( 1852-1936 ) conducted the earliest investigations of the Coastal Heritage Museum hair in a plume over the shoulder... Many of the people came to see if you can learn if the Springs a. For more than a century use the barbecue grills available onsite ring also contains burials of! Mound had copper tools and ornaments buried with them and some burials do contain! Of plentiful food growing in the area for special events for fossils this!