Crystal River Archeological Park

The Crystal River Archeological Park is a fantastic place to go.  Crystal River can get a bit crowded during scallop season or manatee season.   The Park offers amazing views of the river from the top of the largest mound.  Multiple burial mounds, middens and an air conditioned visitor’s center make up the park.  Because the park is located directly on the river, there is often a cool breeze even in the hottest part of July and August.  Crystal River Archeological Park is one of the more impressive ancient sites we have visited, especially considering it was rescued from being a trailer park.

The largest mound has stairs that allow you to climb to the top.  The other mounds give an idea of the size of the native population for this area.  Beads and other trade items show trading from the Ohio River Valley down to Meso America. A paved walking trail winds around the site. There are two stone stele.  One contains a carving of a soldier with hair flowing behind him.  Stop and see if you can find him! The rangers at the Park are very knowledgeable and always eager to talk about the area.  There is a $3 per car honor system payment as you come in the gate.  The Park is tucked away in Crystal River.   It could be easily overlooked, but add this one to your GPS and head out to explore.

Crystal River Archeological Park
Stairs to top of largest mound
Crystal River Archeological Park
Image of carving in the stele
Crystal River Archeological Park
Can you see it?

Other ideas in the area: Visit Homosassa to see Monkey Island, Eat at the Freezer and check in on Lu the Hippo or Kayak with Manatees at Three Sister Springs

Homosassa Fun Things to Do (hint: there is a hippo)

Homosassa Fun Things to Do! Some days we head South about 70 miles to Homosassa to visit the manatees, eat at one of our favorite restaurants “The Freezer,” and check in on Lu the Hippo. Lu is a retired Hollywood actor that was made a Florida resident by Order of the Governor to ensure he could stay in his home when it became a state park. You can also check out the monkeys on Monkey Island while enjoying a drink or an ice cream at Florida Cracker Kitchen.  If you are looking for fun things to do, Homosassa may be worth the drive, just stay out of the splatter zone.

Our first stop is the Ellie Schiller State Wildlife Park where you can meet Lu and go down to an underwater manatee viewing area. It is amazing how the cool spring keeps the viewing area cool even in the summer. We see manatees in the Park even when it is not prime manatee season.

Lu the Hippo
Lu the Hippo
Homosassa Fun Things To do
Lu the Hippo
Manatees
Manatee in the rehab area of the State Park
wildlife
Bald Eagle with an amputated wing. Most of the animals in the park are there due to injury.
Homosassa Fun Things To do
Native birds. In the winter, there can be thousands of migratory birds.
Homosassa Fun Things To do
Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park Map

Next, on our stop is just a few minutes up the road to the Freezer tiki restaurant.  It only takes cash, but does have an ATM.  There menu is on boards around the restaurant. If you sit outside, you will need to come to the bar to order. If you sit under the roof, even on the porch, the wait staff will come to help.  It is always busy, so going when it is not prime dinner or lunch time is recommended.  Also, it is open air, even inside.

Homosassa Fun Things To do
The Freezer restaurant
Homosassa Fun Things To do
The Freezer menu. Be sure and bring cash ( or use the ATM on site).
Homosassa Fun Things To do
Perfectly boiled shrimp at The Freezer. Also, check out the crab legs and mullet dip.

A pre-Civil War Sugar Mill is located between the Park and the Freezer is a good stop to explore some “old Florida.”

Homosassa Fun Things To do
Sugar mill near the Freezer. It has been abandoned since the Civil War.

The Original Florida Cracker Resort and Kitchen is also just a few more minutes up the road.  Monkey Island is right in front of the restaurant. You may need to pay $5 for parking when it is busy.  A great ice cream shop is just next door.

Homosassa Fun Things To do
The Cracker Resort and Monkey Island Bar
Homosassa Fun Things To do
You might be lucky enough to catch a popsicle delivery by “boat” out in the spring

Other things to do in the area: Crystal River Archeological Park or Kayak with Manatees at Three Sister Springs

Kayak with Manatees at Three Sister Springs

We have kayaked with Get up and Go Kayaking in Crystal River to see the manatees at Three Sisters Spring. It is a bit over an hour trip from the Peach House and so worth it! If you aren’t up for a kayak trip, there are trails that walk you out to the overlook. Feeling even more adventurous, there are snorkel tours that get you in the water with the manatees, but be warned it’s chilly!

Fiddler Crab Festival

Valentine’s weekend each year, Steinhatchee welcomes 10,000 visitors to the Fiddler Crab Festival. A whole row of food vendors offering funnel cakes and burgers to alligator and filet mignon. Art vendors from throughout the region set up shop and you have a chance to race tour very own fiddler crab. Saturday morning starts out with a true small town

Waiting for the parade to start at the community playground is a great option with kids

Art vendors as far as you can see

Cheering on our fiddler crab at the races

What’s a festival without face paint and a funnel cake?

The blacksmith demonstration was a favorite

Big thanks to “Tell me your Fish Tales” booth for having a paint your own fish area for the kids

Checking out the fishing tournament weigh in at Sea Hag Marina