INSIDER’S TIP
The highest elevation in Crystal River is a temple mound built as a ceremonial site by Native Americans before Europeans arrived in the Americas. Today it occupies a place of honor in Crystal River Archaeological State Park on the banks of the Crystal River.
There are actually two temple mounds here, along with four burial mounds, all built between 250 BC and AD 1000. Perhaps the most fascinating fact about this site is it documents that trade occurred between ancient people in far-off parts of the Americas. Archaeologists have actually found copper from the Great Lakes here.