Crystal River Archaeological State Park preserves a six-mound Native American complex on the Crystal River that was occupied for roughly 1,600 years, making it one of Florida’s longest continually used archaeological sites. People lived here, buried their dead, traded, and gathered in large numbers, perhaps as many as 7,500 annually at its height. The earthworks include burial and temple mounds, a plaza, and a large crescent-shaped midden built up over about 1,900 years. Finds such as copper objects from Hopewell trade networks show long-distance exchange, while a rare carved limestone slab reflects the site’s distinctive ceremonial importance. In 1996, the park expanded to include Roberts Island, a later regional ceremonial center.