Traveling with the Top Down, Crystal River Archeological State Park

We’ve been cruising around Crystal River for the last few weekends–enjoying the weather and the view. Most state parks in Florida allow dogs so this past Saturday we decided to check out some of those parks and took Maggie along.Traveling with the Top Down, Crystal River Archeological Park

First stop, Churchhouse Hammock Boardwalk which is right across the street from the Crystal River MallWe walked on a really wide boardwalk that’s about 1/3 mile in length and goes through the forest.  Maggie was quite sure that something scary was in the woods and wanted to go back the entire time so Terry ended up carrying her.  Won’t be taking the pooch back to that trail!

Churchhouse Hammock Trail
I read somewhere (probably on the Internet) that if you have a fat dog, you don’t get enough exercise. Not true–Maggie is a chunky monkey but we ALL get lots of exercise. I’m sure she has a thyroid problem….or a metabolism issue!

The Crystal River Archeological Park was our main destination.  There’s a lot of Native Americans buried here.  I don’t have a lot of details because we couldn’t go in the visitor center but I have to confess that we’ve lived her over 10 years and have no excuse for not visiting this local treasure before this. But we’ll be back!  The grounds were very well maintained and there are areas for grilling and picnicking. Fishing is allowed plus it’s part of the Great Florida Birding Trail.

Indian Mound,
These are the stairs to one of the burial mounds. No way will Maggie be able to get up these steps.
Traveling with the Top Down, Crystal River Archeological Park
Whaaaaat!  OMG  Chunky Monkey is running!

 

Indian Mound, Traveling with the Top Down, Crystal River Archeological Park
View from the Top of the Mound

Our final stop was at the Crystal River Preserve State Park Visitor Center.

Another beautiful spot on the Crystal River.   And, once again, we couldn’t go in but we were happy to walk the grounds and love the river.

View from Crystal River Preserve State Park

Navy Sailboat at Crystal River Preserve State Park

There’s a native plant garden.  Not sure what this tree is, but it was this one was real PURTY!

Native Plant Garden at Crystal River Preserve State Park

So, in conclusion, there are a lot of places for us still to discover in the state park system in Citrus County.  Like sunset boat rides and ecological tours and many more trails.  We’ll be back.  But maybe not with Maggie, we have some small people in our family that might appreciate it a little bit more than the pooch!

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