Crystal River is situated around Kings Bay, which is spring-fed by a cluster of more than 30 springs, designated as a first-magnitude system. Because the water stays a constant 72 degrees, this area is a popular area for West Indian manatees to winter in.
Incorporated in 1903, in 2016 about 3,138 people were living within the city limits. US Hwy. 19 separates Crystal River in a north-south direction, with Kings Bay on the west side and most public works on the east side of the road.
Quick Crystal River History
The northwest edge of Crystal River is home to a National Historic Landmark consisting of the Crystal River Archaeological State Park. This pre-Columbian Native American site containing burial mounds, temple mounds, a plaza area, and a sizeable shell midden is worth a visit from anywhere.
Next to the Archaeological Park is the Crystal River Preserve State Park, with a fantastic historical boat tour each Monday, Wednesday and Friday run by the Park’s Friends organization. The boat tour allows visitors the opportunity to see the islands and temple mounds of the time gone by. It can make it easier to visualize how this historic society operated. There are interpretive exhibits. Coincidentally, the archaeological excavations began in 1903.
Downtown Crystal River is charming, with the 1800s and 1900s buildings in good condition housing small retailers and restaurants. There is quite a bit of waterfront development that includes parks, housing, and businesses.
Crystal River is most famous for its winter manatee population, which has reached over 1,000 manatees on occasion. A boardwalk and viewing center has been constructed around Three Sisters Springs, perhaps the most famous location to view manatees in the world. There is a robust manatee tour trade, as well as sunset cruises and fishing expeditions. Kayak rentals, tours and more are part of the waterfront community. You can find links to Manatee Tour Operators and more here.
Browse Crystal River Articles:
Entrepreneurial Inspiration, Nature Coast Style
What do you do when your livelihood is completely disrupted? Even with an emergency plan, many small businesses on Florida’s Nature Coast were unprepared for the changes brought about by the Coronavirus, or COVID-19, to our area in mid-March. On March 20, 2020, Governor Ron DeSantis ordered all Florida restaurants… Read More
Manatee Adventure by ‘Yak is Fabulous!
Kayak-based manatee experience adventures can start about 8:30 am – and even be scheduled throughout the day at Hunter Springs Kayaks in Crystal River – which is where I enjoyed my latest manatee adventure. Most of the public, pontoon-based charter services start at 6:30-7 am. An hour’s… Read More
Learning about Water Management via Kayak
It’s commonly called “swift mud” locally in a mispronunciation of the initials defining the Southwest Water Management District (SWFWMD). SWFWMD is one of five water management districts in Florida, and the District covers sixteen counties including Florida’s Nature Coast. It is headquartered in Brooksville, Florida. Today, the Southwest… Read More
Crystal River Preserve State Park Boat Tours Resume
The 24-passenger vessel, Monroe, resumed normal operations from Crystal River State Park on Wednesday, October 2, 2019. Its boat tours on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays offer visitors an opportunity to explore history, culture, and nature on the Crystal River. Make plans now to take part in these 1.5 hour… Read More
Bicentennial Pool Reopens for Lap Swimming
Bicentennial Park Pool located at 8145 W. Bicentennial Park Drive Crystal River, Fl. 34429 will reopen for lap swimming by appointment only (45 minutes increments). Hours for lap swimming will be Monday through Friday 9:30am-4:30pm, Saturday 10:30am-3:00pm and Sunday 12:30am-3:30pm. Appointments will be accepted no more than 48 hours in… Read More
Entrepreneurial Inspiration, Nature Coast Style
What do you do when your livelihood is completely disrupted? Even with an emergency plan, many small businesses on Florida’s Nature Coast were unprepared for the changes brought about by the Coronavirus, or COVID-19, to our area in mid-March. On March 20, 2020, Governor Ron DeSantis ordered all Florida restaurants… Read More
Citrus County to enhance Fort Island Gulf Beach
The park closures due to the COVID-19 public health emergency, has provided Citrus County Parks and Recreation an opportunity to move up a project that had been planned for later this spring at Fort Island Gulf Beach in Crystal River. The $300,000 beach sand nourishment project commenced on April 6,… Read More
Manatee Adventure by ‘Yak is Fabulous!
Kayak-based manatee experience adventures can start about 8:30 am – and even be scheduled throughout the day at Hunter Springs Kayaks in Crystal River – which is where I enjoyed my latest manatee adventure. Most of the public, pontoon-based charter services start at 6:30-7 am. An hour’s… Read More
16th Annual Kids Fishing Clinic February 29th
Teaching children a lifelong hobby, appreciation for our marine environment and a fun family outing are the objectives for the Kids’ Fishing Clinic. 16th Annual Kids Fishing Clinic February 29th The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and Citrus County Parks and Recreation (CCPR) present a FREE Kids’… Read More
Coastal Region Public Library to host free ABC of Dementia workshop
The Coastal Region Public Library, located at 8619 W. Crystal Street in Crystal River, Florida, will host an ABC of Dementia workshop from 10 to noon on Tuesday, March 3, 2020. Coastal Region Public Library to host free ABC of Dementia workshop It is free and open to the… Read More
Cattle Dog Coffee Roasters Gifting customers January 3
Cattle Dog Coffee Roasters will be gifting the first 50 Customers at each of their Hernando, Inverness, and Crystal River locations on January 3, 2020. Cattle Dog Coffee Roasters began in Citrus County in 2008 with a single store and a vision. Stephen Dorst got the wonderful store open in… Read More
Coastal Region Library to host ABC of Dementia workshop
The Coastal Region Public Library, located at 8619 Crystal Street in Crystal River, Florida will host a free ABC of Dementia workshop from 1 to 3 p.m. on Monday, January 13, 2020. Coastal Region Library to host ABC of Dementia workshop The workshop, conducted by Debbie Selsavage, President of… Read More
Santa to visit Cattle Dog Coffee Roasters Crystal River Saturday, Dec. 21
Saturday, December 21, Santa will be visiting Cattle Dog Coffee Roasters in Crystal River, Florida, from 8 – 11 a.m. Even Santa needs his caffeine pick-me-up, and what better place to get it than a local roaster on Florida’s Nature Coast. Stop by the store at 638 N. Citrus Avenue… Read More
“For-Hire” Fishing Workshop to be offered
New and established charter captains and fishing guides are invited to attend the 6th annual “For-Hire” fishing workshop from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm on Friday, January 31, 2019, at the Marine Science Station, 12646 W. Fort Island Trail, Crystal River, Florida. “For-Hire” Fishing Workshop to be offered Connect with… Read More
Learning about Water Management via Kayak
It’s commonly called “swift mud” locally in a mispronunciation of the initials defining the Southwest Water Management District (SWFWMD). SWFWMD is one of five water management districts in Florida, and the District covers sixteen counties including Florida’s Nature Coast. It is headquartered in Brooksville, Florida. Today, the Southwest… Read More
Paddlers Costume Parade Oct. 26 to help a Great Cause
The City of Crystal River and Hunter Springs Kayaks have partnered to bring a new event to downtown Crystal River. In conjunction with the popular Movie at the Beach series hosted by the City, Hunter Springs Kayaks is introducing a Costume Parade and Contest to take place on kayaks… Read More
Crystal River Archaeological State Park
The northwest edge of Crystal River is home to a National Historic Landmark consisting of the Crystal River Archaeological State Park. This pre-Columbian Native American site containing burial mounds, temple mounds, a plaza area, and a sizeable shell midden is worth a visit from anywhere.
This 61-acre Native American site was occupied long before Columbus came to America; in fact, evidence has been found that puts native peoples living at this site from the Deptford period (800 BC), the Swift Creek-Santa Rosa culture and up to the late Fort Walton period (1500 AD). It is one of the longest continuously occupied sites in Florida with many stories to tell.
Native peoples who lived at, and visited, the site that houses the CR Archaeological Park were able to hunt and gather food from the sea (oysters, saltwater fish), land (deer, bear, beaver), and marsh (turtles, freshwater fish) in this area.
These native peoples built six large middens, mostly consisting of oyster shells and bones from fish and animals that provided their food, layered with sand and plant debris.
Some of these mounds were used to bury the human remains also, and it is believed that over 7,500 Natives lived or visited here. Evidence of trading with other tribes has been found. This is a peaceful place to visit, with explanatory displays, demonstrations and trails to roam. There are several archaeological finds, and activities to help history come alive.
Crystal River Preserve State Park
Next to the Archaeological Park is the Crystal River Preserve State Park, with a fantastic historical boat tour each Monday, Wednesday and Friday run by the Park’s Friends organization. The boat tour allows visitors the opportunity to see the islands and temple mounds of the time gone by. It can make it easier to visualize how this historic society operated. There are interpretive exhibits. Coincidentally, the archaeological excavations began in 1903.
Today the Florida Public Archaeology Network of USF has an office at the Crystal River State Preserve. 
An historic and nature-viewing tour is available at the Crystal River Sate Park, put on by Friends’ of the Park, it offers another view into ancient civilizations, the opportunity to see native wildlife and a relaxing cruise that supports the park and its activities.
The City of Crystal River
After the Second Seminole War and the Armed Occupation Act of 1842, twenty-two men filed for land in Crystal River. Several families moved to the area after the Civil War. The turpentine industry brought more people to the area, with William Turner being a noted early resident.
If you’ve ever written with a Dixon pencil, you are using a piece of Crystal River’s history. The cedar mill that made the planks those pencils were made from was located to Kings Bay in 1882. Those boards were shipped to New Jersey to make Dixon pencils.
1888 brought the railroad to Crystal River, providing a way for wealthy northerners to come to Crystal River to sport fish and starting the area’s thriving tourism business.
The Crystal River Nuclear Plant
During excavations for the Florida Nuclear Power Plant in 1969, scientists discovered rhinoceros and mastodon bones, as well as the shells of an extremely large armadillo and a large land tortoise.
The power plant was completed and licensed to operate in December 1976, and operated safely for 33 years until shutdown in September 2009. It was the third plant built as part of the 4,700-acre River Energy Complex (CREC) that includes four fossil fuel power plants.
In 2009, the Crystal River nuclear plant was shut down for “routine maintenance.” During the maintenance, the reactor was cracked and determined to be inoperable. In 2014, the plant was closed.
Attracting Visitors to Crystal River
The Plantation Inn and Golf Resort was built in 1962 along the banks of the pristine Crystal River. In 1975, W.W. Caruth Jr. purchased the property, impressed with its beautiful natural setting and Old South charm. Today, this beautiful resort offers fine dining, manatee and scalloping tours, fishing charters, a riverside pool area, three golf courses, and an on-site spa. It has plenty of history in the area and is a premier place for getting away on the Nature Coast.
Crystal River Trolley stop 
The Edwards House 
Heritage Village 
Cattle Dog Coffee Roasters Crystal River location. 
On eo fth ecute downtown Crystal River shops.
Crystal River’s Charming Downtown
In 2015, Crystal River became a Main Street community.
The downtown area has many repurposed historic homes that now house shops, restaurants, galleries, and service businesses.
The area near Citrus Avenue and US 19 is home to Heritage Village, which encompasses the Eubanks Edwards House (c.1900) and several early rental cottages. Directly across Citrus Avenue, quaint businesses welcome visitors and residents. Historic buildings, quaint lighting, and colorful landscaping welcome shoppers daily.
Manatee Tours and Three Sisters Springs
Over the years, Crystal River has become most well-known for its manatee tours. Citrus County is the only place one can swim in the water with manatees legally. There are many tour operators that provide complete packages for this amazing encounter. Some of our favorites can be found here.
Three Sisters Springs in Crystal River is one of the most beautiful places to see manatees and it was saved from development in 2010 and became part of the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge. Boardwalks have been built around the Springs and now you can visit daily 8:30-4:30 for a fee. Trolley tours take visitors from the boardwalk area to downtown Crystal River as part of the $7.50 admission fee.
Several public parks are located throughout Crystal River. Hunters Springs was recently updated and given a beautiful boardwalk and kayak launch, along with playground equipment and picnic provisions. The only fee is for parking and the manatees are easy to spot from the boardwalk.
Festivals and Events celebrate Crystal River
There are many festivals and events held in Crystal River throughout the year. To see what’s happening now, check out NatureCoaster’s events page.
