Main Page - Mound Key Archeological State Park

View of Estero Bay from atop one of the mounds.

Manager's Message

Mound Key Archeological State Park is only accessible by boat. The staff at Koreshan State Historic Site will be glad to provide you with information for Estero Bay Preserve State Park, Koreshan State Historic Site, and Mound Key Archaeological State Park. Please call 239-992-0311.
- Robert Brooks, Park Manager

Welcome to Mound Key Archeological State Park

Framed in forests of mangrove trees, the shell mounds and ridges of Mound Key rise more than 30 feet above the waters of Estero Bay. Prehistoric Native Americans are credited with creating this island's complex of mounds with an accumulation of seashells, fish bones, and pottery. Mound Key is believed to have been the ceremonial center of the Calusa Indians when the Spaniards first attempted to colonize Southwest Florida. In 1566, the Spanish governor of Florida established a settlement on the island with a fort and the first Jesuit mission in the Spanish New World. The settlement was abandoned three years later after violent clashes with the Indians. The only access to the island is by boat; there are no facilities. Interpretive displays can be found along a trail that spans the width of the island. Located in Estero Bay, several miles by boat from Koreshan State Historic Site or Lovers Key State Park.

Contact the Florida Park Service Information Center for general inquiries.
For Information about Mound Key Archeological State Park, please call 239-992-0311.

Hours of Operation

Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year.

Driving Directions

Mound Key is managed by Koreshan State Historic Site. Koreshan State Historic Site is located off exit 123 on I75. Go west on Corkscrew Rd. cross US-41. Koreshans entrance is 1000 feet west of US-41 on the right. Mound Key is accessible by boat only. It can be reached by the Estero River and accessed at the Koreshan State Historic Sites boat ramp. It is approximately 3.5 miles from the boat ramp to the island. Also Lovers Key State Park on Estero Island offers a boat ramp which can be used as a starting point.