Mound Key Archaeological State Park is an archaeological island managed directly by Koreshan State Historic Site. This 125-acre island is located in the Estero Bay, and was created over 2,000 years ago by the indigenous tribe known as the Calusa, or “fierce people”. Acquisition of Mound Key by the State, began in 1961. Of the 125 acres, 113 of those acres are managed by the park system.

Mound Key is located in Estero Bay, and is only accessible by boat. There are no facilities on the island. Interpretive displays can be found along the one main trail that spans the width of the island. There are many mounds along the trail, and the largest rising to a height of more that 30 feet above sea level. If you can brave the mosquitoes the view from the top of the tallest mound provides a wonderful vista of the bay.

To get to Mound Key, there are boat launches at both Lovers Key State Park, located between Fort Myers Beach and Bonita Beach, or at Koreshan State Historic Site located in Estero, along the Estero River. Koreshan offers canoe rentals and the round trip takes about 5 hours, with an hour allocated to your stay on Mound Key. The trip down the Estero River is scenic as you pass through the Estero Bay Buffer Preserve on your way to Mound Key. Manatees frequent the river seasonally, and alligators are year-round residents of the river. Wading birds, like great blue herons, great white egrets, and ibises are plentiful in the river. Once in the bay you are likely to see wild dolphins and many varieties of birds such as brown pelicans, and roseate spoonbills.

There are many varieties of plants that call this island home including Royal Poinciana, Gumbo Limbo, Papaya, and Mangroves. Orchids may be seen in the trees and on the ground flowering in their respective seasons. Butterflies are plentiful on Mound Key as there are many wild flowers such as lantana, and porter weed that attract them.

Today Mound Key is preserved by the Florida Park Service for its value in holding the wealth of knowledge that helps us understand the culture of the Calusa Indians. Every part of the island serves as a piece of a giant jigsaw puzzle that is the answer to the questions of the mysterious Calusa. There is no written language of the Calusa, so archaeologists will one day study every artifact on the island to determine their history, and write the story of their now extinct culture. All of the resources on Mound Key are protected under State and Federal Laws. This makes it illegal to remove anything, whether it is natural or cultural from the site, so please do not harm or remove any plants, animals, archaeological or historical remains.

For additional information please feel free to contact Koreshan State Historic Site at (239) 992-0311.

Florida law prohibits digging for or collecting artifacts on state-owned land. To preserve scenic beauty and ecology, fences and warning signs have not been installed in some park areas. Caution and close supervision of children is required while visiting these areas.

Hours of Operation

The island is open from 8 am until sundown.

Driving Directions

Mound Key is managed by Koreshan State Historic Site. Koreshan State Historic Site is located off exit 123 on I-75. Go west on Corkscrew Rd to US-41.

Mound Key is accessible by boat only. It can be reached by the Estero River and accessed at the Koreshan State Historic Site's boat ramp. It is approximately 3.5 miles from the boat ramp to the island. Also Lover's Key State Park on Estero Island offers a boat ramp which can be used as a starting point.

Park Fees

Admission Fees - Admission is Free

One Saturday in March annually, Archeological Day, the Florida Park Service gives guided walks on the island. Transportation is provided. Cost is $5.00 per adult and $3.00 for 12 and under. The tours last about 1 hour. Reservations are required.

Mound Key Archeological State Park P.O. Box 7 Estero, Florida 33928 Phone: 239-992-0311 Fax: 239-992-1607 Park Manager: Robert Baker