turtle mound national historic site

SUP4ME

If you want to explore some of "old Florida", and have a scenic view of both the intracoastal, and the ocean, at the same time then this is a place to hit! There are wooden boardwalks made that will guide the walker up through mangrove trees, and natural FL vegetation. As the foliage becomes more dense, be careful of spider webs that span across the boardwalk, with spiders sitting in the webs (this is their natural habitat ..). Also be sure to bring a can of mosquito spray as the intracoastal view is of, Mosquito Lagoon. Plus, the dense foliage allows a ripe breeding ground for mosquitoes.

FireballNashville

Located in the National Park at the south end of A1A (South Atlantic Boulevard) in New Smyrna Beach, this large mound on the shores of Mosquito Bay is worth a visit. It is easily accessible with a boardwalk that takes the visitor to the top of the mound. Exhibit boards tell this history of this shell mount -- which essentially was a land-fill or garbage dump for Indians who once lived in the area. From the top of the mound you will have a great view of the lagoon where you might spot dolphins and many kinds of birds. We visited on a nice sunny, warm February day. From what we are told, visits at other times of the year will involve a major mosquito challenge. The park service does not spray!

moongazer849

…which gets you in to the park free if you carry a National Park Pass! We only had a little time after riding the Turtlemound Pontoon boat tour -- so we felt we needed to go see the Turtlemound itself -- a spectacular exhibit of an oyster shell mound. It is quite amazing that so much vegetation can grow on top of the shells. There is a beautiful view of the sea ashore (toward the river and toward the Atlantic ocean.) a nice boardwalk up to the top and renovations underway to make the path even more wheelchair accessible.

BuffaloGryde

Turtle Mound is actually a giant pile of oyster shells and bones built up by the natives over hundreds of years. At a height of 45 feet it is the highest natural formation in Florida. I'm sure that it was used as an observation platform to watch for whale and turtle migrations and of course invading tribes. The views from on top the midden are inspiring. You can almost see the sails of the Spanish fleet appearing on the horizon. The Mound is now covered with brush, trees and raised walkways to the top. If you walk quietly and look around you will be amazed at what you will see in and from Turtle Mound.

paraiso47

The deep history of the area is found at Canaveral National Seashore. Close your eyes....take a deep breath.....open your eyes and Ponce de Leon is standing before you !!!!!

885myinfoc

We spent 2 days in the park walking the paths and beach drove both ends of the park south one day north the other their is a lot to see if you just take the time

cathyh615

I love this whole park. It is one of the reasons we love the area. The mound is unique in history and when you get to the top,it makes for some awesome pictures with the family. Make sure to read the history of the mound when you are there. It doesn't take long, so its worth the short stop.

RosalindP776

The Turtle Mound lies within the Canaveral Seashore National Park. Interesting to visit on the long seashore strip of the Park. Beautiful, clean, sandy, quiet beaches - totally natural with no condos, shops or loud attractions. Excellent Visitor Center at the entrance close to New Smyrna Beach - look up and see the very beautiful turtle paintings on canvas, they are enormous !! (This beach is a nesting site for Loggerhead Turtles.) Stay and watch the short video - excellent overview of the Park. And take your bikes - flat, long road along the coast - cars go slowly because of speed restrictions and there are plenty of entry areas on to the beach with restrooms.

MinnScooter

We were there with an out of town friend we were showing around while not overly impressed my the mound itself ( which is pretty impressive when you think it is just discarded shells from the oysters people ate) but she thought the view was wonderful. They said it was high enough that it was put on the map that Ponce de Leon made of the area to help with navigation. There is an entrance fee per car to the Nat seashore but once inside everything including this are free.

827carolynb

There wasn't much to see, but it was interesting to walk up the walkway that led to the top of Turtle Mound and to see the view from that vantage point. It is interesting that Native Americans made such a big mound of discarded shells that it is visible from the river and appears to look like the shape of a turtle!

josie5689

Historical site is within the Canaveral National Seashore and is a National Park. It is a giant prehistoric shell mound and has walkways leading to the top. I always take houseguests down there as it is just a nice day walking around and viewing the ocean. There is a small fee to get into the park. The Eldora house is also located further south and sits on the mosquito lagoon. It has been restored but every time I have been there, it was not open to the public. Take beach chairs to sit and watch either the lagoon or the ocean; either way it is a relaxing way to spend a couple of hours.

797dennisp

We saw quite a bit of wildlife while we were walking along the trails - from tortoises and lizards to pelicans and dolphins when we got to the water - oh and don't forget the mosquitos !! Had the memory of them on my arms and legs for days afterwards !! Took bug spray which worked for my wife but anything I put on that is supposed to repel insects seems to encourage them to bathe in it !Had a picnic by the water which was beautiful and insect free due to the breeze.

raspinto

The trails and beach are well set out for visitors.The shop and ranger on duty provided a good overview of the place.

Cindy__31589

I was looking forward to seeing this shell mound but I had a hard time seeing anything. We stopped at a small parking area that had a sign saying "Turtle Mound Archaeological Site". That was the one and only sign we saw about the mound. Nothing to explain what you are seeing. You walk on a boardwalk to stay above the actual mound. The mound is completely covered with trees, bushes, and vines so it is difficult to see any shells. I would think that the roots from the plants are damaging the mound more than allowing us to walk on the mound.We traveled 30 minutes to get here. Between no signs and no way to actually see the mound, it was very disappointing. Since it is a National Historic Site, I hope it's improved some day.

632hermannr

climb a small hill, walk through the path in the trees to get a nice view across the river and the ocean.