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Plan a Road Trip > Explore America > National Parks > De Soto National Memorial |
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75th St NW, PO Box 15390, Bradenton, FL 34209-5390
Phone: 941-792-0458
Fax: 941-792-5094
Open All Year
Overview. In 1539 the Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto landed on the Florida coast. Searching for legendary gold, he and his small army of conquistadores spent four years marching through the southeastern section of the present-day United States. Eventually they took the Mississippi south, ultimately reaching Mexico with only 300 men. This park commemorates the first extensive European expedition through the southeast states.
What to see and do. Both indoors and outdoors you get a taste of the conquistadores' life during their journey. Inside the visitor center (open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.), browse through museum artifacts such as a suit of armor and weapons. Exhibit panels explain the importance of de Soto's expedition, its route, and its impact upon Native Americans. After watching a film about the expedition, catch the living history programs from mid-December through mid-April; these demonstrations give you an idea of how the Spanish lived in their new and sometimes hostile environment. Outside, walk along the half-mile nature trail. Along the way, you'll see the same kinds of birds and animals de Soto and his men would have encountered in the southeastern wilderness. Plaques describe the vegetation, and you'll recognize the pelicans and herons. Plan on spending an hour or two at this park. Leashed pets are permitted. Handicapped-accessible facilities are available.
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Please call ahead to confirm details. We do our best to give you current information, but facts can change. Please let us know if you find something's changed.
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