De Soto National Memorial

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Reenactor Bill Boston on his horse Dixie in front of the De Soto Monument.
Reenactor Bill Boston on his horse Dixie in front of the De Soto Monument.
De Soto Tim Burke greets on of the parks Junior Rangers
De Soto Tim Burke greets on of the parks Junior Rangers
Sunset at the Park
The Sunsets on another day at De Soto NM
Photos: National Park Service

About De Soto National Memorial

In May 1539, Conquistador Hernando de Soto’s army of soldiers, hired mercenaries, craftsmen, and clergy made landfall in Tampa Bay. They were met with fierce resistance of indigenous people protecting their homelands. De Soto’s quest for glory and gold would be a four year, four thousand mile odyssey of intrigue, warfare, disease, and discovery that would form the history of the United States.

Quick Facts

State Florida
Designation National Memorial
State Code FL
Weather Summers avg. Temperature is 90 degrees Fahrenheit with a relative humidity of 80-90% Late afternoon showers and thunderstorms are common usually lasting only 10-20 minutes. Winters are mild and dry…

Location & Map

De Soto National Memorial is located in Florida.

Operating Hours

De Soto National Memorial is open with a Visitor Contact Tent. The park's Visitor Center remains closed due to Hurricane damage. The park cannot offer the movie at this time. Trails are awaiting rehabilitation and access is limited for those who need mobility assistance. There are portable restroom facilities and handwashing stations on site for visitor use.

Wednesday 9:00AM - 4:30PM
Monday 9:00AM - 4:30PM
Thursday 9:00AM - 4:30PM
Sunday 9:00AM - 4:30PM
Tuesday 9:00AM - 4:30PM
Friday 9:00AM - 4:30PM
Saturday 9:00AM - 4:30PM

Activities

Fishing Saltwater Fishing Living History Reenactments Historic Weapons Demonstration Paddling Kayaking Shopping Bookstore and Park Store

Getting There

Driving Directions: From I-75 Take exit 220 SR 64/Manatee Ave, Gulf Beaches exit. Travel west on SR 64 for approximately 12 miles to 75th St. W. Turn right onto 75th St. W. travel north approximately 2 miles to the northern terminus 75th St. W. turns into De Soto Memorial Hwy and dead ends into the park.

View Official Directions

Contact & Address

Address 8300 De Soto Memorial Hwy, Bradenton, FL, 34209
Phone 9417920458
Email deso_interpretive_staff@nps.gov

Topics & Themes

Explorers and Expeditions Hispanic American Heritage Maritime Maritime - Military Ships and Shipwrecks Military Indigenous and Native Warrior Native American Heritage Tragic Events Massacres Wars and Conflicts Colonial/European Contact Conflicts Animals Birds Tortoises and Turtles Estuaries and Mangroves Wetlands Marshes Swamps

Visitor Centers

De Soto National Memorial Visitor Reception Tent

The De Soto National Visitor Reception area is located on the sidewalk outside of the Visitor Center. Visitors can receive information such as program and…

Hours: De Soto National Memorial's Visitor Center is Closed due to storm damage. We have established a Visitor Reception Tent where visitors can collect information, participate in the Junior Ranger Program, and stamp their Passport books. The Visitor Reception tent availability is subject to foul weather and sustained high winds. There are no restroom currently available to the public on-site.

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