DeSoto National Memorial Park

8300 Desoto Memorial Hwy, Bradenton, FL 34209, USA

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Address:	8300 Desoto Memorial Hwy, Bradenton, FL 34209, USA
Phone:	+1 941-792-0458
Site:	nps.gov
Rating:	4.7
Working:	9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 15

Steve Markos

I am a writer and photographer for National Park Planner and I visited De Soto National Memorial in February 2015. The park is located in Bradenton, Florida, on what is thought to be Spanish conquistador Hernando de Soto’s landing point for his 1539 expedition of what was then known as La Florida and lands further to the north. The park was established in 1948 as a National Memorial and not a National Historic Site because the location of De Soto’s actual landing point can only be speculated. To obtain the designation of “Historic Site” the location of the event must be certain. In 1987 archaeologists did find a significant amount of Indian and European artifacts on the site, and while this points to the park being the probable camp of De Soto, it is still conjecture. De Soto had been a secondary commander in a Francisco Pizarro-led expedition into Peru and now yearned for an expedition of his own. He was eventually granted permission by Spain’s King Charles V and sailed for Cuba in 1537, where he organized his expedition. He departed Havana in May 1539 and landed on the west cost of Florida. His journey would take him further into North America than any European had been before. He made it as far north as modern day Charlotte, North Carolina, and as far west as Texas. Spanish explorers promised many things to the King, but they had only one intent in mind—to get rich by finding gold, silver, and jewels. This involved brutal conquest of the native people, as was the case in South America with the Inca and Aztec tribes. De Soto’s journey was no different except that he often met with stiff resistance from the North American Indians. Though he killed and enslaved many of them, battles cut his army from 700 men to half that number by the spring of 1542 when he caught a fever and died. The surviving men aborted the expedition and headed down the Mississippi River and on to Mexico. The men had found no gold, no land to colonize, and their tales of hostile Indians were a major factor in why Spain never attempted further colonization beyond La Florida. De Soto National Memorial is a small park that can be visited in a few hours. You can learn about De Soto and his expedition at the Visitor Center and Museum, and visit a replica of his first camp, Camp Uzita, where park Rangers and volunteers dress in period costume and conduct blacksmithing, cooking, and weapons demonstrations. You can even try on armor and chain mail. A short trail takes visitors to De Soto Point and follows the shoreline of the Manatee River. For complete information on the park and plenty of quality photos visit National Park Planner (npplan).

J Patrick

History told of the Conquistador Hernando DeSotos expedition into Florida and his landing near this national park. All free. Exellent learning experience for all ages. Reenactors showing the weapons and tools used by both DeSotos men and the Indians they met. A walking path with information plaques throughout describing the flora of the area and tidbits about DeSotos expedition. The area is beautiful and along the Manatee river at the mouth of Tampa Bay. The park has a gift shop where there are exhibits of armor and clothing worn, maps and books. There is also a very informative video played in a small theater outlining the whole expedition. For the student researching the expedition I highly recommend a two volumned book: The DeSoto Chronicles as told by members of the expedition, sold at the shop, expensive at around $65.00 or available on Amazon in Kindle format at approximately $53.00. I bought both formats. A fun, half day of exploring, picnicing, sitting on the beach on the river, a must see national park while visiting the Sarasota/Bradenton area.

LUIS E PASSERINI

El lugar es un pequeño parque memorial, lugar histórico, que se recorre en 1 hora. Con un pequeño pero cómodo centro informativo. Si vas a estar días por allí y te gusta la historia no dejes de ir. En otros casos, no vayas. Confieso que llegue pensando que me dirigía a Fort de Soto. Era nuestra primera vez en la zona, con base vacacional en Orlando.

Michael Miller

This is a public park/nature trail with a few displays. Its a very nice trail. See what the natural habitat looks like. Contemplate the impact of Spaniards meeting the native peoples. This place is very nicely laid out with a very walkable trail and nice displays. Multiple access points to the coast and ample parking. For a free experience, this is a very highly recommended place. Oh, if you go up the road you might find cars parked to the side. This is an early entrance. Keep driving forward and youll see the main parking loop.

DeeKay

DeSoto National Park, not to be confused with DeSoto County Park north of here in Pinellas County, is a place where you can step back in time to 1539. Follow the Spanish Explorer Hernando DeSoto on his 4,000 mile expedition from Florida across Georgia, Arkansas and Mississippi. The film and visitor center were very informative. Park Rangers friendly. Nice nature trail along the shore of the Manatee River.

Chris McKinney

Lovely place, great history. There is a small museum, containing a very informative presentation on De Soto and his travels. The star here is the trail/outdoor activities. Take some time to explore, at least the short portion of the trail. My kids loved it as there are further historical displays scattered throughout. Great for an hour or two of activities.

Ryan Bowersox

Very pleasant, cozy little memorial site. Long trail is just 1 mile, but with some very nice views of the river. Gives you an appreciation of what occurred in the area a very long time ago. Perhaps the best part is that the place is not crowded, very peaceful and relaxing if thats what youre going for. I very much enjoyed it!

Sean Duade

Beautiful National Memorial Park right in our backyard, lots to explore, great trails, and scenic spots, as well as plenty of educational placards and displays. My only gripe is the poor hours of operation. Most days the park is closed at 5. So, plan a day trip, if youd like any help from the friendly Park Rangers.

Wal Verde

Good to enjoy a nice trail walk. See some re-enactments of when the Hernando De Soto expedicion landed in the beaches of Tampa Bay. Light fishing. Nice picnic area, different activities like kayak and canoes can be done by the beaches along the Park. Its more of a place to relax!

Cassini 127

Awesome place to visit! The park is someplace I would recommend to any tourists in the Sarasota-Bradenton Area. The exhibits in the visitors center are very informing. De Soto National Memorial is a great place to go to learn about local history if you are visiting this area.

Jessica Stambach

Great place to have a scenic picnic. Not too touristy so there is plenty of wildlife. Caught a fiddler crab and a clam just by walking up to the shore line and wading. Really great place to take the family dog and escape for some peace and quiet and do a little fishing.

Frederik l

Promenade sympa dans ce parc où on y apprend un peu plus sur le conquistador De Soto. Entrée gratuite.

Mark Barreda

Great place for a walk or swim with your family & pet. Plenty of spots to soak up Florida history, flora and fauna. Good launching point for a kayak. Although you will have to carry your boat about 60 yards to the shore.

Jeb Eldridge

Beautiful entrance area makes a perfect place for photographs and events, yet I feel like the rest of the landscape could be maintained better and more pleasant to attract more people to learn about our states history.

A Private User

My husband and I took the kayak tour today!! It was very very enjoyable. Ranger Dan did a very very nice job, great facts, some humor and a beautiful day for a kayak tour!! I would highly recommend this to all.