De Soto National Memorial (U.S. National Park Service)

QUICKLINKS:

A Bloody Four Year Battle in the New World

On a swelteringly hot day in May 1539, Spaniard Hernando de Soto splashed ashore at Tampa Bay intent on capturing the riches of La Florida by any means necessary. His army was alternately welcomed and opposed by Native American tribes throughout what is now the Southeastern United States in a four year, four thousand mile odyssey of intrigue, warfare, disease, and discovery.

Experience Camp Uzita

The Living History interpreters provide formal and informal presentations, including demonstrations of the crossbow and firing the arquebus in a unique 16th century setting. This year's season runs from December 15 to April 26.

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Become a Junior Ranger!

Download the Junior Ranger activity book and earn a De Soto Junior Ranger badge.

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Living history volunteer dressed in period clothing

Explore the Legacy of the De Soto Expedition

Download the collected descriptions of the De Soto Expedition that compose the Chronicles and other related stories of the De Soto Expedition and the Native Americans they encountered.

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Desoween &Spooky Night Hike

De Soto National Memorial would like to invite the public to come out to the park for Desoween a family friendly spooky experience. On Thursday, October 30th bring the kids in their Halloween costumes to the park at 6:30 p.m. There will be several activities, a Halloween costume contest and prizes for the kids. After dark, Park Rangers will lead everyone on a spooky trail walk through the haunted mangroves. This will be a family experience without the scary costumes and gore of other haunted houses, so children of all ages will be able to participate. Learn about De Soto, the American Indians and local haunted history through spooky tales. So come out and have a great experience and let the kids try out their costumes before Halloween.
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Write to

De Soto National Memorial
P.O. Box 15390
Bradenton, FL 34280

E-mail Us

Phone

Visitor Information
(941) 792-0458 ext. 105

Fax

(941) 792-5094

Climate

Winter is normally mild with occasional periods of temperatures in the 30s and 40s. Summer is normally hot and muggy with both temperature and humidity exceeding 90. Click the "more" link below to be redirected to a site which features local weather conditions.
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