Contact Info
- Phone:
- 941-792-0458
Basics
- Type:
- Other
Description
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.
Hours + Fees
Hours:
Operating Hours
The Visitor Center is open daily, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Park grounds are open dawn to dusk, but the parking lot gates close at 5:00 p.m. Vehicles left within the parking lot after 5:00 p.m. will remain there overnight and may be ticketed. There is no overnight camping in the park.
De Soto National Memorial is closed on New Years Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. The park may be closed during hurricane season if the arrival of a hurricane is imminent.
Map + Directions
Basic Directions
De Soto National Memorial is located at the northern terminus of 75th Street North West in Bradenton, Florida. Visitors can reach the park from I-75 or I-275.
From I-75
Follow State Road 64 west (also Manatee Avenue), for approximately twelve miles to 75th Street West. Turn right (north) onto 75th Street West, and proceed two and one half mile to the park entrance and the terminus of 75th Street.
From I-275
Take exit 1, follow US-19 into Bradenton. Turn west onto State Road 64, and proceed approximately five miles to 75th Street West. Turn right (north) onto 75th Street West, and proceed two and one half mile to the park entrance and the terminus of 75th Street.
