De Soto National Memorial

The mission of De Soto National Memorial is to commemorate Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto, who landed on the southwest Florida coast in 1539. With an army of 600 soldiers, Soto had come to the new world with a license from the King of Spain to explore, colonize and pacify the Indians of the area known as "La Florida". The expedition faced many hardships throughout the four-year, 4000-mile journey. Programs at the park explain the prevailing 16th century Spanish cultural values and the inevitable clash with the native cultures the expedition encountered. This expedition was the first large scale European mission into the interior of North America. Survivors of the expedition reported the abundance of rich natural resources found in "La Florida".

P. O. Box 15390
Bradenton, FL 34280-5390
(941) 792-0458 - Visitor Information

By Plane
Sarasota-Bradenton Airport

By Car
De Soto National Memorial is located at the northern terminus of 75th St. NW, Bradenton, Florida. Visitors can reach the park from I-75 or I-275.
From I-75 exit 42, follow State Road 64 west, for approximately twelve miles to 75th Street NW. Turn right (north) onto 75th Street NW, and proceed two and five-tenths miles to the park.

From I-275 exit 1, follow US-19 into Bradenton. Turn west onto State Road 64, for approximately five miles to 75th Street NW. Turn right (north) onto 75th Street NW, and proceed two and five- tenths miles to the park.

By Plane
Several commercial bus lines serve the area

Winter is normally mild with occasional periods of temperatures in the 30's and 40's. Summer is normally hot and muggy with both temperature and humidity exceeding 90.

Here are some of the activities that are offered at Mount Rainier National Park.

• Educational Programs
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Bird Watching
• Nature Walks

Recommended Activities
From late December to early April, Camp Ucita, a reproduction of the 16th Century Indian village that the Soto expedition used as a base camp, is open. Park rangers dressed in period costume give demonstrations of blacksmithing, cooking, armor repair and military weapons of the period. Of special interest is the firing of a military crossbow, and an Arquebus - a primitive black powder weapon that predates the flintlock. Upon advance request, special films or demonstrations are arranged for groups.