VISITATION:

The main visitor season begins in December and extends through April; lowest visitation occurs during September and October.

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LOCATION:

Bradenton, FL

ADDRESS:

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

TELEPHONE:

(941) 792-0458, (941) 792-5094 (FAX)

OPERATING HOURS, SEASONS:

Daily, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., closed New Year's, Thanksgiving and Christmas Days.

CLIMATE, RECOMMENDED CLOTHING:

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.

DIRECTIONS:

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.

TRANSPORTATION:

Access by interstate highways (I-75 and I-275), and several state roads. Bradenton is serviced by the Sarasota-Bradenton Airport, and several bus lines.

FEES, COSTS, RATES:

No admission fee, although fees are charged for special park use permits, i.e., weddings and special events, etc.

FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES:
Visitor Center/Exhibits:

The visitor center has a twenty two minute film entitled, "Legacy of a Legend", and it is shown on the hour. This film depicts the four year, 4000 mile journey of Soto and his men, throughout what is now the southeastern United States. The visitor center offers museum articles that relate to the Soto expedition. Another exhibit details the native Indian culture that flourished in this area when Soto arrived. Also in the visitor center, a touch screen computer gives detailed information on the European explorers, other national parks in Florida, and local area information.

For information on archeology at De Soto N.M. visit SEAC.

Trails, Roads:

A one-half mile self guiding interpretive trail leads through mangrove and coastal environments.

Programs/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.

Lodging and camping facilities:

None in the park.

Other Concessions/NPS-Managed Visitor Facilities and Opportunities:

A bookstore operated by the Eastern National is in the visitor center, and offers Soto related historical books, NPS related publications and various postcards.

Accessibility:

Park facilities are wheelchair accessible. A regular wheelchair and a specially designed beach wheelchair are available for visitor use.

RESERVATIONS/PERMITS:

Schools or other large groups must have reservations. Special use permits are required for weddings and other special events.

ADJACENT VISITOR ATTRACTIONS:

The Manatee and Sarasota County area has many attractions: Gamble Mansion State Historical Site, South Florida Museum, Lake Manatee State Recreation Area, Myakka River State Park and the fabulous gulf beaches.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Write or call De Soto National Memorial, P. O. Box 15390, Bradenton, FL 34280, (941) 792-0458.

Last Modified: June 28, 1997
URL: www.nps.gov/deso/index.htm