DeSoto National Memorial
Right on the Manatee River, west of downtown, this 26-acre park attracts history buffs by re-creating the look and atmosphere of the period when Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto landed in 1539. It includes a restoration of de Soto’s campsite and a scenic .5-mile nature trail that circles a mangrove jungle and leads to the ruins of one of the first settlements in the area. Start by watching the 21-minute film about de Soto in America. From December to March, park employees dress in 16th-century costumes and portray the early settlers’ way of life, including cooking and the firing of an arquebus, one of the world’s earliest firearms. They also have a 16th century escape room for ages 10 and over for a dollar fee, as well as fishing clinics and living history camps with programs and demonstrations from 10am to 3pm Thursday through Sunday.
Right on the Manatee River, west of downtown, this 26-acre park attracts history buffs by re-creating the look and atmosphere of the period when Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto landed in 1539. It includes a restoration of de Soto’s campsite and a scenic .5-mile nature trail that circles a mangrove jungle and leads to the ruins of one of the first settlements in the area. Start by watching the 21-minute film about de Soto in America. From December to March, park employees dress in 16th-century costumes and portray the early settlers’ way of life, including cooking and the firing of an arquebus, one of the world’s earliest firearms. They also have a 16th century escape room for ages 10 and over for a dollar fee, as well as fishing clinics and living history camps with programs and demonstrations from 10am to 3pm Thursday through Sunday.
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