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.