Friends of DeSoto National Memorial, Inc.
Bradenton, FL
Events
Camp Uzita Living History: Every Day from December 7th through April 19th. Visitors get a unique look into Spanish and Native American life in the 16th Century. Park staff offer talks and demonstrations on the lasting impact De Soto would have on the history of America and the native people. Programs run daily at the top of each hour from 10 am-3 pm.
Concert on the Lawn: February 22, 2014, 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m. A six piece band whose members hail from Panama and the United States. Los Legendarios plays a mixture of traditional and contemporary Panamanian music. They play in many circuits and festivals around Tampa Bay and Orlando as ambassadors of Latin culture and music.
Dog Days at De Soto: March 15, 2104, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Come out and help us celebrate our four-legged friends. This event features local vendors and dog health specialist. This event is designed to promote safe and healthy dog visits to the park.
Five Centuries of Florida History: March 29, 2014, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.. Every March DeSoto Memorial brings together re-enactor groups from all over Florida for a timeline spanning 500 years.
De Soto Landing: April 20, 2014, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Be here as Conquistador Hernando De Soto comes ashore and claims Florida. Stay all day as we provide talks and demonstrations about De Soto’s expedition and its lasting impact on the Native American people of the Southeast.
Ranger Led Kayak Tours: Saturdays and Sundays April through October. Take a unique look at the park from its waterways. Follow in the wake of our Native American and Spanish ancestors and learn the history of Florida’s waters. Space is limited and reservations are required.
Every Day Programs: Ranger Led Trail Walks & Junior Ranger Program. DeSoto National Memorial offers ranger led walks along the parks nature trails all day long. The junior ranger program offers a chance for kids to earn their own ranger badge with our Junior Ranger Activity Book.
*Ask about Junior Ranger Summer Camp opportunities.
Walk the Nature Trails
The Nature Trail winds along the shoreline and through several Florida ecosystems, including a mangrove forest like the one that DeSoto's men would have encountered when they landed. Trails include interpretive signage and waysides that tell the story of the DeSoto Expedition and the natural history of the area. Bicycling is allowed in the parking lot, but not on the sidewalks or trails.
Forty-five minute guided Trail Walks are offered by Park Rangers daily at 11 a.m., staff availability and weather permitting. Inquire at the Visitor Center. For tour availability, call 941-792-0458, ext. 105.
