De Soto Landing Event on Saturday April 16th at De Soto National Memorial

De Soto Landing Event on Saturday April 16^th at De Soto National Memorial

On Saturday, April 16^th we commemorate the 472nd anniversary of the Hernando de Soto’s expedition. De Soto National Memorial’s interpretive staff will host a historical recreation of De Soto’s landing of 1539.

Watch the Landing — at 10:30 am the boats of Conquistador Hernando De Soto and his soldiers will launch and make for the beach’s of the cove, claiming the land of La Florida for the crown of Spain. De Soto will make landfall at the monuments on the beach and will feature the parks new 25 foot landing ship built by the Florida Maritime Museum in Cortez.

Unique Weapons and Demonstrations — Walk through time and hear first-hand accounts of the soldiers who trudged over 4,000 miles in search of riches and glory. Hear the stories of their clashes with the Indians of Florida. Watch re-enactors demonstrate the unique weapons used by the Native Americans and the European invaders. Black powder weapons will be fired throughout the day.

Experience History — Follow the footsteps of history as our experts will take visitors on historical walks and tours. Tim Burke our Hernando de Soto will take visitors on a walk exploring Spain’s role in the conquest of America. Join, archaeologist Bill Burger, depict Juan Ortiz as he takes you along the footpaths of Florida’s Native people and their struggle to keep back the advance of Europe.

Take to the Water — After the landing event Park Rangers will offer short kayak tours for visitors. Space is limited and it is a first come first serve basis. Tours will last 10 minutes and go around the cove area. All children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Activities for the Kids — There will be plenty of activities for kids to do. There will be touch tables where kids can try on Spanish armor, Florida Indian jewelry, fire a real crossbow and paint their own take home Native American mask and beaded bracelets. Be sure to ask how they can earn their own Junior Ranger badge!

Event admission and all activities are free. Event hours are 10:00 a.m. till 3:00 p.m. demonstration times and events will be posted on the day of, all activities are subject to change due to weather.  

DeSoto National Memorial is located at 8300 De Soto Memorial Hwy, Bradenton 34209. On I-75 take exit 220 SR-64 Manatee Ave. Go west to 75^th street. Travel north, the park is located at the terminus of 75^th street. De Soto National Memorial is open seven days a week. The Visitor Center is open from 9 a.m. till 5 p.m. park grounds are open from sunrise to sunset. 

941-792-0458

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