De Soto National Memorial is located in Bradenton, Florida, along the south shore of the Manatee River and at the mouth of Tampa Bay. This roughly 26-acre national park is an idyllic spot for soaking up the natural beauty of the sunshine state. There’s the beautiful coastal shoreline for fishing or boating; a gentle, half-mile walking trail that winds you through four distinct ecosystems, including a tranquil mangrove forest; plus ample green space for picnicking or playing fetch. Yes, furry friends are more than welcome at the park – just don’t forget to enroll your pal in the B.A.R.K. Ranger Program.

“We love the fact that this is a nice, safe community park for people to come and enjoy,” says Lead Park Ranger Daniel Stephens. A native Floridian, Stephens started coming to the park at a young age. He often jokes with students on field trips, telling them “I was here so much as a kid that they just put a hat and a badge on me.”

Today, Stephens does indeed wear many hats as lead ranger – one of the most important being his role as historical interpreter, helping visitors understand the events that happened in the area some 500 years ago. That is, of course, when Hernando de Soto made his controversial expedition to conquer the land of La Florida in 1539, for which the park serves as a memorial.

“It’s important for people to learn that this is how and why things happened … why we are here today,” says Stephens. He adds that “[de Soto’s] expedition disrupted and upheaved the native societies … of the entire American Southeast … so it’s our job as park rangers to relay that.” The National Park Service is committed to accurately doing so as well, and it continues to reach out to tribal partners to ensure their stories are portrayed correctly.

Stephens also notes that “it’s important to maintain both sides of that story.” The park has many visitors from Europe, including Bradenton’s sister city of Barcarrota, and these events are part of their culture, too.

While De Soto is a smaller national park compared to some of the nation’s more well-known sites, you wouldn’t know it based on the robust programming offered for guests of all ages. Group kayak tours are led by the rangers and always a popular activity. Ages seven and up can participate in the park’s Rancho Fishing Clinics to learn the basics of saltwater fishing and master different techniques. Kids should make sure to stop by the Visitor Center to pick up their Junior Ranger Activity Book and compass – key to completing this award-winning program and earning their coveted Junior Ranger Badge.

And of course Camp Uzita is a must-see during the winter months. This is the park’s living history encampment that recreates a 16th century native village and runs January–April. During the free and interactive program, visitors can check out replica indigenous artifacts and European armor, as well as watch a reenactment put on by staff and volunteers dressed in period clothing. The exhibition covers different historical aspects of Hernando de Soto’s expedition and includes a weapon firing demonstration at the end.

However you don’t have to partake in any of the planned activities or programming to enjoy the park. Simply walking the grounds, looking for wildlife, and taking in the sights is just as enjoyable and restorative. Park grounds are open year-round from dawn to dusk – but do make sure to be out of the parking lot at 5 p.m. when the gates close! The Visitor Center and bookstore are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Ready to plan your visit to De Soto National Memorial? Check out the park’s website for everything you need to know and sign-ups for their many programs.