National Memorial · FL
De Soto National Memorial is partially closed.
Last checked Wed, 14 Oct 2026 13:00:58 GMT
In May 1539, Conquistador Hernando de Soto’s army of soldiers, hired mercenaries, craftsmen, and clergy made landfall in Tampa Bay.
A federal government shutdown is in effect. Access and staffing at National Park Service sites vary — some close and barricade entrances, some stay open but unstaffed. Live shutdown status →
In May 1539, Conquistador Hernando de Soto’s army of soldiers, hired mercenaries, craftsmen, and clergy made landfall in Tampa Bay. They were met with fierce resistance of indigenous people protecting their homelands. De Soto’s quest for glory and gold would be a four year, four thousand mile odyssey of intrigue, warfare, disease, and discovery that would form the history of the United States.
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| Mon | 9:00AM - 4:30PM |
| Tue | 9:00AM - 4:30PM |
| Wed | 9:00AM - 4:30PM |
| Thu | 9:00AM - 4:30PM |
| Fri | 9:00AM - 4:30PM |
| Sat | 9:00AM - 4:30PM |
| Sun | 9:00AM - 4:30PM |
We derive De Soto National Memorial's status from the National Park Service's own alerts and operating hours, refreshed hourly — this is our reading, not an official determination. As of the last check: Park Visitor Center Is Closed Full method: how we check park status.