State Historic Site · Florida

DeSoto Site Historic State Park

Location: Leon County, Florida
Nearest town: 0.7 miles east of Tallahassee
Type: State Historic Site

About DeSoto Site Historic State Park

A five-acre archaeological site marks the ground where Hernando de Soto's expedition camped for the winter of 1539, making it a documented starting point for nearly four hundred years of recorded history in the area. The property includes the former residence of Governor John W. Martin, and items recovered through excavation are displayed in an exhibit inside that house.

Hours, fees, camping, reservations and closures are set by the park and change often. Check the official park site before you go.

Getting there

DeSoto Site Historic State Park is in Leon County, Florida, 0.7 miles east of Tallahassee. The Directions button takes you to the park's mapped location; the entrance may be elsewhere, so check the official site for the address to use.

State parks near DeSoto Site Historic State Park

Within 60 miles, closest first, straight-line. All 147 in Florida →

Towns near DeSoto Site Historic State Park

State parks near Tallahassee, State parks near Thomasville, State parks near Bainbridge

Facts from Wikidata, checked September 25, 2026. Distances are straight-line.