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 Attractions | Campgrounds | Canoe Routes | State Parks

   FLORIDA STATE PARKS
Florida State Parks ReservationRegion: Southwest

DADE BATTLEFIELD HISTORIC STATE PARK
Bushnell, Florida

 Contact Information
7200 CR 603 South Battlefield Drive
Bushnell, 33513
(352) 793-4781

Driving Directions
Dade Battlefield Historic State Park is located off I-75 and S.R. 48, west of Highway 301.

Hours of Operation
Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year. Museum hours are 9 am to 5 pm daily.

"Have a good heart; our difficulties and dangers are over now, and as soon as we arrive at Fort King you'll have three days to rest and keep Christmas gaily." Major Francis L. Dade spoke these words of encouragement to 107 cold, tired soldiers in a pine forest on the morning of December 28, 1835. Within eight hours, only three soldiers would survive the battle that marked the beginning of the Second Seminole War.

The story of this momentous battle in Florida history is told in the visitor center at Dade Battlefield State Historic Site. It houses memorabilia, artifacts and exhibits about the battle that took place on site between US soldiers and Seminole warriors. Monuments, trail labels and a replica of the log barricade erected by Dade's command mark the military road and battlefield.

Plantlife
In addition to the historic battlefield, the visitor center and the picnic facilities, Dade Battlefield State Historic site contains 40 acres of pine flatwoods. A 20-minute walk along the nature trail acquaints you with the benefits of fire, and the kinds of trees and animals that live in these habitats.

Ranger Programs
This year's Reenactment of Dade's Battle is set for December 28th and 29th, 2002. The weekend event includes a reenactment each day at 2 PM, soldier and Seminole encampments, historic craft demonstrations, food and other activities.

Each year on the first Saturday of August a World War II Commemorative Day is scheduled. This annual event features encampments, vehicles and other memorabilia pertaining to WWII.

Ranger programs about the site's history abundant native plants and animals are available for groups with prior arrangement.

The park has several covered pavilions and one enclosed recreation hall available for rental. These areas are ideal for parties, receptions, meetings, or weddings.

Resources
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this 80 acre park features the historic battlefield, a visitor's center, a nature trail through 40 acres of pine flatwoods, a playground, a recreation hall available for celebrations or meetings, and a picnic area with covered shelters. A 6.2 mile FVA (Florida Volksport Association) trail traverses the park and into the adjacent neighborhood. Graceful live oak trees with moss draped branches provide a tranquil backdrop for a peaceful picnic and reflection. Relive a vital day in the history of Florida and the nation when the annual reenactment takes place on December 28th and 29th, 2002.

Dade Battlefield State Historic Site is located off I-75 at exit 63, travel east on SR 48 to Battlefield Drive. From Highway 301, travel west on CR 476 to Battlefield Drive. The site is open from 8am till sundown daily. The visitor center is open from 9am till 5 pm daily. Admission fee to the site is $2.00 per vehicle or $1.00 per pedestrian or bicyclist. There is no additional fee for the visitor center.

Wildlife
Along the trail you may spot a gopher tortoise grazing, a covey of quails feeding or an indigo snake sunning. A variety of woodpeckers, song birds and hawks can be seen. This forest also provides a glimpse of the natural area that thrived here during the time of Dade's battle with the Seminoles.

Park Activities

Nature Trails, Picnicking, and Visitor Center

Nature Trails
Take a leisurely 20 minute walk along the Pine Flatwoods Trail. This trail acquaints visitors with the native pine woods that is home to gopher tortoise, a variety of snakes, woodpeckers and other animals. Review the events of the battle by walking the short battlefield trail. This trail actually follows a stretch of the historic Fort King Military Road. It has interpretive labels and monuments to Dade and his command. There is also a 10K Florida Volkssport Association trail that thoroughly covers the park sites and which goes outside into the neighboring community.

Picnicking
The park offers picnicking opportunities in a quiet and tranquil setting. There are also 6 picnic shelters available on a first come first serve basis or for rental. They are excellent for parties and have electricity and lights. The Gardiner Pavilion is one of the most popular shelters for children's parties. It is adjacent to the playground and restrooms.

Visitor Center
Park visitors can get acquainted with the battle history by viewing a twelve minute video, "This Land, These Men." Mannequins provide a glimpse of the clothing worn by the soldier and Seminole and the muskets each used. There are other audio exhibits and displays of artifacts related to the battle. Visitors can purchase a variety of books related to Dade's battle with the Seminoles, as well as books about the Seminole Wars, Seminole Culture and more. Tee-shirts and postcards are also available.