Message from the Manager

Dade Battlefield is one of the Gems of the Florida Park Service. Though a small park (80 acres in size) it is rich in history. This is where the Second Seminole War began with a battle in December 1835 between US military forces and Seminole warriors. Walk the historic battlefield and peruse the visitor center to learn about this important Indian war. If you're bringing a group of 10 or more, call ahead to schedule a Soldier Talk. We have great facilities for picnics and family reunions too, as well as weddings and business meetings.

We hope you'll put Dade Battlefield on your list of fun Florida adventures. We're just a short jaunt off I-75 or US 301 in Bushnell.

Barbara Roberts - Park Manager

"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.

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.

Driving Directions

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

Park Fees

Admission Fees - Honor $2.00 for up to 8 people per car. Pedestrians, Bicyclists, Extra Passengers, Passengers In Vehicles With Holder of Annual Individual Entrance Permit, Members of Organized Groups - Admission Fee $1.00

Reservations Recreation Hall: 2 hrs. or less - $40.00 plus tax Over 2 hrs. - $75.00 plus tax Gardiner Pavilion - $35.00 plus tax Pavillion/Shelter - $30.00 plus tax BBQ Grill - $5.00 plus tax

Dade Battlefield Historic State Park 7200 CR 603 South Battlefield Drive Bushnell, Florida 33513 Phone: 352-793-4781 Fax: 352-793-4230 Park Manager: Barbara Roberts