Volley Fire at Dade Battlefield

Dade Battlefield Historic State Park

Step back in time to learn about the longest and costliest American Indian war in U.S. history

Hours

8 a.m. to sunset, 365 days a year. Visitor center open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Fees

$3 per vehicle

See all fees

Location

7200 Battlefield Parkway
Bushnell FL 33513

Get directions

Contact Info

352-793-4781

Welcome to Dade Battlefield Historic State Park

Visitors are drawn here for its history and to discover so much more, from ancient oaks and verdant pine flatwoods to a variety of events, programs and hands-on craft classes offered throughout the year. 


Established in 1921 to preserve and commemorate the site of Dade's Battle of 1835, a momentous event that spawned the longest and most costly American Indian war in U.S. history, this National Historic Landmark has become a hub of the community. 

About 2,000 visitors attend the park's iconic battle reenactment each January, and families from near and far enjoy the lovely grounds, indoor lodge and outdoor pavilions to celebrate weddings, reunions and other occasions. 

Picnics, hiking and wildlife photography are a big attraction. History comes alive through regular interpretive offerings. Be sure to stop by the visitor center, which contains a small museum with artifacts and exhibits related to the Florida Seminole wars, as well as an award-winning 12-minute video about the battle, "This Land, These Men." Books and gifts are available for purchase, and literature about upcoming events is available. 

Plan Your Visit

Bill Gruber, manager at Dade Battlefield Historic State Park.
Learn

Manager's Message

People who love history treasure Dade Battlefield, but its tranquil beauty is worth a visit in itself. We offer a wide range of events and programs for adults and children throughout the year.
A volunteer in pioneer garb stands by a wooden directional sign at a park event.
Learn

A Panoply of Events and Programs

Dade Battlefield offers an array of events, interpretive programs and skills classes for park visitors of all ages.
Gun smoke hangs in the air as blue-clad reenactors fire their muskets while crouched in the palmettos.
Learn

Watch History Come to Life

The annual reenactment of Dade's Battle of 1835 is a January tradition that brings Seminole and soldier reenactors, pioneer craft demonstrators, period sutlers, food vendors and thousands of park visitors together to commemorate the battle that started the Second Seminole War.

Experiences

Bicycling
Bicycling
Birding
Birding
Geo-Seeking
Geo-Seeking
Hiking
Hiking
Picnicking
Picnicking
Reunions and Gatherings
Reunions and Gatherings
Tours
Tours
Weddings
Weddings

Amenities

Accessible Amenities
Accessible Amenities
Historic Site
Historic Site
Interpretive Exhibit
Interpretive Exhibit
Meetings and Retreats
Meetings and Retreats
Museum
Museum
Nature Trail
Nature Trail
Parking
Parking
Pets
Pets
Picnic Pavilion
Picnic Pavilion
Playground
Playground
Recycling
Recycling
Restroom Facilities
Restroom Facilities
Visitor Center
Visitor Center

Dade Battlefield Historic State Park Photo Gallery

Majestic Oak at Dade Battlefield
Major Dade leads the troops at Dade Battlefield
A view of a gray gnatsnatcher bird perched on a twig.
A reenactor dressed in traditional Seminole Native America wear.
A group of reenactors walking through the woods.
A reproduction os the log redoubt constructed by the last remaining soldiers in dade's command.
A Seminole reenactor riding a horse.
A group of reenactors in uniform, shooting their muskets, with the flag flying through the smoke.
Seminole reenactors in colorful garb raise their rifles in celebration after their victory of the soldiers.
Learn

A Deadly Day in December

Dade Battlefield Historic State Park was the site of a desperate clash between Seminole warriors and soldiers that changed the course of history in Florida.
A purple violet nestles alongside green smilax vines/
Learn

The Pine Flatwoods Trail

Take a leisurely stroll through pine flatwoods that appear much as they did at the time of the famous 1835 battle. Stretch your legs, enjoy wildlife photography, or simply pause on a park bench to take in the peace and quiet Florida's outdoors can offer.

Upcoming Events

See More Events
Event

Patriotic Family Fun Day

EST

Join us as we celebrate both our Nation and our park's birthdays with on-going old-fashioned games and relays, music and food.
Dade Battlefield

Bushnell, FL

Event

Project Learning Tree Educator Workshop

EST

Join park staff and County Forester Arthur Clothier for a curriculum workshop which will include educational activities that focus on trees and forests and their ecosystems.
Dade Battlefield

Bushnell, FL

Event

Pine Needle Basket Class

EST

Traditional pine needle basketry is taught by Dade's experienced volunteers. All materials are provided to make a longleaf pine needle basket.
Dade Battlefield

Bushnell, FL

People Make the Parks

Kristin, pointing to a rock, wearing her ranger uniform.

Staff Spotlight

Kristin was drawn to Florida many years ago by the year-round opportunities available here to work in the environmental field.
Volunteer Amber.

Volunteer Spotlight

Volunteer Amber helps make history come alive by dressing in 1830s clothing, talking to visitors and showing them how people lived and worked during the Second Seminole War period.
The Dade Battlefield Society Banner.

Dade Battlefield Society

The Dade Battlefield Society has been the park's citizen support organization since its founding in 1987.

This Park is Recognized by:

National Historic Landmark
Native American Heritage Trail
Florida Black Heritage Trail

Park Map

More Places You Might Like

See all parks
Fakahatchee Strand

Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park

The largest state park in Florida is home to a variety of plant and animal species that can be found nowhere else in the continental United States. 

137 Coastline Drive
Copeland FL 34137

Giel walking toward the beach on a boardwalk

Honeymoon Island State Park

The white sand beaches and diverse nature trails of Honeymoon Island State Park make this barrier island an ideal place to get away from it all. One of Florida’s best-loved state parks, Honeymoon Island has more than four miles of beach to explore along with a three-mile trail through one of the last remaining virgin slash pine forests.

#1 Causeway Blvd.
Dunedin FL 34698

Mound Key Archaeological State Park

Mound Key Archaeological State Park

Framed in forests of mangrove trees, the shell mounds and ridges of Mound Key rise more than 30 feet above the waters of Estero Bay.

C/O Koreshan State Park
3800 Corkscrew Road
Estero FL 33928