Experiences
Birding
From the ancient live oaks dotting the battlefield to the lovely pine flatwoods through which our hiking trail meanders, Dade Battlefield provides excellent habitat for upland birds - which equates to great viewing opportunities for birders!
Throughout the year, resident and migratory birds of every stripe may be found here. Pileated and red-headed woodpeckers, kestrels and summer tanagers are among the favorites, while large birds such as great blue herons and wild turkeys may stroll across your path.
Pack the binoculars when you come to visit!
Geo-Seeking
Explore the park in a new and challenging way. Experienced Geocachers have requested permission to hide caches containing trinkets, treasures or information in various places around the park. Please check the Geocaching website for the most up-to-date information and clues to locate these caches.
Hiking
A lovely half-mile nature trail winds through the longleaf pine flatwoods on the west side of the park. It's an easy walk, but be sure to bring sensible shoes, sunscreen and drinking water.
- Dogs are welcome but they must be on a 6-foot, hand-held leash.
Common sights along the trail include gopher tortoises, hawks and woodpeckers. If you're lucky, you may spot a deer, fox or wild turkey.
Picnicking
Picnic tables and grills are located throughout the picnic area and inside the pavilions. Free-standing picnic tables are first-come, first-served.
There are six picnic pavilions available for rent at Dade Battlefield. All are accessible and equipped with charcoal grills and wooden picnic tables. Pavilions may be reserved up to 11 months in advance.
- Pavilion rental fees are $53.50, including tax. Visitors are welcome to use unreserved pavilions on a first-come, first-served basis. After using the pavilions, please remember to collect your trash and litter, and deposit it in one of the two dumpsters located on the west side of the parking loop.
- Consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited.
Reunions and Gatherings
Family reunions are common at Dade Battlefield, and many families have held them here for generations.
- The Dade Lodge and the picnic pavilions are available for reservation 11 months in advance.
- Rent for the lodge is $107, including tax.
- Pavilion rental fees are $53.50, including tax.
- Consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited.
The lodge building has a kitchen with a stove, refrigerator and microwave. Pavilions have charcoal grills. Please call the park at 352-793-4781 for reservations.
Weddings
Dade Battlefield is a popular location for weddings. Many brides and grooms choose to exchange vows beneath the shady limbs of our majestic ancient oak tree, and the Dade Lodge is a sought-after facility for wedding receptions.
- The ancient oak area may be reserved for $50, plus tax.
- The lodge costs $100, plus tax, for the full day (8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m).
- Consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited.
The lodge comes with a kitchen, and private catering is permitted. In addition, wedding parties should plan to pay the $3 per vehicle park entrance fee. For more information, please call the park office at 352-793-4781.
Amenities
Accessible Amenities
Dade Battlefield Historic State Park is committed to providing a variety of amenities accessible to all of our visitors. These amenities include:
- Visitor Center with museum with interpretive exhibits and artifacts
- Picnic facilities with tables and grills.
- Dade Lodge is available for rent.
- Parking.
- Restrooms.
Service animals are welcome in all areas of Florida State Parks.
Interpretive Exhibit
The park's visitor center contains a small museum that is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day of the year. Exhibits include original artifacts from Dade's Battle of 1835, along with other items that shed light on life in Florida during the Seminole Wars period.
Be sure to watch our 12-minute video, "This Land, These Men," which paints a poignant picture of the battle, the events leading up to it, and its aftermath.
Meetings and Retreats
Many groups utilize the Dade Lodge for meetings and retreats. The lodge seats up to 98 people and includes the use of a kitchen with a stove, microwave and refrigerator.
- The cost to rent the lodge for the day is $107, including taxes. It may be reserved up to 11 months in advance.
- Call the park at 352-793-4781 or just stop by to make reservations. If you are unfamiliar with the lodge facility, come on by and we will be happy to open it up for you to check it out.
Nature Trail
A lovely half-mile nature trail winds through the longleaf pine flatwoods on the west side of the park. It's an easy walk, but be sure to bring sensible shoes, sunscreen and drinking water. Common sights along the trail include gopher tortoises, hawks and woodpeckers. If you're lucky, you may spot a deer, fox or wild turkey.
- Dogs are welcome too but they must be on a 6-foot, hand-held leash.
Parking
Dade Battlefield offers ample parking in the vicinity of the picnic area, pavilions and lodge. There is a small parking lot suitable for cars and trucks at the visitor center. Drivers of oversized vehicles should park in the loop by the pavilions and walk to the visitor center, which offers limited turnaround space.
During special events, designated parking areas will be established. Please follow the signs and directions from staff and volunteers for parking during special events.
Pets
Pets are welcome in all outdoor areas at Dade Battlefield Historic State Park. They must be well-behaved and on a six-foot, hand-held leash. Please do not leave pets unattended in vehicles or bring them into the visitor center or lodge.
- View our Pet Policy.
- Service animals are allowed in all public areas of the park.
Picnic Pavilion
There are six picnic pavilions available for rent at Dade Battlefield. All are accessible and equipped with charcoal grills and wooden picnic tables. Pavilions may be reserved up to 11 months in advance.
- Pavilions cost $53.50, per day, including taxes. Visitors are welcome to use unreserved pavilions on a first-come, first-served basis.
- After using the pavilions, please remember to collect your trash and litter, and deposit it in one of the two dumpsters located on the west side of the parking loop.
- Consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited.
Visitor Center
The park's visitor center contains a small museum with artifacts related to the Seminole Wars period, a 12-minute video about the battle, public restrooms, and books, crafts and other items for sale. Here you will find the park office, where you may reserve facilities and ask questions.
Due to staffing and other needs throughout the park, the office is not always occupied. If you stop by and no one is home, please note that a cellphone number posted to the left of the office door will put you in touch with the ranger on duty, who will be happy to return to the office and assist you.