Dade Battlefield Historic State Park

7200 CR 603 South Battlefield Drive
Bushnell, Florida 33513
Phone: 352-793-4781
Fax: 352-793-4230

Dade Battlefield Historic State Park is a Florida State Park located on County Road 603 between I-75 (Exit 314) and U.S. 301. The 80-acre park includes 40 acres of pine flatwoods and a live oak hammock. 

Also called the Dade Massacre site, It preserves the Second Seminole War battlefield where Seminole Indian warriors fought soldiers under the command of Major Francis L. Dade on December 28, 1835. Each year, on the weekend after Christmas (as close to the original date as possible), the Dade Battlefield Society sponsors a reenactment of the battle that started the Second Seminole War.

Under the title of Dade Battlefield Historic Memorial, it is also a U.S. National Historic Landmark (designated as such on April 14, 1972).

Welcome to Dade Battlefield Historic State Park

The battle that started the Second Seminole War is commemorated in January each year under the oaks of Dade Battlefield. On December 28, 1835, Seminole Indian warriors ambushed 108 soldiers at this site-only three soldiers survived. The park protects not only a historic battlefield, but also the natural communities as they existed when the soldiers and Seminoles battled over 180 years ago. 

Strolling a half-mile nature trail through pine flatwoods, visitors might see gopher tortoises, woodpeckers, songbirds, hawks, and indigo snakes. The park has a playground, picnic area with covered shelters, and a recreation hall. The visitor center has information and displays about the battle and visitors can watch a twelve-minute video history, This Land, These Men. 

The center is open 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. daily. Located off I-75, exit 314, west of U.S. 301.

Recreational activities

Activities include picnicking, viewing exhibits at the visitor center, and wildlife viewing. Among the wildlife of the park are gopher tortoises, woodpeckers, songbirds, hawks, and indigo snakes.

Amenities include a playground, a picnic area with covered shelters, a nature trail, a 6.2-mile trail, and a recreation hall.

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