Main Page - Dade Battlefield Historic State Park

Soldiers firing muskets and a cannon on the reenactment battlefield commemorating the Second Seminole War.

Manager's Message

We invite you to come explore one of the gems in the Florida Park Service. Dade Battlefield offers a peaceful setting away from the hustle and bustle of the city. One can explore the natural beauty of the wildflowers along the park’s nature trail or walk along the Old Fort King Road where Major Dade and his command encountered 180 Seminoles. Whether you enjoy nature or history, Dade Battlefield has something for the young and the young at heart.

Join us for WWII Day the first Saturady of August to honor all veterans of wars. We will have a variety of military vehicles, first-person interpreters, and even a USO Club cantina. Veterans will be presented with a pin and receive thanks for their service.

The next Dade Battle Reenactment will be January 2 and 3, 2010. If you are interested in helping with this special event, please call the park office at 352-793-4781.

In an effort to better serve the visitors of Florida State Parks, new visitor center hours of operation have been established by Dade Battlefield Historic State Park. The Visitors Center will now be open from 9:00 AM through 5:00 PM Thursday thorough Monday. Also,the park staff are working with volunteers to upgrade the interpretive programing. We welcome any and all suggestions, please contact us with your ideas.
- Bob Baker, Park Manager

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.

Contact the Florida Park Service Information Center for general inquiries.
For Information about Dade Battlefield Historic State Park, please call 352-793-4781.