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

October in central Florida has fabulous fall temperatures and bright sunny days. Dade Battlefield is just the place to go. The large picnic pavilions provide shade from the sun. Nearby is a playground for the little ones. The bloom of fall wildflowers along the nature trail and thoughout the park that attract numerous species of butterflies, caterpillars and other insects. As the day warms up and you have finished your picnic, it is time to head for the air conditioned visitor center and museum. There you will cool down while watching a 12-minute video of the battle.

The next Dade Battle Reenactment will be January 2 and 3, 2010. Plan to arrive early because Saturday will be crowded. You may want to make it a Sunday activity. If you are interested in helping with this special event,or have questions, please call the park office at 352-793-4781.

If you are not able to attend the Battle Reenactment, then visit on January 30, 2010 for our "Rally in the Park." We will have a show of Tin Can Tourist's vintage recreation vehicles and vintage cars from The Villages Vintage Car Club.

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. 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.