DADE BATTLEFIELD MEMORIAL STATE PARK
Dade Battlefield Memorial State Park, located in Bushnell, Florida, commemorates the 1835 battle during the Second Seminole War. The park spans over 80 acres and features a visitor center with exhibits about military history and local wildlife. It also offers picnic areas, hiking trails through pine flatwoods and oak hammocks teeming with diverse bird species for nature lovers to explore. Each year it hosts reenactments of Dade's Battle featuring period soldier encampments showcasing life in frontier Florida.
In 1921, the site of a significant battle during Florida's Second Seminole War was designated as a memorial park. The Battle of Dade occurred here in December 1835 with heavy U.S Army losses. In recognition, it became part of the National Register for Historic Places in 1972.
The property spans over 80 acres and includes reenactments facilities to commemorate historical events annually on January weekends near New Year's Day. It also features picnic areas, hiking trails and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Annual Entrance Passes can be purchased at all park ranger stations and museums. If you require immediate use of your pass, this is the best option. Passes can be purchased during regular business hours 365 days a year. Please call the park in advance to ensure availability. Those who are eligible for discounted or free passes may use this method to receive their pass. Annual Entrance Passes may be purchased online by visiting the
FLORIDA STATE PARKS ANNUALENTRANCE PASSES web page.
Dade Battlefield Memorial State Park is located near Brooksville, Bushnell and Dade City
Dade Battlefield Memorial State Park offers picnic areas with tables and grills, surrounded by nature trails. Pavilions are available for rent.
- Dade Battlefield Loop: This is a 1-mile loop trail that takes hikers through the historic battlefield site. It's an easy, flat path with interpretive signs about the battle and its significance.
- Pine Flatwoods Trail: A short but scenic route of approximately half a mile in length, this trail winds through pine flatwood ecosystems showcasing Florida's diverse flora and fauna.
- Sandhill Nature Trail: An educational hike spanning around one-third of a mile; it features informative markers detailing local wildlife species found within these unique sandhill habitats.
- Live Oak Lane Walking Path: Approximately quarter-mile long paved walking path lined by majestic live oaks draped in Spanish moss offering picturesque views throughout all seasons.
- Fort King Road Hiking Route : The original road used during Second Seminole War has been converted into hiking trails stretching for miles across park boundaries providing historical context to visitors while they explore on foot.
-Seminole Village Interpretative Walkway - Less than .25 miles long featuring replicas of traditional Seminole homes known as chickees along with information boards explaining their construction methods and lifestyle practices from centuries ago.
-Wild Orange Grove Trails - Short paths leading towards wild orange groves where guests can observe fruit-bearing trees up close depending upon seasonality factors affecting growth cycles at different times each year.
The park offers birding opportunities with over 150 species spotted, including red-tailed hawks and northern bobwhites. Birdwatchers can explore various habitats such as pine flatwoods and sandhill scrub. The site also participates in the Great Florida Birding Trail.
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- Pets must be kept on a handheld leash no longer than six feet at all times.
- Pet owners are required to pick up after their pets and properly dispose of pet waste.
- Pets should not be left unattended for any period of time within the park boundaries.
- All pets, excluding service animals, are prohibited from entering playgrounds or designated swimming areas.
- Aggressive behavior by pets towards other visitors will not be tolerated; such incidents may result in expulsion from the park.
- Exotic species or potentially dangerous breeds might require special permission before being allowed into the park area.
Directions from Orlando, Florida:
- Start on I-4 W.
- Take exit 9 for FL -417 Toll S toward Tampa/Disney World.
- Merge onto FL -417 Toll S.
- Continue to follow the signs towards Interstate 75 Southbound (towards Naples).