We went here for the first time for the Seminole war reenactment and we had a great time. We spent time beforehand looking through the vendors, vistor center and the trial by the entrance. Reenactment was really interesting. Had bleachers out there, room to either sit or bring your own chair. Hardly any shade so be weary of that. The battle was very well done and engaging. Had a few food vendors, but everyone seemed to have a great time. Volunteers were really nice and helpful

Very well kept state park! Has bathrooms, open pavilions with picnic tables, flat easy walking trails and a museum that has history and artifacts from the battle that took place there. They offer many low cost classes, war reenactments and events at Halloween and Christmas. There is a $3 entry fee per car. It is open until sunset.

The United States doesn't do a very good job of keeping its word with the Native American population and this site points out one such instance. In 1824, the Treaty of Moultrie Creek was signed which provided for a reservation that included this particular space. When settlers moved onto the land in violation of the treaty and when slave hunters trespassed onto the reservation, the Seminoles got angry. And so on December 28, 1835, the Seminoles ambushed Major Francis L. Dade and 107 men here. It became as the Dade Massacre and it was the beginning of the Second Seminole War. Later, Fort Armstrong was built here and used to round up many of the remaining Seminoles who were deported to Oklahoma. Today, it is a historic site and park with picnic pavilions and several markers that point out some of the important areas from that early battle. It was quiet and peaceful on this Saturday morning. Worth exploring and seeing some of that history.

We recently moved to Central Florida and made a visit to Dade Battlefield Historic State Park located in Bushnell, FL in Sumter County on CR 603 between I-75 and US Route 301 at 7200 Battlefield Parkway. "Commemorating the battle that started the Second Seminole War in 1835, this 80-acre state park protects the historic battlefield and also the natural communities as they existed during the war." It includes 40 acres of pine flatwoods and a live oak hammock. After Florida became a territory, the increase in settlers created tension among the native Seminole tribe also because they gave refuge to fugitive slaves. The conflict reached a high point in 1832 when several chiefs wanted to relocate the Seminole people west of the Mississippi to Indian Territory in present-day Oklahoma. Many refused to go. On December 28, 1835, 107 officers and men under Major Francis Dade were en route to present-day Ocala. They were ambushed by 180 Seminole warriors in present day Bushnell who had watched them from a pine forest; the sentries were dismissed. All but three of the soldiers were killed; only six warriors died. This defeat started the the Second Seminole War which was the longest and most costly American Indian war in U.S. history. The park is a peaceful place with numerous well-marked and cleared trails. There are a few memorials marking the place where some of Dade's men fell in addition to a replica Benches dot the trails; restrooms are available near the playground. It was interesting to learn about controlled burns of the woods every 1-4 years. We walked around the elevated hill where the reenactments occur. Don't miss the well marked "Ancient Oak Tree." Also note the live oaks with the "resurrection ferns" which come to life on the tops of live oak branches after rain. Also of note are the reconstructed log redoubt and a replica of the cannon used by Dade (near the restroom area). There is a $3 vehicle entry fee up to 8 people; additional passengers pay $2 per person. Entrance fee for bicyclists and pedestrians is $2 per person. All fees are payable on the envelope honor system; no attendant is present. Parking is abundant perhaps because an annual reenactment normally occurs in early January. However, the 2021 event was canceled because of Covid. The museum at the Visitor Center is closed until further notice; summer day camps will not be held this year. The park is open from 8 a.m. to sunset 365 days a year. Several picnic pavilions are available for $53.50 per day including tax.

Learn much about the Native Americans who lived here. Am encouraging more to visit. Glad there was a video.

Beautiful park! I did not know the history of the Seminole tribe adopting runaway slaves and protecting them from slave owners. It was the killing of the slave owners who were trying to reclaim their “property” that prompted Andrew Jackson to use military force against the Seminoles. When the Seminoles fought to stay in their home and defend their rights by attacking the invading troops that led to the US government declaring war.

A beautiful park that displays the history of the Seminole warriors battle against The US army. The Seminoles over powered the army with their brilliant warrior skills. The park displays markers where many U.S. soldiers fell in battle. Walking trails lead to numerous historical markers. A great experience for all ages. Pavilions for picnics, an air-conditioned visitor center with nice restrooms. Check it out you won't be disappointed.

Beautiful park. We arrived shortly before sundown so we didn't have a chance to explore everything. Entrance of park - it's $3.00 and it's on the honor system. You will get a tag from the envelope to put on your dashboard. Grounds are well kept and very pretty. Not a huge park so I would say most people would be able to get through it. It is not a paved area other than the parking lot.

Enjoyed walking around this small park and learning some new things about history. We happened to catch the “Christmas in 1835” event which was a lot of fun. We played old games and made a wreath from nature finds. And we had our very first pork meat pie. It was phenomenal!

Gorgeous park! Not busy and trails aren’t super long, so it’s an easy adventure. There’s a playground, plenty of pavilions, grills, and beautiful landscaping + scenery.

This is a very well-kept park with lots of history of past wars against the Seminole Indians. A very nice park ranger stopped me and asked me if I had any questions and then directed us to a live oak tree that was well over 200 years old. Definitely worth the stop no

We enjoyed this park. It's a very peaceful laid-back park. It's quite historic! My puppers love the open fields.

A true stand out! The rich history well documented combined with a great layout and natural beauty it is kike taking a walk back through time under beautiful old Oak who were witness to it all!

What an amazing park the administration really puts their heart into this park. Clean and well maintained. Was here for the reenactment of the Dade Massacre. Everyone should see this event and bring the kids so they can experience HISTORY!

DBHSP is always providing a quality stream of planned activities and events. Many now have added fees attached, which is sad for me, but maybe needed for them. They are pet friendly in outdoor spaces, if leashed. They're even having a doggy parade and soccer collies as part of the Independence Day event. They have two massive oak trees that can be used as the setting for weddings or other events (one you pay to reserve, one is free but no holds on the space are granted). There's a small history center, an event hall, a bandstand in restoration, picnic areas, nature trails, etc.

Nice small park. Watch the video in the visitor center. Take a couple hikes to see where the battle took place. Be sure to see the 250 year old Live Oak tree!

The visitor center is getting a remodel, but will be open again soon. Park Ranger Brian, was very informative. He gave us the story of the events and shared some very cool facts about the battle. He also showed us the library box and shared some upcoming events. The picnic pavilions are very well kept with super clean restrooms and a lovely playground. The cannon is also very impressive!! We look forward to returning and walking more of the trails, especially during one of the reenactment weekends.

We had a high-schooler school a combat veteran and a middle school history teacher with facts we have never learned!! It's small but worth it!

So interesting. A piece of Florida history we never learned about up north. Beautiful park.

Great little battlefield and museum. The quality is worth the trip. Check out the video and the exhibits are great.

It was okay, but the 3.00$ charge, though not much, I wasn't sure why. We walked in a circle, saw where 3 soldiers died, then saw a small museum. The whole visit took less than 45 minutes. Now if you go with small children, there is a park and other walking trails, but it was too hot to walk with our dog.

Great opportunity to start the New Year off with a New Year Day Ranger guided hike in the park. Plenty of parking, opportunities to on the spot picnic with plenty seating with overhead cover. Bathrooms are exceptionally well kept in the museum especially. Noticed folks riding bicycles and others with dogs. It is not crowded on New Years Day. It's great to see and learn about the winter plants, grass, animals and trees in Florida.

First time here this was a great adventure & recommend coming during the reenactment, the showing though is at 2pm so plan accordingly so u can see thing amazing reenactment! Park is small so u won't tire by walking around!

This place preserves history and the place is surrounded by majestic historic oaks trees. It has a nice small welcome center with a lot of information in the history, with a well made introductory video. It is worth the excursion to visit.

Today's reinactment of the Batte of Dade is so important and as a lifetime Floridian I had no idea jr high school age children should come here