Introduction
At the end of December 1835 107 American soldiers were ambushed by a force of 180 Seminole warriors. The American troops were marching from Fort Brook near Tampa to Fort King in Ocala. They were expecting to be present at the final surrender of the Seminole Indians. Instead they were attacked.
The ensuing battle lasted for about 4 hours in the middle of the day and was an ignominious defeat for the Americans. The Seminole had superior numbers and the element of surprise of their side. Only 3 American soldiers survived, while just 3 Seminole warriors were killed.
The Seminole were intent on making the government in Washington understand that they were willing to fight to stay on their ancestral lands. The government policy of Indian Removal had faced opposition elsewhere. Here in Florida the massacre of 1835 was the first battle of the Second Seminole War. The battle came to be known as Dade’s Battle after the US Major Francis Langhorne Dade who led his troops on that fateful day.
The war against the Seminole lasted for seven years by which time most had either been killed or had been forcibly removed to the Indian Territory in what is today Oklahoma. Some, however, did survive and hid themselves in the Everglades. Today’s Florida Seminole and Miccosukee populations are descended from these undefeated people.
The war against the Seminole proved to be the longest and most expensive of all the Indian Wars. In 1921 the Dade Battlefield Historic State Park was established to commemorate the event and preserve the site of the battle and its surrounding countryside.
The park extends to 80 acres and there is much for visitors to do. Before going on to list all the excellent attractions the park has to offer, let’s find out where it is and set the scene.
Where is Dade Battlefield Historic State Park?
The park is situated in Sumter County, Florida. It is located on County Road 603. The park can be accessed from Exit 314 on Interstate 75 or from US Route 301.
The address of the park is 7200 County Road 603, Bushnell, FL 33513.
What is the Dade Battlefield Society?
The Dade Battlefield Society was established in 1987 with the aim of supporting the park in its efforts to preserve the area. It organizes and co-ordinates the annual re-enactment of the battle. This is held every January on the first full weekend of the month. Thousands of visitors come along to witness the event.
The Society is active throughout the year, however. It organizes a variety of other events with the aim of raising funds to help provide the park with extra facilities and equipment. The local communities that surround the park are able to be involved in this way.
What can you do at the Dade Battlefield Historic State Park?
The park offers visitors a host of activities and experiences. While the battle re-enactment takes place in January, there is plenty to see and do through the rest of the year.
· Walking. The park incorporates a 40 acre trail area where visitors can walk through the lovely pine flatwoods and groves or ancient oaks.
· Bicycling. Many visitors choose to reach the park by bicycle and can then cycle on through the park. There are plenty of paved routes that can easily be followed.
· Birding. The whole of the park provides excellent habitats for birds of many kinds. If you are a keen birder, then this park is a must to visit. There are both resident birds and migratory birds to be seen. Kestrels, woodpeckers, and tanagers frequently make an appearance and you might also spot wild turkeys and great blue herons.
· Geocaching. Check on the Geocaching website to see if there are any caches in the park for you to seek. This is a new activity and has brought many visitors to the park to hunt for �treasure’.
· Hiking. The pine flatwoods on the western side of the park include a half-mile long nature trail. This is an easy trail to walk but offers a chance to see a variety of wildlife. You can also take your dog along, but it must be on a hand-held leash that is at least six feet in length.
· Picnics. Grills and picnic tables are to be found all over the park. They are available on a first-come-first-served basis. Picnic pavilions are available to rent at locations around the park. These are bookable up to 11 months before the date required.
· Get-togethers. The park is a great place to hold a reunion or a family gathering. Why not book a picnic pavilion or Dade Lodge?
· Visitor Center. Here you will find a museum with some interesting items relating to the Seminole Wars. There is a short video about the battle and the park for you to watch. The park store is also located at the Visitor Center.
The park office can be found here to. If you wish to book any facilities, get some information or speak to a ranger, then this is the place.
· Playground. You will find the popular playground on the western side of the picnic area.
· Dade Lodge. The park is a great place to hold a wedding. Dade Lodge is available for rent, and the happy couple can exchange vows in the shade of an ancient oak tree.
· Tours of the park. Organizations such as schools or groups can arrange tours of the park led by one of the rangers. It can be a great experience to have the history of the park explained by a knowledgeable person as you walk around.
All the amenities available in the park are accessible to those with particular needs. The picnic pavilions, Dade Lodge, the Visitor Center and restrooms are designed to be easily used by everyone.
At the time of writing the charges for renting the picnic pavilions are currently $53.50. Dade Lodge can be hired for $107. Weddings can be held at Dade Lodge for $100 per day with the ancient oak area available for $50.
There is a park entrance fee of $3 per vehicle, and wedding guests will be expected to pay this.
Car Parking at Dade Battlefield Historic State Park.
The park entrance fee of $3 per vehicle includes parking. There are parking lots by the picnic area, adjacent to the lodge and picnic pavilions. The parking lot by the Visitor Center is quite small. Drivers of oversized vehicles are requested to park in the area by the pavilions and then walk up to the Visitor Center.
Additional parking areas will be provided during special events. These will be well-signposted and both staff and park volunteers will be making sure that parking is easy.
Restaurants near Dade Battlefield Historic State Park
This list is not in any order of merit.
1. Chuck’s Odd Cuples Café. No that’s not a spelling mistake! The cups are for real and decorate the walls of the café. A small café with a reputation for quality cooking, Chuck’s will give you great value for money, top-rated service and a warm and welcoming atmosphere. They also provide a vegetarian menu.
Find Chuck’s at 117 W Belt Avenue, County Road 48, Bushnell.
2. Howie’s Family Restaurant. American Diner with a vegetarian menu available. Great food and great service that add up to real value.
Howie’s can be found at 840 Main Street, Bushnell
3. Darrell’s Dog Gone Good Diner. Easy to find as it’s next to Walmart in Bushnell. Good food, good atmosphere and good service. Diner-type food but of great quality. Super value for money.
Next to Walmart at 2237 W C 48 Plaza, Bushnell.
4. Big O’s Home Plate. Offers American bar and pub style food. Comprehensive menu for lunch and dinner. Does both table service and takeout. Easy access for wheelchairs.
Big O’s is only just over half a mile from the Dade Battlefield Historic State Park at 311 N Market Street, Bushnell.
5. Fujiyama Sushi and Grill. Fancy some Japanese cuisine? Then hop along to the Fujiyama Sushi and Grill. They offer Japanese and Asian food, with both vegetarian and vegan options. Consistently highly-rated for food quality and service.
Find the Fujiyama at 2571 West County Road 48 in Bushnell.
6. Farmer’s Market Resturant. If you are willing to travel a little further, then a visit to the Farmer’s Market Resturant in Webster will be a worthwhile trip. Serving good American cuisine for breakfast, lunch, dinner and brunch! Great food, with top-notch service and a super atmosphere. Table and takeout service, good parking and easy access for wheelchairs, Farmer’s Market is a fine food stop.
Find them at 522 N Market Boulevard, Webster, Florida.
Shopping near Dade Battleground Historic State Park
Bushnell, which is the nearest town to the park, has a range of stores including a Walmart. There are a number of local discount stores plus a selection of convenience stores.
Head out to Webster and visit the Webster Westside Flea Market where you can browse the huge range of stalls and maybe pick up a bargain or two. Located at 516 NW 3rd Street, Webster.
Also in Webster you will find the historic Richloam General Store. Renovated in 2016, this cute store is well worth a visit. Just step back in time and enjoy! Find the store at 38219 Richloam Clay Sink Road, Webster.
Conclusion
The Dade Battlefield Historic State Park is well worth a visit. Enjoy walking among the pines and oaks. Watch the birds and wildlife enjoying the safety of the park habitats. Take a picnic and eat lunch in the open air. History and nature combined in one fascinating package.
After a long day, there is nothing better than coming home to your own private pool, garden oasis and hot tub. With the Eiko’s Beach House, all of this and more will be waiting for you.
