Mt Dora: History, Parks and Events

Mt Dora offers different ways to shape your trip: local history, parks, water activities and events. If you’re looking for a hotel in Mt Dora, first consider which of these themes you want to define your stay. That way, you can plan your time around your interests instead of trying to fit every option into a single itinerary.

Local history and historic buildings

Mount Dora was officially renamed in 1883. That same year, the Alexander House opened as a winter retreat for hunters, anglers and boaters. The Donnelly House dates from a later period: built in 1893, the residence was designed in the Steamboat Gothic and Queen Anne styles. In 1929, the Mount Dora Community Building opened, becoming the center of the city’s events and activities. The Mount Dora History Museum offers another way to explore local history, showcasing Mount Dora’s story from the 1870s to the present. The Mount Dora Lighthouse is Florida’s only freshwater lighthouse.

These places reflect different aspects of the area’s history: its naming, historic residential architecture, community life and the city’s development over a long period. Mount Dora’s historic shopping district covers three blocks by three blocks. Renewed sidewalks and a redesigned streetscape are also part of its character. Shops and street conditions may change.

Lake Dora, the canal and nature

Lake Dora covers more than 4,000 acres. Palm Island Park, an 8-acre nature preserve, is located on the lake.

The scenic Dora Canal is 1.2 miles long. In Mt Dora, you can explore it on an eco-tour or by kayak or paddleboard. Eco-tours on the historic canal depart from the Lakeside Inn in Mount Dora. Before your trip, check whether tours are running and rentals are available. You can fish for largemouth bass on Lake Dora in the Mount Dora area. Fishing conditions and regulations may change, so check them before fishing.

The Mount Dora Trail is a mountain biking trail with a nearly two-mile main singletrack loop. Trail conditions and access may change; check before your ride. This makes it easy to distinguish between the activities described: the trail is designated for mountain biking, while canal activities involve tours and watercraft.

Parks and activities

The playground at Gilbert Park features a pirate ship and several climbing structures. The park also has two pavilions, restrooms and a walking path. Because playground features and facilities may change, check current conditions before your visit. Mount Dora’s Pickleball Courts are located in Donnelly Park, which also hosts the city’s annual Christmas tree lighting.

The parks have distinctly different offerings: Gilbert Park focuses on its playground, pavilions, restrooms and walking path, while Donnelly Park is home to the pickleball courts and an annual event. If a particular facility or event is important to your plans, it may be helpful to check the latest information before your trip.

Events and markets

Mount Dora hosts more than 30 events throughout the year. The Mount Dora Arts Festival takes place every year on the first weekend of February. Plaid in the Park is a free monthly celebration of Mount Dora’s Scottish heritage, featuring music, dancing and a vendor village. Mount Dora Taste is an annual Chamber of Commerce event featuring tastings from local restaurants and food vendors. Event dates and participating vendors may change; check the latest information if you want to plan your trip around a specific date or offering.

Renninger’s Florida Twin Markets operates a flea and farmers market in Mount Dora. It is open Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you want the market to be a set part of your visit, check the current schedule before you arrive. The different formats offer distinct experiences: an annual arts festival, a monthly celebration with music and dancing, tastings, and a weekend market.

Explore more destinations: Clermont, Fruitland Park, Sorrento, Silver Lake, Umatilla, Lady Lake, Tavares, Leesburg.

For the broader travel overview: Lake.