Lake Dora covers more than 4,000 acres; Palm Island Park, an eight-acre nature preserve, lies directly on its shore. The difference in size reveals two distinct scales of landscape: the expansive lake and a smaller protected area by the water. Historic sites, parks, events and water-based activities add to the offerings in and around Mount Dora. To plan your trip, you can first decide whether you want to focus primarily on the town’s history, an event date or nature.

Lake Dora, Parks and Trails

At Palm Island Park, views of the lake meet a designated nature preserve. The Mount Dora Trail offers a different focus: it is a mountain biking trail with a main singletrack loop just under two miles long. This lets you choose between a waterside nature preserve and a route for mountain bikes based on the locations and activities described. Access and trail conditions may change; check them before your visit.

Gilbert Park also offers a variety of facilities. Its playground features a pirate ship and several climbing structures; the park also has two pavilions, restrooms and a walking path. Playground equipment and facilities may change. If a particular amenity is important for your visit, check its current status beforehand.

You can fish for largemouth bass on Lake Dora in the Mount Dora area. Fishing conditions and regulations may change. Scenic Dora Canal is 1.2 miles long and can be explored from Mount Dora on an eco tour or by kayak or paddleboard. If you plan to kayak or paddleboard, check rental options before your trip; for eco tours, it is a good idea to confirm availability in advance. Eco tours on historic Dora Canal depart from Lakeside Inn in Mount Dora.

Town History and Architecture

Mount Dora was officially renamed in 1883. That same year, the Alexander House opened as a winter retreat for hunters, anglers and boaters. Another historic landmark is the Mount Dora Community Building, which opened in 1929 and became the center of the town’s events and activities. The Mount Dora History Museum traces the town’s history from the 1870s to the present day.

Individual buildings also give the town’s history specific names and dates. The Donnelly House is a home in the Steamboat Gothic/Queen Anne style, built in 1893. The Mount Dora Lighthouse is the only freshwater lighthouse in Florida. Mount Dora’s historic shopping district spans three by three city blocks; renewed sidewalks and a redesigned streetscape are among its features. You can choose among a historic building, a lighthouse, a museum and a cohesive shopping district to explore different aspects of history and architecture.

Events and Market Visits

Mount Dora hosts more than 30 events throughout the year. Some recurring events follow a set schedule: the Mount Dora Arts Festival takes place every year on the first weekend in February. Plaid in the Park is a free monthly celebration of Mount Dora’s Scottish heritage, with music, dancing and a vendor village. The annual Christmas tree lighting takes place in Donnelly Park. The annual Mount Dora Taste is hosted by the Chamber of Commerce and features tastings from local restaurants and food vendors. Dates and participating vendors may change; check the details if you want to plan your trip around a particular event.

For a market visit, 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. A market visit offers a different way to plan your stay than visiting a museum or event; check the current hours before making plans. Taken together, the historic sites, lake, parks, outdoor activities and events calendar offer several different ways to choose your destination and accommodation.

Explore more destinations: Umatilla, Leesburg, Clermont, Fruitland Park, Minneola, Tavares, Eustis, Lady Lake.

For the main travel overview: Lake.