The town did not build up right away as over time settlers like John Donnelly came to the area and then the town father John Alexander entered into a partnership with Annie Macdonald the wife of John Donnelly. They had a need for an inn on the lake so they built one because of the so many travelers that came to the area. Of course we did not visit the inn but it does exist in the general area which is one of the only remaining wood hotels in the state of Florida. It is the oldest structure in Mount Dora as well. 

The area was great for fishing and the inn served as a speak easy so it was supposed to have at one time a secret tunnel then went underground. Of course the area where the park today was at one time a place where citrus crops grew and the local community hunted giant snake. Eventually when the park was formed many houses were built surrounding it and the lake. 

On the west side of the lake not much as changed it still has its natural look much like it did when settlers first came to the area. That area today contains one of the most beautiful natural walks in the state of Florida. Their is even a 1700 foot board walk which floats over swamps, goes threw woods and ends up taking you to a dirt hiking trail in the secluded woods of Lake Dora. 

Much can be seen within the park such as bald eagles and gators. This is a fact that some of the largest gators in central Florida are pulled out of this lake up to 12 feet at times. I got to see my first bald eagle here lets just say they are very large birds and quite intimidating. 

The park also has a new floating concrete dock which is over 240 feet in length near a peninsula named Grantham Point. Since this area has one of the largest antique boat shows here the dock is probably used to show off the different boats. 

Speaking of Grantham point it is roughly a 2000 foot peninsula that extends out into the lake.  But I do not think that its 2000 feet cause that would almost be a half of mile. But its a pretty long ways out their and on the point is an old cannon. Also at the point is the only freshwater lighthouse in the state of Florida.

The lighthouse was built in 1988 built of bricks covered in stucco and stands at the port of Mount Dora. It is red and white striped. A brochure states its 35 feet tall but I do think its less cause its about twice my height so I would say its about 18 feet. Not very large but the red beacon it sends out gives the lake a red illumination when nightfall arrives. 

The lighthouse was one mans idea when one night he was traveling from Tavares and could not find his way back to the port of Mount Dora. He said it was very dark and difficult to find so he decided to raise enough funds for a lighthouse to be built for the local mariners. Sometimes boaters will take the Mount Dora Canal which leads to the Lake Side inn and they will pull over their boats and eat a nice meal. The lighthouse serves as a guiding landmark to the entire area.

Within the park are various memorials, a water fountain, a picnic area, and many shady oak trees.  Nearby is Gilbert park which was the son of an earlier settler of Dr. C.R. Gilbert who left the property in his will.  Also their is Simpson's cove which serves many boaters with many wood docks. The cove is also home to the Yacht club. Lastly within the park on the east side of the lake is the Lawn Bowling Club which was started in 1928 at first we thought the lawns were algae pools as they shimmered in the light. 

So as you can see the park has alot of history to it. Although this park did not develop till the 1980s the surrounding area has a country like atmosphere with many large homes near the lake. Since Mount Dora is a peaceful community that sits on a Plateau its home to many antique shops, festivals, and many other events.  Lets put it this way if you had to choose your dream town this probably would be it. The town almost seems impure the air is fresh, the lakes, old houses, dimly lit shops, parks all around etc really gives it a cozy feeling. So this investigation will always be special to me. Also not that this matters the town boast some of the most prettiest ladies in Florida much like in the 1800s the women around here wore long dresses, drank orange juice on the porch, and danced the night off at the inn with their lover.

© By

Rick-AngelOfThyNight