If you’ve ever been to the charming town of Mount Dora, Florida, then you already know what a special place this is. However, while many people appreciate the character and panache that this town has to offer, we locals know there is also a bit of history to be indulged in as well. Take the Mount Dora Lighthouse as the perfect example. Dubbed the Granthan Point Lighthouse, this small but mighty iconic landmark in the town is still standing today and has a fascinating history of how it was erected and why.

While you might picture a lighthouse to be a towering behemoth against the water of a town or city...
Google/Mel Hall
..., the Mount Dora Lighthouse is a tad bit different.
It is nestled along the shoreline of the namesake town lake.
TripAdvisor/TexasCatBird
And the city’s most iconic landmark is the small but mighty lighthouse in Grantham Pointe.
The interconnected lakes known as the Harris Chain of Lakes is an area known for history and natural beauty.
TripAdvisor/MARCIO Vasconselos
It is also where the lighthouse resides.
The lakes were a huge draw for the first settlers within the area back in the 1800s.
Google/Keith Moore
Fishermen and boaters found it difficult to travel from the nearby town of Tavares to Mount Dora once the sun set, which is how the idea of the lighthouse began.
Over $3,000 was raised to erect this lighthouse.
Google/Josh Magda
It clocks in at only a mere 35-feet in height.
Opened officially in 1988, the Mount Dora Lighthouse was constructed out of a brick base and stucco outer surface.
Google/Rebecca Kenefick
The exterior was intential to make it stand out from other lighthouses with beautiful and noticeable red and white colors.

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The light itself is a 750-watt photocell.
TripAdvisor/MaximRossOz
It utilizes a blue pulsator to help the boaters find their way around Lake Dora after dark.
What makes the lighthouse so iconic, besides its size...
TripAdvisor/lavendor
...is the fact that it is the only inland freshwater lighthouse in the entire State of Florida.
The Grantham Pointe grounds are very beautiful as well.
TripAdvisor/Kellygirl2
It is a big draw for tourists coming to the area who want to relax by the water.
There are other things to see and enjoy in Mount Dora as well.
Lysa Allman-Baldwin/OnlyInYourState
For example, you'll find remnants of the Atlantic Coast Train Depot which sits along what once was a major railroad route that traversed the area.
And whether, like us, you like to walk, shop...
Lysa Allman-Baldwin/OnlyInYourState
...or dine, you'll find plenty to enjoy in the little downtown area.
Google Maps
Getting to Mount Dora is easy. To help get you on your way, we've created this Google map.

Have you ever visited Mount Dora Lighthouse in Florida before? If so, what was your favorite part? Would you agree that it is one of the most charming Florida lighthouses? We’d love to read about your experience in the comments section below!

Or if you really want to tackle an adventure, then check out this incredible lighthouse road trip through Florida.

If you’re like us and get hungry when you go on road trips, get yourself some good food containers to use with our ultimate list of 50 on-the-go food ideas.

For those of you that are still in the mood for more Sunshine State adventures, take a look at this video:

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More to Explore

More Florida Adventures

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | September 28, 2023

Where can we find state parks in Florida?

  • Bahia Honda State Park in the Florida Keys is an island featuring swimming and paddling.
  • Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park in St. George Island spans 2,000 spectacular acres.
  • Camp Helen State Park in Panama City Beach has a rare dune lake and scrub oak forests.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other wonderful state parks in Florida.

Where can we find family-friendly hiking trails in Florida?

  • The Cypress Lakes Preserve Trail in  Brooksville meanders along a maritime marsh.
  • The Ancient Dunes Trail at Anastasia State Park in St. Augustine features is a quick, 1 mile loop trail.
  • The Florida Trail in the Bronson State Forest in Williston is home to gopher tortoises.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other family-friendly hiking trails in Florida.

Where can we find the best lakes in Florida?

  • Lake Tohopekaliga is the largest lake in Osceola County and very popular for bass fishing and birdwatching.
  • Lake Eustis is a 7,000-acre lake in the Harris Chain of Lakes in Central Florida that is popular for fishing and sailing.
  • Lake Harris extends nearly 14,000 acres, is the largest lake in Lake County, and known for great bass and bluegill fishing.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other amazing lakes in Florida.

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Featured Addresses
Grantham Pointe (Light House), 357-499 S Tremain St, Mt Dora, FL 32757, USA