One Unexpected Visitor Swings by Lakeside Inn.

Some travel memories are carefully planned. Others arrive swinging through the tree.s

In June 2026, an unexpected guest turned the quiet charm of historic Mount Dora into one of Florida’s most talked-about stories. A wild rhesus macaque wandered into town, first appearing near Gilbert Park before making his way onto the grounds of Lakeside Inn, where he climbed majestic live oaks, explored the lakefront, and instantly became an internet sensation.

Our team immediately contacted the appropriate wildlife authorities and specialists to ensure everyone’s safety. By the time they arrived, our adventurous visitor had already continued on his journey, leaving behind unforgettable photos, videos, and a story that captured the attention of viewers across Florida and beyond.

For a hotel that’s welcomed guests since 1883, it’s safe to say this was one of the most unusual check-ins in our history.

The Day the Monkey Came to Lakeside Inn
Why the Story Went Viral
Florida’s Fascinating Monkey History
How We Joined the Fun
In the News
Planning Your Visit to Lakeside Inn
Where Is the Mount Dora Monkey Now?

The Day the Monkey Came to Lakeside Inn

What began as reports of a monkey near downtown Mount Dora quickly became something no one expected.

Guests looked up to see a rhesus macaque comfortably navigating the towering oak trees that have shaded Lakeside Inn for generations. Others spotted him taking in views of beautiful Lake Dora before disappearing back into the canopy.

The images spread quickly across social media.

Within hours, thousands of people were sharing videos and asking the same question:

“There’s a monkey… in Mount Dora?”

The answer was yes.

At least for one unforgettable day.

Why the Story Went Viral

Florida is famous for the unexpected.

Alligators cross golf courses. Manatees swim beneath kayaks. Flamingos occasionally reappear along the coast.

But a monkey casually visiting Florida’s oldest continuously operating hotel?

That was something entirely different.

People weren’t simply fascinated by the monkey. They fell in love with the setting.

The historic white porches.

The Spanish moss.

The lakeside views.

The towering live oaks.

Together, they created the perfect backdrop for a story that felt almost too whimsical to be real.

We Decided to Have a Little Fun

As the story continued making headlines, we embraced the moment with the same sense of humor our guests have come to know and love.

The result?

Banana-themed social media videos.

Our now-famous Monkey Business frozen daiquiri.

Playful “search parties” around the property.

Banana costumes.

Safari hats.

Even a few humorous attempts to convince our celebrity visitor to return for another stay.

Our guests loved every minute of it, and so did thousands of people following along online.

Sometimes the best marketing campaign isn’t planned at all.

Sometimes it climbs a tree.

Florida’s Monkey History

Although seeing a monkey in Mount Dora surprised many people, Florida actually has a long history with wild rhesus macaques.

The best-known population lives around Silver Springs, where monkeys were introduced during a riverboat attraction in the 1930s. Over the decades, some populations expanded into other parts of Central Florida, making occasional sightings possible, though still quite rare.

Wildlife experts believe our visitor likely originated from one of these established populations.

More Than a Viral Moment

While the monkey eventually continued his adventure elsewhere, something special happened.

People who had never heard of Mount Dora suddenly discovered one of Florida’s most charming small towns.

Visitors learned about Lakeside Inn’s rich history dating back to 1883.

They discovered waterfront sunsets over Lake Dora.

Historic downtown shopping.

Award-winning dining.

Festivals.

Boat tours.

And a destination filled with timeless Florida charm.

One curious monkey reminded thousands of people why Mount Dora has been capturing hearts for generations.

In the News

The Mount Dora Monkey quickly became one of the region’s biggest feel-good stories, earning coverage from television stations and news organizations across Florida.

Read and watch the coverage:

(We are incredibly grateful to the journalists and photographers who helped share this unforgettable story.)

Planning Your Own Visit

We can’t promise you’ll encounter a famous monkey during your stay.

What we can promise is a place unlike anywhere else in Florida.

Since 1883, Lakeside Inn has welcomed guests with timeless hospitality, lakefront sunsets, beautifully landscaped gardens, award-winning dining, and the relaxed pace that has made Mount Dora one of Florida’s favorite getaway destinations.

Whether you’re exploring downtown boutiques, enjoying dinner at The Verandah, taking a boat cruise across Lake Dora, or simply relaxing on our historic rocking-chair porch, every visit creates memories worth sharing.

Hopefully yours won’t require wildlife authorities.

But if it does…

We’ll have the bananas ready.

Where Is the Mount Dora Monkey Now?

Since his famous visit, confirmed sightings have become increasingly rare, turning our unexpected guest into something of a local legend.

Every so often someone asks us if he’s returned.

We always smile.

Not yet.

But if he ever decides to check back into Lakeside Inn, we’ll be ready.

After all, every great hotel has its regulars.

Some just arrive by swinging through the trees.

Plan Your Historic Getaway

Whether you’re visiting for the history, the lake views, the shopping, the dining, or simply to experience one of Florida’s most iconic historic hotels, we’d love to welcome you to Lakeside Inn.

And who knows?

You might just leave with a story of your own.

The Mount Dora Monkey: The Complete Story Behind Lakeside Inn’s Viral Visitor