About Monkey Island
Monkey Island is a 6-mile peninsula on Grand Lake O' The Cherokees, located between Grove and Duck Creek in Northeast Oklahoma. Despite its name, it's not actually an island — and there are no monkeys. What you will find is Grand Lake's most concentrated collection of resorts, restaurants, bars, marinas, and entertainment options.
The area is anchored by Shangri-La Resort, which offers 27 holes of championship golf, a full-service hotel and conference center, spa, marina, and multiple dining venues. But Shangri-La is just the beginning — Monkey Island is home to dozens of businesses catering to visitors and residents alike.
A major draw is the Monkey Island Trail, a 5-mile paved walking and biking path that connects Tera Miranda Resort to Shangri-La, passing restaurants, bars, and shops along the way. Built entirely with donated funds, it's a testament to the engaged community that makes Monkey Island special.
Quick Facts: Monkey Island
- Location: Highway 125, between Grove and Duck Creek
- Distance from Grove: Approximately 10 miles south
- Distance from Tulsa: Approximately 90 miles
- Terrain: 6-mile peninsula (not actually an island)
- Main Attraction: Shangri-La Resort (golf, hotel, marina, dining)
- Known For: Restaurants, bars, live music, boat access, golf
Where to Stay on Monkey Island
From luxury resorts to cozy cabins to RV camping, Monkey Island offers accommodations for every style and budget. Many visitors choose to stay on the island for convenient access to restaurants, bars, and lake activities.
Resorts & Hotels
Shangri-La Resort Hotel & Conference Center
The centerpiece of Monkey Island, Shangri-La is Grand Lake's premier full-service resort. The 120-room hotel offers stunning lake views, a large resort pool with splash pad, luxury spa, fitness center, and 8,000 square feet of conference space. Guests enjoy access to 27 holes of championship golf, multiple restaurants including The Summit and Doc's Bar & Grill, the full-service marina, and The Anchor Activity Park with tennis, pickleball, and more.
Vacation Rentals
Grand Lake Vacation Properties
A curated selection of luxury vacation homes, cozy cabins, and waterfront retreats throughout the Monkey Island and Grand Lake area. Properties range from intimate getaways for two to spacious homes accommodating large groups. Many feature private docks, stunning lake views, and resort-style amenities. Locally owned and operated by people who know Grand Lake inside and out.
Grand Life Vacation Rentals
Over a dozen fully-equipped vacation homes ranging from 1,200 to 4,600 square feet, sleeping 6 to 18 guests. Perfect for family reunions, group getaways, or a relaxing lake vacation. All homes are thoughtfully appointed and ready for your Grand Lake adventure.
Secluded Country Cottages
Two charming vacation cabins — Sunset Hideaway and Fireside Retreat — each offering a cozy escape for up to four guests. One-bedroom cottages feature queen beds, queen sleeper sofas, full kitchens, WiFi, smart TVs, washer/dryer, and private fire pits for evenings under the stars. Perfect for couples or small families seeking a peaceful Grand Lake retreat.
RV Resorts & Camping
Monkey Island RV Resort
The newest luxury RV park on Monkey Island, right in the middle of all the action. Features include 100% concrete roads and pads, 30/50 amp electrical service, water and sewer hookups, a clubhouse with laundry facilities, and clean private showers. Also offers cozy cabin rentals with queen beds, sleeper sofas, kitchenettes, and private baths — perfect if you want the RV park experience without the RV.
Boat Rentals & Marinas
Getting out on the water is easy from Monkey Island. Multiple marinas offer fuel, slips, and services, while boat rental companies can put you on a pontoon, jet ski, or fishing boat for the day.
Marinas
Tera Miranda Resort & Marina
A legendary Grand Lake marina and lakefront destination on Monkey Island. The full-service marina is open year-round, offering fuel, boat slips, and marine services. Home to The Quarterdeck restaurant, serving food and drinks seasonally with beautiful water views. A favorite stop for boaters exploring the lake.
Boat Rentals
H2O Sports Rental – Monkey Island
Full fleet of boat rentals conveniently located at Crown Pointe Marina on Monkey Island. Choose from jet skis, jet boats, tri-toons, and fishing boats. Whether you're looking for speed, family fun, or a day of fishing, H2O Sports has you covered. Easy online booking available.
Shopping & Services
Need groceries, a golf cart, or supplies for your stay? Monkey Island has you covered with local merchants and service providers.
The Market at 216 Ranch
A specialty grocer committed to bringing superior food from farm to table. Features locally sourced beef, partnerships with local farms and producers, and specialty food items you won't find elsewhere. Perfect for stocking your vacation rental with quality ingredients or picking up ready-to-eat items for a lake day.
The Golf Cart Guyz
Your one-stop shop for golf cart sales, rentals, service, and customization in Northeast Oklahoma. Single-day and multi-day rentals available in various sizes — perfect for cruising the Monkey Island Trail or getting around the neighborhood. Also offers a wide selection of new and used carts for purchase, plus expert repair and customization services.
Restaurants & Bars
Monkey Island is famous for its dining and nightlife scene. From upscale dining at The Summit to casual waterfront spots, there's something for every taste. Many establishments offer boat dock access, live music on weekends, and those unforgettable Grand Lake sunsets.
Keagan's Coffee
A small-batch specialty coffee roaster, coffee shop, and from-scratch bakery located at Littlefield's Corner at the entrance to Monkey Island. Features a convenient drive-thru window, fresh-baked goods daily, and coffee cart catering for events. The perfect way to start your Grand Lake morning.
More Dining Options
Beyond our featured partners, Monkey Island offers many other great dining options:
- The Summit Restaurant & Buffalo Bar — Fine dining at Shangri-La with stunning views
- Doc's Bar and Grill — Casual dining at Shangri-La Resort
- The Quarterdeck at Tera Miranda — Lakefront dining (seasonal)
- Eddy's Lakeside Bar — Waterfront hot-spot at Shangri-La Marina
- Road Hog Saloon — BBQ at Littlefield's Corner
Nightlife
Monkey Island comes alive on weekend nights with live music and entertainment at venues like Blind Swine, Big Shots, and Monkey Island Pub.
The History of Monkey Island
Despite the name, there have never been wild monkeys on Monkey Island. The peninsula got its unusual name around the time Pensacola Dam was being built in the late 1930s.
The story goes that some locals from the Bernice area visited the Tulsa Zoo and were entertained by the monkeys kept on a small island surrounded by a moat. Shortly after, a reporter from the Tulsa World came through to write about the changes the new lake would bring. When asked about the peninsula, someone pointed and jokingly said it would be "Monkey Island, where the monkeys will be kept."
The name stuck when the Tulsa World printed it, and the rest is history. Today, the only monkeys you'll find are the occasional visitors acting like them at the bars on a Saturday night.
Nearby Destinations
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