Aerial view of the large Pensacola Dam and Grand Lake O' the Cherokees near Shangri-La Monkey Island
Vibrant sunset casts orange and pink hues over a calm lake near Shangri-La Monkey Island
 

Things To Do

Local Experiences

Extend your adventure beyond the resort with nearby natural wonders, cultural sites, and outdoor recreation in every direction.

Natural Falls State Park

Natural waterfall flowing into a clear pool, a scenic attraction near Shangri-La Monkey Island

Natural Falls State Park

Located about an hour south in the scenic Ozark Highlands, Natural Falls State Park is the filming location for the 1974 family classic “Where the Red Fern Grows.”  A hidden, serene valley with a railed platform allows hikers to make their way to a stunning 77-foot waterfall cascading through rock formations.

19225 E 578 Rd, Colcord, OK 74338
918-422-5802

Har-Ber Village

Scenic view of ancient houses made of stone and wood at Har-Ber Village near Shangri-La Monkey Island

Har-Ber Village

Har-Ber Village, a pioneer-era village and museum, features nearly 100 exhibits spreading over 6 acres of nature trails, scenic views and reproductions that will take you back to the mid-1800s.

4404 W 20th St. Grove, OK 74344
918-786-6446

Pensacola Dam

Aerial view of the large Pensacola Dam and Grand Lake O' the Cherokees near Shangri-La Monkey Island

Pensacola Dam

Pensacola Dam was the first hydroelectric facility constructed in Oklahoma. GRDA built the dam between December 30, 1938, and March 21, 1940, when depression-era labor was abundant. It is located between the communities of Langley and Disney, spanning a mile across the Grand River Valley and holding back the 43,500 acres of water that form Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees. 

S Highway 82 & 28, Langley, OK 74350
918-782-4726

Lendonwood Gardens

Peaceful view of a wooden footbridge crossing a small stream in Lendonwood Gardens near Shangri-La Monkey Island

Lendonwood Gardens

Lendonwood Gardens is an 8-acre botanical garden a short drive from Monkey Island. Founded in 1995 by Dr. Leonard Miller, a retired dentist, Lendonwood Gardens is home to 1,400 different types of plants, including one of the largest collections of Chamaecyparis in the United States. Meander through azaleas, dogwoods, peonies, hostas, evergreens and more along a 150-foot stream.

1308 W 13th St., Grove, OK 74344
918-786-2938

Bernice Nature Center

Two children observe a tortoise eating leafy greens in Bernice Nature Center at Shangri-La Monkey Island

Bernice Nature Center

Explore hands-on exhibits, animal exhibits, and wildlife exhibits at the Bernice Nature Center including an indoor active beehive and fish for the children to see. The nature center is located on a 66-acre wildlife refuge just a few miles off the island in the Bernice State Park. The park is a popular spot for swimming, includes a half-mile nature trail, primitive trails, and observation towers.

54101 East Hwy 85A
Bernice, OK

Little Blue State Park

Serene waterfall cascades into a calm green pool in Little blue state park at Shangri-La Monkey Island

Little Blue State Park

Little Blue is a hidden gem located below the Pensacola Dam. Locals have enjoyed the always cold, clear stream amidst the giant boulders that have become very popular for off-road vehicle climbing in recent years. When the area isn't inundated with rock crawlers, it's a great place for exploring and climbing by foot.

State Hwy 28 E., Disney, OK

Rock Climbing

Large gathering of off-road vehicles preparing to go rock climbing near Shangri-La Monkey Island

Rock Climbing

Rev up your engine at one of the most popular locations for off-road vehicles in the U.S. A short drive from Monkey Island, the town of Disney is home to world-renowned rock climbing and off-road adventures like the RZR Invasion, Big Meat Run and Battle of the Jeeps.