The beautiful and scenic peninsula known as Monkey Island is nestled in the lush, green rolling foothills of the Ozarks Mountain Range, and sits on the northern shores of beautiful and scenic Grand Lake O’ The Cherokees. Monkey Island had a population of 6,260 in the year 2000, but thanks to new housing and retail developments, the lively community has experienced marked growth and expansion since that time. On or off the water, there is plenty to do: fishing, boating, horseback riding, hiking, shopping, museum tours, hiking, exciting nightlife – just to name a few! This home-town-feeling Midwest area is ranked the top 3rd place to retire in the nation.
• Location
1--Location
Monkey Island is a peninsula of land off the northern shores of Grand Lake O’ The Cherokees situated in Ottawa County, Oklahoma. Ottawa County is adjacent to Cherokee County to the north, the Delaware County to the south, and Craig County to the west. Located in the northeast corner of Oklahoma, Monkey Island is also adjacent to Missouri to the east. Just a stone’s throw away is Kansas to the north, and Arkansas to the southeast.
2--Geography/Terrain
Monkey Island is nestled amidst the rolling green foothills of the Ozark Mountain Range, just off the northern shores of beautiful and scenic Grand Lake O’ The Cherokees, with the river-like waters lapping its shoreline. Monkey Island sits 742 feet above sea level.
3--Distance to 3 closest major cities
Monkey Island is 78 miles southwest or a 1 hour and 30 minute drive to Tulsa, the second largest city in Oklahoma, and 183 miles further southwest or a 3 hour and 15 minute drive to Oklahoma City, the capital of Oklahoma.
Kansas City, Kansas is 195 miles north or a 4 hour and 45 minute drive. Little Rock, Arkansas is 277 miles southeast or a 5 hour and 20 minute drive. Topeka, Kansas, the state’s capital is 243 miles northwest or a 5 hour and 30 minute drive. Springfield, Missouri is 112 miles northeast or a 2 hour and 5 minute drive.
• Jobs
Fast-paced and exciting Monkey Island has much to offer the local economy. Known for its shopping and nightlife, Monkey Island’s economy is largely based on the retail, entertainment and tourism industries.
Nearby Grove has experienced an influx of entrepreneurs from retirees to young couples over the past decade. This growth is filling out the already established industries, as well as adding new business to the diversified community. The area’s economy is largely based on tourism and retirement, but also includes commercial business and manufacturing.
• Housing
Monkey Island offers a variety of homes featuring modern townhouses and condominiums, lakeside family homes and even large several-acre estates. Enjoy your own private waterfront homestead, where you can, at any time, take an unhindered stroll to the water -- each lakeside property is owned up to the shoreline. Time shares are also available in this popular vacation spot.
• Parks/Sports/Recreation/Golf
Monkey Island’s most prominent feature is its proximity to the Grand Lake O’ The Cherokees. With 46,500 acres of water and spanning 1,300 miles of shoreline, this manmade lake has much to offer. Enjoy any number of on-the-water activities such as fishing, boating, sailing, scuba diving, canoeing -- to name a few. Take a tour of the historic (and still functional) Pensacola Dam, the longest multiple arch dam in the world.
But that is not all, there are a plethora of activities to discover on the peninsula of Monkey Island as well. There is a wide array of shops available featuring Native American exclusives, precious antiques, modern art, and more. The lake’s best restaurants are located on Monkey Island, so grab a bite to eat after a day of shopping. Well-known as “the hub of Grand Lake’s nightlife”, there is entertainment of every kind available on Monkey Island, from nightclubs to live performances. Whether you are in the mood for fun and excitement or mellow relaxation, Monkey Island provides entertainment for every need.
If the great outdoors is more to your liking, take advantage of the 7 nearby beautiful state parks. For instance, Cherokee State Park features camping, fishing, boating, a swimming beach and even golf all year round. There are 3 different park areas to enjoy: Riverside, Lakeside and Cherokee. Additional amenities include hiking / biking trails, restroom and shower facilities, RV hook-ups and more! Cherokee State Park offers 43 acres worth of fun in the sun and enjoyment for the entire family.
Fore! Pick up those clubs and enjoy a challenging day of golf at one of the nearby 8 golf courses. With beautiful views of the lake, you’ll enjoy putting on the lush green rolling foothills Monkey Island has to offer. There are 2 golf courses located on the peninsula of Monkey Island: Shangri-La Golf Course featuring two 18-hole courses, one with 7012 yards / par of 72 and the other with 5,802 / par of 70; Coves Club featuring an 18-hole course with 6,498 yards of golf from the longest tees with a par of 72.
• Special Attractions/Events
Built in 1940, the historic Pensacola Dam is the longest multiple arch dam in the world. It safely dams 46,500 of water, along 1,300 miles of shoreline -- creating the Grand Lake O’ The Cherokees. Visitors from all over come to enjoy the free tours of this historic site that are offered during the summer months. For the adventuresome, try “Four Wheelin’ at the Dam” offered at the base of Pensacola Dam.
With its scenic views and water activities galore, Grand Lake O’ The Cherokees has plenty to offer. The lower lake is mostly open water and has great depth, while the upper lake has more river-like conditions. One of the hottest fishing spots in mid-America, the Grand Lake O’ The Cherokees is well-known for its largemouth and spotted bass fishing.
Visit Darryl Starbird’s National Rod and Custom Car Hall of Fame, and admire the classic and custom-built vehicles, preserved for public interest. There are photos and memorabilia on display documenting these great and historic vehicles, their makers and their impact on American culture and life. From hot rods to pick up trucks, every auto enthusiast will appreciate this remarkable memorial to the automobile.
• Interesting Facts/Historic Buildings and Places
The ‘O’’ in Grand Lake O’ The Cherokees stands for “Over”, not “Of” as is usually presumed.
Grand Lake has Oklahoma’s largest herd of alpacas, camel-like ungulates resembling sheep.
- NUMBER1EXPERTS™ 
