Fly Into Monkey Island, OK, Grand Lake Regional Airport and Enjoy Luxury with Your Airplane
OK—Do you feel like monkeying around with your airplane? If you do, then you might want to check out Grand Lake Regional Airport (309) at Monkey Island, OK. This resort area is located in the middle of the Neosho River in Grand Lake. The island and airport are about 92 miles northeast of Tulsa and 119 miles southeast of Springfield, MO.
Grand Lake Regional Airport (309) at Monkey Island, OK
Grand Lakes Regional Airport (309) is located near the southern tip of the island next to Isles End Cove. It was first activated in 1959. The airport is open to the public but privately owned by Wings to Water LLC. The airport has one runway. Runway 17/35 is 3,295 feet long and 60 feet wide. The CTAF is 122.7. Grand Lake Regional Airport averages 48 aircraft operations daily, and four aircraft are based on the field. Eighty percent of the operations are transient general aviation, while 20 percent is local general aviation.
Things to do on Monkey Island
Monkey Island is full of things to do. It has resorts, bars, grills, places to shop, and plenty of water activities.
Shangri-La Resort Hotel
The biggest attraction on the island might be the Shangri-La Resort Hotel, located on the southern tip. The property includes a luxury hotel, a spa, a golf club, The Anchor and Racquet Club, a marina with rental boats, live music, and plenty of dining opportunities at the Summit Restaurant, Doc’s Bar and Grill, and The Buffalo Bar.
The Anchor and Raquet Club offers several tennis courts, a pro shop, an arcade, a golf simulator, and a sports bar. There are also three golf courses, including the Legends Course, the Heritage Course, and the Champions Course. The newest addition is a par three course called The Battlefield. After a great day of golfing or tennis, you can head to the spa for a relaxing facial and custom manicure and pedicure. Then, head to dinner at one of their fine dining establishments.
Grand Lake State Park
Grand Lake State Park is on Grand Lake, which is combined with the Neosho River. The lake is estimated to cover a massive 46,000 surface acres, and it’s considered Oklahoma’s largest lake. The state park includes the Bernice Area, the Cherokee Area, the Disney Area, the Little Blue Area, the Honey Creek Area, the Spavinaw Area, and the Twin Bridges Area. Each area has its own amenities and features. The Disney Area is for day use. Visitors can enjoy views of the lake and have a picnic. The Cherokee Area includes a beach where visitors can swim and picnic areas, a lighted boat ramp, a playground, and restrooms with showers.
The Bernice Area also has a boat ramp, hot showers, restrooms, and picnic areas. The Little Blue Area is revered for its tiny stream where adults and children love to swim. The Honey Creek Area is open yearly and includes a swimming pool and picnic tables. The Twin Bridges area has five one-room huts, including electricity, outdoor grills, and tables. The Spavinaw Area is located just below the dam and is revered for its shade trees and swimming creek. The Bernice Area is loved for its shallow shorelines, picnic areas, and restrooms with hot showers.
Royal Horse Ranch
The Royal Horse Ranch is well-known for its trail rides, hayrides, winery, and cottages. Horse and trail rides start at 10 AM and are perfect for couples and families. After your trial ride, you may want to check out the winery. The horse ranch makes wine from their own vineyards and a combination of purchased juices. They started their wine-making endeavor in 2004. Check out the cottages if you wish to experience the horse ranch for longer. Each cottage includes WiFi, SMART TVs, heating and air conditioning, coffee makers, refrigerators, and microwaves. The cottages are non-smoking and kid and pet-friendly.
Rod & Custom Hall of Fame Museum
For car lovers, Darryl Starbird’s Rod & Custom Hall of Fame Museum is located just off the island along Grand Lake. The car museum contains 40,000 square feet, and it’s full of car memorabilia, custom cars created by Daryl Starbird, and unique rides that other custom car builders have built.
Monkey Island offers plenty to do for pilots and their families. The island is home to the Shangri-La Resort Hotel and Grand Lake State Park. Fly your airplane into Grand Lakes Regional Airport (309) and head on out for a picnic at one of the many state park areas, or check into the resort and enjoy a weekend of relaxation and pampering along with plenty of boating and swimming opportunities.