Meg Archer is an Editor & Newsletter Editor who has called Oregon home for nearly 30 years. She spent her childhood exploring the mountains, forests, and high desert of Central Oregon before relocating to Portland after a brief stint out-of-state for college. She holds an B.A. in English from Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo and a B.S. in Psychology from Portland State University. Meg has worked in writing, editing, and media-related fields for over 10 years and joined the team at OnlyInYourState in 2015. When she’s not writing or exploring the West Coast, Meg enjoys playing tabletop games, working on visual media projects, and can always be found in the front row at Portland Timbers matches.
Grand Lake is synonymous with boating, fishing, golfing, off-roading, hunting, dining, shopping and having a great time with family and friends. While it has been voted one of the top places to retire in the country, it also doubles as a great tourist destination for people all over the world.
While this lake may not have huge hotel chains or large resort properties just yet, you may be surprised at how many lodging options are available at Grand Lake. There are even unique places to stay that cater to specific groups of people: hunters, golfers, boaters and off roaders. Grand Lake truly is one of the most unique and diverse lakes in the region for all it has to offer. It’s why some refer to it as the “Crown Jewel” of Oklahoma.
A bustling and developing lake which will soon boast a stunning 120 room boutique-style hotel on Monkey Island at Shangri-La, is one of the most anticipated groundbreaking moments in the 76 years Grand Lake has been around. It only enhances what these other properties have to offer to provide an even greater destination spot for so many. Looking for a great spot to have a business retreat, destination wedding, or family reunion? Or maybe just a place to go low-key and enjoy some of the best fishing in the country? Grand Lake can probably cure what ails you.
1. Pine Lodge Resort, Ketchum
Photo: Pine Lodge Resort
This award winning resort has impressed travelers from all over the country. It's no surprise that these charming rustic cabins sprinkled along the lake have become a popular destination. They have everything you need for the perfect vacation getaway, including private decks with hot tubs! Outstanding customer service by the owners, who are lake lovers themselves, and it's easy to see why this property is truly one of the "Crown Jewels" of Oklahoma!
Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily... life at Dream Catcher Point really is a dream. This award winning property is a hidden gem on Grand Lake that leaves people wanting to return for more. This beautiful lake front property with amazing landscaping is one of the most relaxing experiences on the lake. They accommodate business retreats, weddings, and those just in need of a laid back vacation. This is quickly becoming a hot spot around the lake!
Cherokee Spur Ranch definitely caters to those who take quail, dove, and pheasant hunting seriously; this premiere Ranch has attracted top hunters from around the country! With one of the most gorgeous views of Grand Lake on Horse Creek, this property is vast and serious about entertaining hunters. But what about in the off-season? Cherokee Spur doubles as a wedding venue unlike any other and has even been featured in several wedding magazines!
High above the towers, you can let down your hair when you rent out the once exclusively private Penthouse atop of the Vista Towers at Shangri-La. This iconic building was constructed for the 1982 National Governor's Conference. The view from the top is awe-inspiring and is absolutely one of the best views of Grand Lake and the stellar Shangri-La Golf Course. You get your own private rooftop pool too! Come see why it is a favorite spot for weddings, retreats, and slipping away from reality.
A five-star rating tells you quite a lot about Dream Cather Resorts; this particular retreat features 500 feet of shoreline and can sleep over 30 people. Private boat slips and perfect landscaping makes this an ideal getaway spot for those in need of privacy or a place to kick back and relax.
Built in 1937 during the construction of the Pensacola Dam, these cool rock cabins are still standing strong. Located in the heart of Disney, they have become a popular spot for those who like to go off-road driving in Jeeps at the rock garden below the dam. These sweet little cabins are being upgraded one by one to enhance the traveler's stay and ensure they'll be around for years to come.
These cute cottages sit in a beautiful lake setting and offer an amazing stay for out-of-towners. Nestled perfectly next to the world-famous Har-Ber Village outdoor museum and only minutes from Patricia Island Golf Course, it's no wonder this community of cottages is busy year round. The relaxing and calming atmosphere is perfect for a romantic getaway or a family vacation.
8. Copperwood Lodge, Disney
Photo: Dusty Wood
Little cabins line up for big fun at Copperwood Lodge! One of the newest cabin and campground sites in the town, which is best known for the rock crawling craze below the Pensacola Dam. Copperwood Lodge is quickly becoming a favorite for off-road enthusiasts to stay while visiting from around the country; the Lodge sits in good company with the "Off Roaders Row" of the Dam Rec Park, Hogan's Off Road Park and Two Mom's Campground. Between rock crawling events and live music throughout the year, it is definitely a unique place to experience.
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9. Worldmark by Wyndham at Shangri-La, Monkey Island
Perfect for hardcore golfers who want to play 27 holes on one of the best golf courses in the country. Beautiful surroundings and great amenities make this spot one that welcomes visitors with class and a feel of a home away from home. The property sits close to The Summit Restaurant, Buffalo Bar, Island Joe's, and not far from The Shebang, Big Shots, and The Den of Uniquity.
Honey Creek Resort reminds us of a time gone by. This family owned business has been a part of Grove for as long as most locals can remember. The hotel sits atop the hill overlooking a beautiful part of the lake, and the quaint cabins sit lakeside. The serene setting is one that countless tourists have experienced over the decades. Fishing, swimming, boating, and enjoying life…this place is definitely a Grand Lake tradition.
11. Island Air Vacation Rental, Monkey Island
Photo: Barbara Staten
Fly into the Monkey Island Airport at The Landings and stay a night or two! This is just one of many of the great vacation home rentals around Grand Lake. Many boast lakefront views and easy lake access.
Coming in April of 2017, this 120-room boutique-style hotel will be the only one of its kind on Grand Lake. It will feature 8,000 square feet of convention space, a spa, swim up bar, rooftop bar, casual dining, indoor pool, and an unparalleled views of Grand Lake on one side, with views of the incredible golf course on the other. We think this much needed addition to the Grand Lake area will become one of the best places to stay!
From every price range and every era, Grand Lake really does have some unique places for people of all walks of life to stay and enjoy. Big or small, new or old; these are some of the best places to stay on Grand Lake that will make you fall in love with the area and come back again and again!
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