Grand Lake Destinations Accessible By Boat

Boating access to venues on Grand Lake O’ The Cherokees is unique compared to any lake in Oklahoma. As a hydro power-producing lake, Grand Lake operates under the supervision of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission rather than the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. That means private docks, courtesy docks, and waterfront businesses accessible by boat are far more plentiful than most lakes. In this part of the United States, only Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri and Grand Lake enjoy this luxury.

There are far more “boat accessible” business spots on Grand Lake than any other lake in Oklahoma. Shangri-La Resort is the most notable, with courtesy slips available at Shangri-La Marina allowing boaters to access Doc’s Bar & Grill, Eddy’s Lakeside Bar (in season), The Anchor Activity Park, and the facilities of Shangri-La’s Resort Hotel and Golf Club (complimentary shuttle service to the golf course is available).

There are, however, many other venues “accessible by land or by Grand.” Along with the many options at Shangri-La Resort, the Quarterdeck Café at Tera Miranda Harbor Resort is also located on Monkey Island by boat.

Cherokee Yacht Club and Arrowhead Yacht Club are private membership clubs, but are easily accessible in Grand Lake’s Duck Creek area. Docks Bar and The Waterway Café, located at Safe Harbor Harbors View Marina, and Ugly’s Grill & Bar located at Ugly John’s Thunder Bay Marina are also boat accessible in Duck Creek.

At the south end of the lake, Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill is located in Disney adjacent to the Pensacola Dam. It’s a popular bar and restaurant, and also has courtesy slips. Hi-Lift Marina in Drowning Creek offers food and beverages, as well. VIP Pizza and Sharky’s Bar are located at Hammerhead Marina in Ketchum Cove. Juan Montez Restaurant and Cantina are located at Red Arrow Marina.

Near Sailboat Bridge in Grove, The Pourhouse at The Regatta, is boat accessible via courtesy slips at Royal Bay Marina. Additional courtesy slips are planned at The Regatta. Nearby Waterside Bar & Grill located in Grove’s Wolf Creek area, also has available courtesy docking. At the other end of Grove, courtesy slips are available at Honey Creek Landing Marina for access to The Parrot restaurant & bar. Mulligan’s, located at Grove’s Patricia Island Country Club, also has courtesy slips and shuttle service available. Mulligan’s is a private club and restaurant, but is open to the public on Sundays.

Popular raft-up spots on Grand Lake are Courthouse Hollow, Woodard Hollow, Grays Hollow (Dripping Spring), and Check-In Bay. If you don’t already have Grand Lake boating friends, you’ll make plenty of fun friends at any of those popular raft-up spots.

There is a variety of outstanding clubs and restaurants all around the Grand Lake area; but it is always faster to get around the sprawling lake by boat than by car – and Grand Lake boaters are privileged to have many outstanding dining and drinking venues available without ever getting in your car. Grab a helpful Grand Lake map at any marina and take advantage of dining and drinking access – by boat!