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A Birdwatchers Guide to the Oklahoma Birds

In northeastern Oklahoma, Monkey Island is a picturesque destination to watch for birds. Each bird species has its own story to tell, and through patient observation, you gain insights into their lives and survival strategies. Shangri-La Resort is a magnificent resort in Oklahoma for birders and nature lovers that promises an unforgettable experience of luxury and recreational activities. 

Enjoy our resort’s plush accommodations, fine dining, activity park, golf courses, luxurious spa, and so much more in Grand Lake, Oklahoma! Our renowned Grand Lake resort offers a sanctuary of relaxation and adventure, catering to the desires of travelers seeking a truly memorable escape. Below are some of our favorite birds you can find during your stay in Oklahoma! 

Our 7 Favorite Birds You Can Find in Oklahoma

  1. House Finch: Vegans will be fond of the birds you can find in Oklahoma. Something unique about them is that they feed their nestlings a plant-based diet. 
  2. White-Breasted Nuthatch: You can attract These lovely birds by offering them large nuts such as peanuts and sunflower seeds.
  3. European Starling: All of these bird species in North America can be traced back to the 1890s when 100 birds were set loose in New York’s Central Park. They were released so that all the birds Shakespeare mentioned in his works would be in America. 
  4. House Wren: These tiny travelers have one of the biggest ranges of all songbirds. You can not only find these birds in Oklahoma but also in Canada, West Indies, Central America, and South America. 
  5. Mourning Dove: These elegant birds sure have a healthy appetite. They will eat up to 20% of their body weight every day. Maybe that’s why the oldest recorded Mourning Dove was 30 years old! 
  6. Rock Pigeon: Egyptian hieroglyphics suggest that humans have domesticated pigeons for over 5,000 years. Rock Pigeons carried vital messages for the U.S. military during the World Wars.
  7. Pileated Woodpecker: These are some of America’s biggest and most stunning forest birds. These birds will be easy to spot while you’re in Oklahoma with their flaming red, white, and black coloring. 

Book your stay at Shangri-La Resort for an ultimate retreat that blends natural beauty with the finest modern luxuries!

Experience Adventure With Grand Lake Rentals

From the moment you arrive at Shangri-La Resort, you are captivated by the luxurious ambiance nestled on Grand Lake in Oklahoma. With the convenience and quality of the boat and watersport rentals from Shangri-La Resort’s Marina, a day on Grand Lake becomes an unforgettable experience of thrills and endless fun. We offer a full-service marina with boat rentals, snacks, boat services, and shuttles to our golf courses and restaurants. 

Our Grand Lake resort offers a haven of relaxation and indulgence, boasting upscale amenities and impeccable customer service in Monkey Island, Oklahoma. Whether you choose to unwind in the spa, take a rejuvenating dip in the pool, nourish yourself in fine dining, have a blast at our massive activity park, or tee off on our meticulously designed golf courses, every moment at Shangri-La Resort is tailored to provide a blissful escape. 

Cruise Grand Lake with Shangri-La Boat Rentals

Shangri-La Resort offers more than 1,300 miles of Grand Lake shoreline you can explore on our boat and watercraft rentals. Our Ship Store is where you can shop for boat accessories, snacks, beer, soft drinks, cleaning supplies, and a full line of swimwear and resort attire. Our well-seasoned staff provides hands-on service on the dock with both fuel and pump-out facilities. We offer diesel fuel and 87-octane ethanol-free gasoline. 

Find your perfect boat rental to explore Grand Lake from our options, including: 

Embark on a Grand Lake Parasailing Adventure

We have other thrilling watersport rentals and charters with which you can explore Grand Lake. Sail Grand at Shangri-La Resort has the only parasailing activity in Oklahoma. Enjoy a bird’s eye view of Monkey Island soaring from 500 feet in the air. We also have plenty of other personal watercraft rentals to try out. The ride-on Hydroport fuel docks are perfect for personal watercraft riders. Visit the Sail Grand website for specific information on watercraft availability. 

Relax at Eddy’s Lakeside Bar

Guests can take a break from the fun of exploring Grand Lake on their boat and water sports rentals at Eddy’s Lakeside Bar. Enjoy a delicious burger at our lively Lakeside Bar and Grill on Grand Lake, and enjoy live music on Saturdays at 8 pm under the stars!

Book your stay today at Shangri-La Resort, a true paradise nestled in a serene world of its own!

Enjoy a Delightful Grand Lake Picnic

Nestled in the heart of northeastern Oklahoma lies the captivating beauty of Grand Lake, one of Oklahoma’s largest and most beautiful lakes. Grand Lake spans over 46,500 acres, offering a picturesque oasis for outdoor enthusiasts and foodies alike. A Grand Lake picnic creates an indulgence of senses from the bursting flavors of your food, the tranquil scenery surrounding you, and the warm sun on your skin. 

Shangri-La Resort is delighted to offer luxurious accommodations at our Grand Lake, Oklahoma resort. We also boast lakeside golf courses, fine dining, a luxurious spa, a massive activity park, and a full-service marina. Enjoy a dreamy Grand Lake picnic on one of our boat rentals or by the lake shore. Read below for excellent picnic recipes to pack before your lake trip. And if you really want to treat yourself and your someone special have your picnic catered by our Shangri-La Chef!

15 Lake Picnic Recipes To Enjoy by Grand Lake

  1. Caprese Pasta Salad: This picnic staple will taste extra good when enjoyed by the picturesque Grand Lake! 
  2. Dogwood Punch: This refreshing adult beverage will surely be a hit at your picnic. 
  3. Chive Potato Salad: Put a twist on this beloved picnic recipe staple. 
  4. Caramelized Five-Onion Dip: Show up to your picnic with a dip that’s sure to impress. 
  5. Peach Hand Pies: Sweeten up your picnic on the lake with this delicious hand pie recipe.
  6. Sugared Melon With Cardamom and Mint: Turn a fruit salad into a delectable dessert with this recipe.
  7. Chef’s Salad on a Stick: Enjoy a fresh salad in its most convenient form for a picnic at the lake.
  8. Corn and Black Bean Salsa: This delicious picnic recipe can be a side dish or dip.
  9. Key Lime Cakes in a Jar: Enjoy a delicious dessert in a cute and convenient jar. 
  10. Any-Berry Shrub: Try this fizzy, refreshing drink recipe during your dreamy picnic.
  11. Creamy Grilled Corn Salad Served in Grilled Portobello Caps: Try a unique recipe during your picnic.
  12. Ham Picnic Sandwich with Olive Spread: Try this simple but delicious sandwich during your picnic.
  13. Sheet-Pan Italian Subs: This is a super easy picnic recipe to feed many hungry mouths.
  14. Bruschetta Pasta Salad: This recipe will surely hit the spot during your Grand Lake picnic. 
  15. Baked Falafel Sandwiches: Last but not least is this picnic sandwich recipe your friends and family will surely enjoy.

Book your dreamy Grand Lake trip with Shangri-La Resort!

Start Planning Your Dream Oklahoma Summer Vacation

Vacations are essential for physical and mental health. Studies show that taking vacations lowers stress, lowers heart disease risk, and gives you a better outlook on life with increased motivation. Family vacations also foster strong family bonds and create memories everyone will treasure for a lifetime. 

Shangri-La Resort in Monkey Island, Oklahoma, is the perfect summer getaway destination from the hustle and grind of modern life. We are among the most lavish Oklahoma resorts on the Grand Lake shore. Keep reading to start planning the Oklahoma summer getaway of your dreams!

Why Shangri-La Is Your Dream Oklahoma Summer Getaway

1. Indulge in Fine Dining at Our Grand Lake Oklahoma Resort

Enjoy some of the finest dining in Oklahoma this summer at Shangri-La Resort. Our dining options are perfect for any occasion. The Summit Restaurant is ideal for a romantic date night. Enjoy award-winning cuisine with breathtaking views at the highest point of the island. Enjoy dining by Grand Lake and incredible live music at Eddy’s Lakeside Bar, which is set to open on May 19 for the season!

2. Pamper Yourself During Your Dream Oklahoma Summer Vacation

There’s no better way to pamper yourself this summer than a trip to the Spa at our Grand Lake, Oklahoma resort. Enjoy a relaxing, professional massage. Indulge yourself in premier skincare treatments like microdermabrasion and medical chemical peels. Feel and look your best during your Oklahoma summer getaway by getting a manicure and your hair done.

3. Endless Thrills at Our Grand Lake Oklahoma Resort

Enjoy exhilarating adventures at The Anchor activity park. Explore virtual reality games, classic arcade games, wiffle ball, fishing, basketball, simulator bays, premier racquet club facilities, and more! You can relax from the fun with a drink and bite to eat in The Galley and Sports Bar!

4. Enjoy Grand Lake at Our Full Service Marina

Cruise Grand Lake on a boat rental while staying at one of the dreamiest resorts in Oklahoma. Shangri-La Marina is a full-service marina featuring yacht charters, parasailing, personal watercrafts, pontoons, jet boats, a lakeside bar and restaurant, and so much more!

5. Spend a Day on One of the Shangri-La Golf Courses

Shangri-La Resort is the perfect Oklahoma summer getaway destination for picturesque lakeside golf. The Legends golf course has breathtaking views of Grand Lake and our signature “The Mickey Mantle Hole.” The Par 36 Championship golf course has serene views of Grand Lake and provides unique challenges with undulating greens, fairway movement, water, and bunkers. The Heritage golf course has the longest par five on our property. The Battlefield golf course will be opening May 5th, 2023 at Shangri-La Resort. It will be among the most unique golf courses in the country. If you’re a beginner, rest assured there are excellent golf lessons at Shangri-La Resort!

Book your dream Oklahoma summer vacation today at Shangri-La Resort!

Spend a Day at the Farmers Market in Grand Lake, Oklahoma

Shangri-La Resort is one of the most luxurious resorts in the Grand Lake, Oklahoma, area. Explore our activity park, relaxing spa, plush accommodations, golf courses, and other high-end amenities. Our Grand Lake resort overflows with grandeur and thrilling things to do on-site. Although Shangri-La Resort has a premier selection of restaurants on-site, we know some guests might want to purchase snacks and souvenirs in the area. 

There is so much to experience and explore at Shangri-La Resort and the surrounding area. You can read all about it on the Shangri-La Resort Blog Page! While staying at our Grand Lake resort, you can visit the farmers market to browse through locally produced and handmade goodies. You can also enjoy live entertainment and other fun activities while you’re doing your shopping. Keep reading to learn the inside scoop!

Spend a Day at the Grove Farmers Market by Grand Lake

Head to the Grove Farmers Market for food trucks, accessories, baked goods, apparel, fresh flowers, cotton candy, locally produced ice cream, handmade soaps, and more. For more information about this Grand Lake farmers market, check out their Facebook Page!

Where: 103 W Third St. Grove, OK 74344

When: Refer to their Facebook Page or call (918) 786-9079 for the most up-to-date information. 

Distance: 16.5-mile drive from Shangri-La Resort

Visit the Ottawa County Farmers Market Near Grand Lake

The Ottawa County Farmers Market is a vibrant community hub on the Miami Fairgrounds. You can head to this Grand Lake area farmers market to enjoy live music, cooking demonstrations, shopping, food tastings, giveaways, and free recipes! You can shop for flowers, bath products, baked goods, honey, medicinal oils, fruit wines, and more – all made made within 75 miles of Miami, Oklahoma. 

Where: The Expo Building on the Miami Fairgrounds at 1129 E St SW, Miami, Oklahoma 74354, United States.

When: From May – August, every Thursday from 3 – 7 p.m. You can also contact them at 918-332-4365, their website, or their Facebook Page for the most up-to-date information!

Distance: 25.1-mile drive from Shangri-La Resort

Book your stay today at Shangri-La Resort to experience a thrilling mix of adventures and pure bliss!