Langley sits on a bluff at the west end of the Pensacola Dam, at the south end of Grand Lake. It is a small town, but between the dam, the river below it, two state park areas and the trails, there is more to do here than most visitors expect.
See the dam and the education center
Drive across the Pensacola Dam on Highway 28, then stop at GRDA’s Ecosystems and Education Center in Langley to see how it was built. Groups of 10 or more can book a weekday dam tour with GRDA.
Swim, camp and launch at the Cherokee Area
Just below the dam, the Cherokee Area at Grand Lake State Park has a swimming beach at its Lakeside Campground, picnic sites, playgrounds, a group shelter and a lighted boat ramp, plus four campgrounds if part of your group wants to sleep under the stars.
Wade the creek at Little Blue
On the Disney side, the Little Blue Area at Grand Lake State Park is a small creek with shallow, crystal-clear water that TravelOK calls perfect for families with young children. Leashed pets are welcome.
Play nine below the dam
The Grand Cherokee State Park Golf Course is a 9-hole course set against the backdrop of the dam, with a driving range and cart and club rentals. Winter hours are 8 AM to 6 PM and summer hours 7 AM to 7 PM, and it closes on Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Watch eagles in winter
From mid-December to March, bald eagles hunt the river below the dam. GRDA’s Eagle Pass viewing area is on the west side of the spillway channel, and early mornings in January and February are best.
Fish, crawl and ride
Grand Lake is a well-known bass and crappie lake, and the GRDA land below the dam is a destination for rock crawlers, with Big Meat Run in March and Rocktoberfest in the fall. In town, golf carts and street-legal ATVs can ride the city streets.
Stay in town for dinner
At the end of the day, our stays put you within walking distance of a cantina, a tavern, the city parks and the library on and around Cherokee Avenue.
