Overview
Somerset is a city in Kentucky's Southern Lakes region. It is the main gateway to Lake Cumberland, a large man-made lake that is a major draw for water recreation of all types.
1 sights · 6 things to do · 1 places to eat · 1 bars & cafés · 13 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Somerset
Mill Springs Battlefield
A national monument that seeks to preserve the site where the Battle of Mill Springs was fought. This battle fought on January 19, 1862 was a union victory and resulted in the death of General Felix Zollicoffer, the comm…
Shark Aviation
Shark Aviation provides seaplane tours of Lake Cumberland using a Cessna 185 on amphibious floats. The seaplane tours depart the Lake Cumberland Regional Airport and include landings on the lake.
Eagles Nest Country Club
A semi private country club featuring an 18 hole golf course
Somerset Country Club
A semi private country club featuring an 18 hole golf course.
Woodson Bend Resort
An 18 hole championship golf course located on the shore of Lake Cumberland.
General Burnside Island State Park
A state park situated on an island in Lake Cumberland. The park features a golf course, campground, boat launch, and picnic shelters.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Apr–Oct. Summer highs reach about 86°F; winter lows dip to about 25°F. Wettest: May and Mar. (climate data from nearby Cumberland Falls State Resort Park)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- LEX Blue Grass Airport, Lexington — 66 mi away. Directions
- TYS McGhee Tyson Airport, Knoxville/Maryville — 94 mi away (major hub). Directions
Somerset is accessible from two Interstate Highways; I-75 to the east and I-65 to the west.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Mill Springs Battlefield, Master Musicians Festival, Somerset Country Club
- Lunch Goodie Shack
- Afternoon Eagles Nest Country Club, Shark Aviation
- Evening Baxter's Coffee
Day 2
- Morning Woodson Bend Resort
- Afternoon General Burnside Island State Park
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
By car
Somerset is accessible from two Interstate Highways; I-75 to the east and I-65 to the west.
- I-75 northbound (from Tennessee and points south): Take the second London exit (exit 41) and head west on Kentucky Route 80 for about 25 miles. The highway runs right into Somerset.
- I-75 southbound (from Lexington, Cincinnati, and points north): Take the Mount Vernon/Renfro Valley exit (exit 62) and head south on US 25. Slightly less than a mile from I-75, take Kentucky Route 461; stay on that road for about 18 miles until it dead-ends into Kentucky 80, and turn right. You'll reach the outskirts of Somerset about 6 miles later.
- I-65 northbound (from Bowling Green, Nashville, and points south): Take the Cumberland Parkway exit (exit 43) and head east on the Cumberland Parkway for about 100 miles. The parkway, a four-lane controlled-access highway that was built as a toll road but is now free, ends in Somerset.
- I-65 southbound (from points north of Louisville): Several routes are available, depending on your tolerance for rural roads. Probably the fastest, though not the shortest in mileage, is to take I-64 east out of Louisville, and then stay on I-75 after the 64/75 split in Lexington. Exit at Mount Vernon as above.
US 27 passes through Somerset, allowing easy access from Lexington, KY and Knoxville, TN (although most travelers from Lexington choose instead to take the I-75/KY 461 route).
By plane
The closest regional airport is located at Lexington and the closest international airport is located at Louisville.
Go Lake Cumberland Regional Airport (SME)
Somerset's general aviation airport that has no scheduled air service, though charters may be available. Seaplane tours of the Lake Cumberland are available.
By boat
Somerset's primary tourist attraction is Lake Cumblerland, the largest man-made lake by volume east of the Mississippi River. The lake is very popular among boaters, especially houseboat enthusiasts. Several rental services are offered in the area including speedboat, pontoon, jetski, and houseboat rentals. There are several private and public boat docks located throughout the area. These include:
Get around
Automobiles are the primary method of transportation in Somerset. Many of the businesses are located along US 27, which can lead to congestion, especially during rush hour. If you need to travel from the north side of the city to the south side and wish to avoid the traffic, the KY 914 bypass provides a much faster route. The downtown business district lies a few miles off US 27. It is easily accessible from Highway 80 and Monticello Street. US 27 is only road that connects Somerset and Burnside (Burnside is located on the lake and is home to many marinas, boat docks, etc.
Somerset has a small taxi service.
See
See Mill Springs Battlefield
A national monument that seeks to preserve the site where the Battle of Mill Springs was fought. This battle fought on January 19, 1862 was a union victory and resulted in the death of General Felix Zollicoffer, the commander of Confederate forces operating out of Cumberland Gap. The 600 acre park offers a museum, a 10 stop battlefield driving tour, and a national cemetery.
Do
Golf
The Center, a local venue often has theater productions and hosts concerts.
Other Activities
Buy
The Somerset Mall contains several stores. Also popular are local shops and flea markets.
Eat
Eat Goodie Shack
A family owned restaurant known for its chili dogs and ice cream.
Drink
Both Somerset and the adjoining community of Burnside are wet. They allow package alcohol sales, bars, and drinks to be sold in restaurants.
Coffee
Sleep
Bed & Breakfast
Cabins & Condos
Campgrounds
Stay Cumberland Point Campground
A campground operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers located on the shore of Lake Cumberland. The campground offers 30 sites with electric hook ups. Amenities include shower houses, a boat ramp, and playground. The operating season is May though September.
Stay General Burnside Island State Park
The state park campground features 93 sites with electric hookups and 9 primitive tent only sites. Amenities include shower houses and laundry facilities. The campground is open April 1 through October 31. A 2 night minimum stay is required on weekends.
Stay Pulaski County Park
A county park located on the shore of Lake Cumberland. The campground features 46 campsites with electric hook ups, shower houses, hiking trails, a disc golf course, and picnic areas.
Stay Waitsboro Campground
A campground located on the shore of Lake Cumberland operated by the US Army Corp of Engineers. The campground is open April-October and features 17 RV sites with electric hook ups and 5 primitive tent only sites. This facility also features a boat ramp, shower houses, a laundry, and picnic areas.
Hotels
Go next
- Bowling Green - Home of Western Kentucky University and home of the Corvette
- Lexington - Horse capital of the World and Home of the University of Kentucky
- London - Located on the Wilderness Road and near Cumberland Falls State Resort Park
- Monticello - The self proclaimed "Houseboat Capital of the World"
Outdoors
Nearby
Monticello
City / town · 10 listings · 21 mi away
Cumberland Falls State Resort Park
Park · 4 listings · 23 mi away
Lake Cumberland State Resort Park
Park · 5 listings · 26 mi away
London
City / town · 15 listings · 29 mi away
Corbin
City / town · 15 listings · 30 mi away
Williamsburg
City / town · 3 listings · 34 mi away
Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area
Park · 7 listings · 35 mi away
Pickett State Park
Park · 3 listings · 38 mi away
My experience
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