LAKE CUMBERLAND STATE RESORT PARK

This summer, fish, boat, and ski in the "Houseboat Capital of the World"

As the days grow longer, the mind begins to wander to summer vacation plans. If you’re like many Kentuckians, your thoughts will turn toward Lake Cumberland State Resort Park. Millions of visitors flock to the area in Jamestown each year to soak up the sunshine and spend lazy days on the water.

Known as “the Houseboat Capital of the World,” Lake Cumberland is the perfect spot for water sports enthusiasts. Boating opportunities abound, and the park marina offers rentals not only for houseboats, but for fishing boats, pontoon boats, and ski boats, along with 100 open slips. As you cruise the lake, you will see scores of fellow boaters enjoying the water with friends and family. Special events like the Annual Lake Cumberland Thunder Run, Independence Day Celebration, and Lake Cumberland Raft-Up draw crowds from all around.

For fishers, Lake Cumberland offers largemouth, smallmouth, white and Kentucky bass, in addition to bluegill, crappie, rockfish, and walleye. Idle along the lake’s 50,250 acres as you cast a line or two. If you happen to be visiting on June 3 and 4, you can take part in the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources’ annual Free Fishing Weekend, when no license is required. Otherwise, you can book your fishing license through the department’s website, or on the Fish Boat KY app. Fishing equipment may be rented from the lodge.

Take a dip in Lure Lodge’s outdoor pool, which is now open for the summer. On rainy days, check out the indoor pool complex, which features a temperaturecontrolled pool, a hot tub, and a game room.

Families will enjoy the 18-hole miniature golf course, playgrounds, and picnic areas. Tennis courts, geocaching, and disc golf are other activity options. Drop by the Park’s Environmental Recreation Conservation Headquarters (PERCH) to view interactive nature displays and to pick up last-minute recreational items. Nearby, Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery Visitor and Environmental Education Center provides a fun and informative stop.

Trek through the beech, oak, and hickory forests on a four-mile loop trail around the lodge area. For a shorter hike, take the one-and-a-half-mile trail for a lovely overlook of the lake. In the woods, you may see birds such as goldfinches, eastern bluebirds, hummingbirds, and pileated woodpeckers, among others. With scenic views of the lake, the lodge hosts 63 guest rooms, along with Rowena Landing Restaurant and The Wake Zone Lounge. Twenty-nine cottages are also available for rental. Both the lodge and cottages offer wireless internet access for guests. If you prefer being closer to nature, the park has 75 campsites and accompanying service buildings with showers and restrooms.

Don’t wait until the lodge is full — book your stay now at this popular site by reserving accommodations at Lake Cumberland State Resort Park at Parks.ky.gov. Be sure to check out Kentucky’s other 44 state parks, including 17 resort parks with restaurants, 30 campgrounds, and 13 golf courses.