Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Somerset, KY

This small town in southeastern Kentucky fulfills all the criteria for an active vacation amidst scenic nature.

Somerset is situated on Lake Cumberland, with adjacent state and county parks offering a myriad of recreational options, including camping, boating, and enjoying the beach.

Moreover, to the east lies the expansive Daniel Boone National Forest, housing stunning natural attractions like Cumberland Falls, often referred to as the “Niagara of the South.”

Somerset also boasts cultural offerings, particularly in mid-July when the renowned Master Musicians Festival showcases a diverse array of talented artists from genres including bluegrass, jazz, blues, folk, world music, and rock.

1. Lake Cumberland

Somerset is located on the northeastern shore of the ninth-largest reservoir in the United States. Created for flood management and hydroelectric power generation, Lake Cumberland was impounded by Wolf Creek Dam in the early 1950s.

At full capacity, the reservoir spans over 100 square miles, featuring more than 1,250 miles of shoreline.

Consequently, Lake Cumberland has transformed into a major tourist destination for southeastern Kentucky, and Somerset offers numerous ways to explore this extensive water body and its breathtaking coastlines.

Within a ten-mile radius of the town, two parks provide opportunities for camping, hiking, fishing, paddling, and a wide variety of other outdoor activities.

2. Daniel Boone National Forest

In the Appalachian foothills, a vast section of Eastern Kentucky is designated as the Daniel Boone National Forest.

Characterized by rugged woods interspersed with beautiful water features such as the renowned Cumberland Falls, the forest was established in 1937 and currently encompasses over 700,000 acres.

Somerset is one of the larger towns bordering the forest, and KY 192, which connects Somerset to London, KY, leads into the heart of this wilderness.

This route runs alongside the shores of Laurel River Lake, another significant reservoir developed by the United States Army Corps of Engineers in the 1970s. Along KY 192 lies one of the notable hiking trails in the entire forest.

The Vanhook Falls Trail is a five-mile out-and-back route that leads to a spectacular waterfall cascading over 40 feet, particularly enchanting following spring rainfall.

3. Cumberland Falls

For a memorable day trip, the waterfall known as the “Niagara of the South” is located no more than 35 miles from downtown Somerset.

Kentucky is rich in cascades and waterfalls; however, Cumberland Falls stands out due to its impressive dimensions, measuring 69 feet in height and 125 feet in width.

Thundering down into a sandstone ravine, the waterfall possesses a flow rate of 3,600 cubic feet per second, generating a powerful roar and an impressive spray of mist.

On nights that coincide with a full moon, the mist generates a moonbow, and Cumberland Falls is recognized as the sole location in the Western Hemisphere where this phenomenon can be observed regularly.

4. Pulaski County Park

The first of two nearby parks situated along the shores of Lake Cumberland is Pulaski County Park, located just a 15-minute drive from downtown Somerset.

Spanning over 800 acres of undulating wooded lakeshore, the park features a beach, a picturesque campground, cabin rentals, shelters, and an expansive lakefront area complete with two launches for boating and paddling.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the park provides more than 16 miles of trails that traverse the forest and ascend to scenic vistas.

Additionally, numerous recreational facilities are available, including two 18-hole disc golf courses, basketball and volleyball courts, and two playgrounds for children.

5. General Burnside Island State Park

An additional local destination for outdoor recreation on Lake Cumberland is this expansive state park, situated on a 430-acre island in the lake.

General Burnside Island State Park lies less than ten miles south of Somerset and is named after Union General Ambrose Burnside (1824-1881), who stationed his troops at this site during the Civil War.

A major attraction of the park is its 18-hole golf course, recognized as one of the finest in Kentucky.

Additionally, it features a 75-acre campground with 102 sites and a marina where visitors can launch their boats or choose from various rentals for a delightful day on Lake Cumberland.

6. SomerSplash

During the summertime (from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day), Somerset hosts one of the premier water parks in Kentucky.

Encompassing 20 acres, SomerSplash features a large wave pool, a lengthy lazy river, and a wide selection of water slides, including a body slide complex, speed slide, bowl slide, and tube slide.

Parents with young children will appreciate the extensive, zero-depth kiddie pool, equipped with a large play feature in its center.

The park also offers a gift shop and concessions, and for those seeking additional privacy, cabanas can be rented.

From mid-February to mid-April, SomerSplash transforms into a winter wonderland, featuring a skating rink, concessions for hot chocolate and coffee, and fire pits.

7. Master Musicians Festival (MMF)

In mid-July, a two-day multi-genre celebration of exceptional musicianship takes place in Somerset. Situated at the Somerset Community College Festival Field on the southern side of the town, the Master Musicians Festival has been celebrated since 1994 and has featured performances by renowned artists.

Among the extensive list of past performers are John Prine, Willie Nelson, Grace Potter, Richie Havens, and Dwight Yoakam.

This festival, which combines music, art, and culinary experiences, is designed to be family-friendly, inclusive of diverse cultural backgrounds, and enjoyable for all ages.

Children under 12 accompanying a ticket-holding adult can enter for free, and there are numerous activities for youngsters, including water balloon fights and craft workshops.

8. Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument

In January 1862, the Battle of Mill Springs occurred less than ten miles west of Somerset, involving approximately 10,000 troops and resulting in a Union victory.

This battle is notable as the first significant Union success in the western theater of the Civil War, which curtailed an early Confederate offensive in Eastern Kentucky.

Those interested in Civil War history will find this historic site compelling. Visitors can partake in a driving tour of the undulating battlefield, featuring ten stops, as well as a hiking trail marked by 14 interpretive signs.

The Visitor Center and Museum, located where the Union forces camped at the northern end of the battlefield, hosts the Combat on the Cumberland exhibit filled with fascinating artifacts.

9. Buck Creek Outfitters

Buck Creek meanders through the countryside west of Somerset and joins the Cumberland River just upstream from Lake Cumberland.

In recent years, a prolonged stretch of the creek has been thoughtfully developed as a 24.5-mile water trail, complete with signage, mapping, and safe access points.

If you wish to paddle through lush landscapes and uncover an often-overlooked aspect of Pulaski County, Buck Creek Outfitters is an excellent choice.

This rapidly growing kayak rental business has recently expanded its fleet from five initial kayaks to over 30. The owners provide shuttle services upstream and are readily available by cell phone during your journey.

10. Shark Aviation

To appreciate the vastness of Lake Cumberland, an aerial tour in a Cessna 185 seaplane is highly recommended.

Shark Aviation is the sole company authorized to conduct seaplane flights on the lake, offering an experience you will not want to overlook.

Departing from Lake Cumberland Regional Airport in Somerset, the flight lasts approximately 40 minutes.

The seaplane will perform a series of landings and takeoffs on the water, presenting breathtaking views of the lake and its winding, wooded edges.

11. Somersport Park

Located on the northeastern edge of Somerset, this 17-acre park is home to the city’s sports complex, accommodating youth leagues for baseball and soccer.

What enhances the popularity of Somersport Park among parents is the impressive playground, Fischer Fun Park, which is the largest in Somerset, featuring three towers with slides, stairways, and climbing features.

Adjacent to the playground are two picnic shelters equipped with power, water, and grills available for rent from March through October. There is also a long paved track suitable for walking and jogging.

12. International Paranormal Museum

For those intrigued by unique local attractions, a noteworthy destination can be found downtown in the basement of the Carnegie Community Arts Center.

The International Paranormal Museum encompasses a variety of topics such as aliens, ghosts, voodoo, psychics, cryptids, and more.

Spanning three rooms, this intriguing gallery features numerous interactive displays, eerie firsthand accounts from local residents, and newspaper clippings.

Among the curiosities are bigfoot casts, ouija boards, and allegedly cursed items, including a cursed bottle of bourbon, adding an interesting local flavor.

13. Somerset Peddlers Mall

This regional chain of antique and flea markets features 17 locations across Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio.

The Somerset Peddlers Mall, located off US 27, includes numerous vendor booths within a spacious building, making it a great destination for serious antique enthusiasts who may spend hours exploring.

In addition to a variety of new arts and crafts, including seasonal decorations, candles, and furniture, an extensive range of antiques and collectibles can be found.

As you stroll through, you will discover comic books, vinyl records, pottery, vintage signs, paintings, posters, home appliances, clothing, tableware, historical tools, and much more.

14. Somernites Cruise

Somerset has earned the title of “The Car Cruise Capital of Kentucky,” and you will understand why if you visit during the fourth Saturday of the month from April through October.

With a different theme each month, the Somernites Cruise is a relaxed, family-friendly event held downtown. From 12 PM to 6 PM, a “Show and Shine” occurs, followed by “Cruising the Strip.”

This event is more than just a typical car cruise; it features a variety of activities downtown, including block parties, vendors, and a fun run in the morning.