Lake Cumberland State Resort Park is in the midst of its largest renovation project in recent memory, with $7.4 million in improvements aimed at enhancing the visitor experience and attracting new travelers.
The renovation project is well underway at the park just south of Jamestown. Plans include upgraded finishes and new furniture throughout the main lodge and guest rooms, along with improvements to finishes, lighting, and audio and video systems in the conference center. Structural repairs are also part of the extensive project.
Park Manager Stephen Eastin says this renovation effort is far more comprehensive than previous upgrades made at the park. He also says Lake Cumberland State Resort Park’s location on one of Kentucky’s premier tourism destinations helped secure the additional state funding needed for the project.
The renovation was originally expected to wrap up this fall, but Eastin says the timeline has shifted into the first part of 2027 after construction crews uncovered additional issues that are being repaired while the work is underway.
Eastin says guest rooms in the lodge are being completely transformed with new flooring, all-new furniture, and walk-in showers replacing traditional bathtubs, giving visitors a dramatically updated look and feel.
He says the improvements also extend to the lodge and conference center.
Despite the ongoing construction, guests can still enjoy cabin and campground rentals, hiking trails, the disc golf course, outdoor swimming pool, and the state dock boat launching ramp throughout the renovation.
Next week, in part two of our series, state park manager Stephen Eastin discusses additional structural improvements throughout the park, repair and renovations at Pumpkin Creek Lodge, how the completed project will enhance the overall guest experience, and why he believes the renovated park will provide an even greater boost to the local economy.