Monticello (Kentucky)

Nearby Lake Cumberland is one of the largest man made lakes east of the Mississippi River in the United States. As a lakeside community, Monticello's economy is mostly based on lake tourism. Three houseboat manufacturers are based in the city and have given rise to the motto "Houseboat capital of the world."

By car

Monticello does not lie on any interstate or US highway. The main highway through the area is KY-90 which provides access to Glasgow to the west and Somerset to the east.

By boat

Several local marinas provide access from Lake Cumberland.

• Beaver Creek Resort Marina

  phone: +1 606 348-7280
  address: 8929 W Hwy 92
  A full service marina featuring boat rentals and a swimming area.

• Conley Bottom Resort

  phone: +1 606 348-6351
  address: 736 Hwy. 1275 N.
  A privately owned resort featuring a full service marina, houseboat and cabin rental, a campground and a restaurant.

• Mill Springs Mill

  phone: +1 606 679-6337
  address: 9135 Hwy 1275 N.
  A restored grist mill featuring a 40-foot overshot water wheel. It is believed to be the largest operating water wheel in the world. The mill was restored, and is operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers as a day use recreation area on the shore of Lake Cumberland. Besides the mill, there is a gift shop and picnic area. The recreation area can be accessed from the lake via boat slips as well as by car. The operating season is May through September.

Fishing

Lake Cumberland is known for its Striped Bass fishing and there are local guide services available.

• Striper Time Guide Service

  phone: +1 606 278-1111
  address: 490 New Fall Creek Rd.

Wineries

• Lake Cumberland Winery

  phone: +1 606 348-5253
  address: 122 Cedar Lane Farm
  A winery on the shore of Lake Cumberland that offers tours, wine tastings, and wine sales.

• The Quilt Shoppe

  phone: +1 606 340-0015
  address: 24 N. Main St.
  A quilt shop operated by the Contented Heart Quilt Guild and featuring quilts made by members and local artisans.

• Black Stallion Steakhouse

  phone: +1 606 343-0011
  address: 1215 N Main St.

• Family Diner

  phone: +1 606 340-0816
  address: 576 Hwy. 3106
  Buffet style home cooking.

Monticello and Wayne County are dry, meaning no alcohol sales are allowed. There is one exception, wine sales and consumption are allowed at Lake Cumberland Winery. The nearest location that allows alcohol sales is Somerset.

Bed & Breakfast

• Raven's Nest Bed & Breakfast

  phone: +1 606 343-0018
  address: 364 Eagle Creek Dr.

Cabins

• Camplins Cumberland Retreat

  phone: +1 606 348-5647
  address: 44 Camplin Dr.
  One- and two-bedroom cabins overlooking Lake Cumberland.

• Conley Bottom Resort

  phone: +1 606 348-6351
  address: 736 Hwy. 1275 N.
  A privately owned resort featuring a full service marina, houseboat and cabin rental, a campground and a restaurant.

• Golden Pond Resort

  phone: +1 606 348-7663
  address: 56 Golden Pond Rd.
  A resort on Lake Cumberland that offers 2-5 bedroom cabins for rent. There is a 2-night minimum stay.

Campgrounds

• Fall Creek Campground

  phone: +1 606 348-6042
  address: 1144 New Fall Creek Rd.
  A campground on the shore of Lake Cumberland that is operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers. The property offers 10 sites with electric hookups. Amenities include a shower house, boat ramp, and a playground. The campground is open May through September.

Hotels

• Best Western Cumberland Inn

  phone: +1 606 340-8687
  address: 2030 E. Hwy. 90

• Glasgow
• Somerset

Outdoors

• Big South Fork National Recreation Area
• Daniel Boone National Forest