Monticello (Kentucky)

Monticello is a small city in Kentucky's Southern Lakes region. It is the county seat of Wayne County and one of the cities located on Lake Cumberland.

Understand

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."

Get in

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.

• 1 Safe Harbor Beaver Creek, 8929 W Hwy 92, ☏ +1 606 348-7280, information@beavercreekmarina.com. A full service marina featuring boat rentals and a swimming area. 
• 2 Conley Bottom Resort, 270 Conley Bottom Road, ☏ +1 606 348-6351, info@conleybottom.com. A privately owned resort featuring a full service marina, houseboat and cabin rental, a campground and a restaurant. 

See

• 1 Mill Springs Mill, 1116 Duncan Ramsey Rd, ☏ +1 606 679-6337. 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. 

Do

Fishing

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

Buy

• 1 The Quilt Shoppe, 24 N. Main St., ☏ +1 606 340-0015. A quilt shop operated by the Contented Heart Quilt Guild and featuring quilts made by members and local artisans. 

Eat

• 1 Black Stallion Steakhouse, 163 Travis St, ☏ +1 606 343-0011. 

Drink

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.

Sleep

• 1 Conley Bottom Resort, 270 Conley Bottom Road, ☏ +1 606 348-6351, info@conleybottom.com. A privately owned resort featuring a full service marina, houseboat and cabin rental, a campground and a restaurant. 
• 2 Golden Pond Resort, 56 Golden Pond Rd., ☏ +1 606 348-7663, goldenpond1110@gmail.com. A resort on Lake Cumberland that offers 2-5 bedroom cabins for rent. There is a 2-night minimum stay. 

Campgrounds

• 3 Fall Creek Campground, 1144 New Fall Creek Rd., ☏ +1 606 348-6042. 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. 
• 1 Hidden Ridge Camping, 122 Cedar Lane Farm, ☏ +1 606 348-5253. Camping retreat with lots of trails and nature. 

Hotels

• 4 Best Western Lake Cumberland Inn, 2030 E. Hwy. 90, ☏ +1 606 340-8687. 

Go next

• Glasgow
• Somerset

Outdoors

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