JAMESTOWN, Ky. (Oct. 30, 2025) – Building on the New Kentucky Home initiative, Lake Cumberland State Resort Park will receive a $7.4 million upgrade to enhance the visitor experience and attract new travelers.
“Team Kentucky is committed to investing in our state parks, which play an important role for the communities they serve and are key to Kentucky’s thriving tourism industry,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “The improvements at Lake Cumberland State Resort Park will help attract more visitors to our New Kentucky Home by creating a welcoming environment and improved visitor experiences.”
The renovation plan includes accommodation improvements, such as upgrades to finishes and furniture in the main lodge, guest areas and all lodge guest rooms. The conference center will receive updates to rooms, including improvements to finishes, lighting, audio and video systems. The state park will also undergo structural repairs. The renovation will temporarily close all lodge rooms, the conference center, the main dining room, the bar and the indoor pool from January 2026 to fall 2026. The project is expected to be completed by late 2026. Guests will still have access to cabin and campground rentals, hiking trails, a disc golf course, an outdoor pool and a launching ramp at the state dock during renovations.
Funding for the project comes from House Joint Resolution 56 and House Bill 6.
“These much-needed improvements will elevate the visitor experience at one of our beloved state parks,” said Kentucky State Parks Commissioner Russ Meyer. “Lake Cumberland State Resort Park welcomes travelers near and far, and the renovation will provide guests with modernized amenities and comfort as they explore the great outdoors.”
During the 2024 legislative session, Gov. Beshear signed House Joint Resolution 56, releasing $71 million for capital construction projects, including building system upgrades, accommodation improvements and recreational amenity enhancements. Gov. Beshear also signed House Bill 6, allocating over $66 million for state park upgrades for various parks.
Gov. Beshear announced that $720,000 in new grant funding is available for Kentucky Trail Towns to repair, enhance and promote recreational projects.
To capitalize on Kentucky’s historic economic momentum and record-breaking tourism success, Gov. Beshear announced New Kentucky Home, a strategic initiative to further drive economic investment, attract and retain talent and increase tourism across the commonwealth.
Earlier this year, the Governor?announced that 2024 was the strongest year on record for tourism, generating $14.3 billion in economic impact and supporting 97,394 jobs. This milestone marks the third straight record-breaking year for tourism in Kentucky.?
Kentucky’s impressive economic success over the last five years is a direct reflection of the Beshear administration’s continued investments in the tourism industry.
In December 2024, Gov. Beshear?announced?that the commonwealth achieved another historic milestone, marking a new record with 10 new tourism development projects set to generate an estimated $256 million in economic investment. These projects are also expected to create 1,696 jobs once operational.
In 2022, Gov. Beshear?announced?$75 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding to boost the state’s tourism industry and economy. Previously, the Governor dedicated?$5.3 million in federal funding?to 103 tourism and destination marketing organizations in 88 Kentucky counties.
Since the beginning of the Beshear administration, 33 tourism development projects totaling an estimated investment of $1 billion have received final approval. Once operational, these projects will create roughly 4,825 jobs. This is the highest investment figure secured during the tenure of any governor in the commonwealth’s history.
For the latest updates and information on events, visit parks.ky.gov. Kentucky is home to 44 state parks, including 17 resort parks and 13 golf courses. For more information about Kentucky State Parks, visit parks.ky.gov.
