USA Today Readers Rank Kentucky’s Lake Cumberland Among America’s 10 Best Lakes

When USA Today publishes its 10Best lists every year, I am there. I'm on the lookout for them pretty early each year, as the venerable publication often staggers the release of each list. And since the surveys come from readers and not a panel of stuffy "experts," that makes them that much better.

USA Today's 10Best Lakes

A big reason I'm always interested is because my home state of Kentucky always pops up somewhere, and this year is no exception.

I've always been impressed with Kentucky's state parks and, in particular, its lakes. And the Commonwealth's beautiful, inimitable Lake Cumberland finishes at lucky No. 7 for 2026. Color me unsurprised.

Honestly, if a couple of other Kentucky lakes had made the list, I wouldn't have batted an eye.

Lake Cumberland

Covering more than 100 square miles, Lake Cumberland is a popular destination that draws local and out-of-state tourism to its waters year in and year out. While camping is not available during the winter months, Lake Cumberland State Resort Park is open year-round, as is the park's Lure Lodge, although it's currently closed for renovations with plans to reopen later this year.

Lake Cumberland State Resort Park Renovations

Other renovations have closed the indoor pool, the dining room, and the activity center. That, however, hasn't stopped visitors from enjoying boating on Lake Cumberland, marina and houseboat vacations, fishing, local attractions, and those incredible floating cabins. And, of course, no trip to Lake Cumberland, the state resort park, or anywhere in that region of Kentucky would be complete without a visit to Cumberland Falls.

I don't know exactly what readers considered when they cast their votes and put our beloved Lake Cumberland in the same elite company as Lake Erie, Lake Tahoe, Lake Superior, and Lake Michigan. But I can draw a conclusion...these people have excellent taste.