Somerset, Kentucky 2025

Somerset is a city in and the county seat of Pulaski County, Kentucky, United States. The population was 11,196 at the 2020 census.

Somerset has a lively cultural heritage evident in its many festivals and celebrations, which include the annual Kentucky Bourbon Festival, the Somerset Blues and BBQ Festival, and the Festival of the Arts.

Since the completion of Lake Cumberland in 1950, tourism has played an increasingly important role in Somerset'thriving economy. The 65,000-acre lake, which produced by a dam across the Cumberland River, offers boat fishing, fishing, swimming, and boating options, and there are numerous Marinas and boat ramps. Fishing is a well-liked activity in the surrounding area, and anglers can catch crappie, bluegill, bass, and walleye.

Somerset is home to several cultural sites, including the Center for Rural Development, the Southern Kentucky Art Center, and the Pulaski County Public Library. Each historic house in the downtown historic district is open for tours, giving visitors to Somerset a glimpse into the city's illustrious past. The numerous parks in this neighborhood are ideal for picnics and feature walking trails, playgrounds, historic monuments, and sports areas, among other attractions. The downtown area also has a municipal park with an entertainment pavilion and an interactive fountain.

Somerset's cuisine reflects the community that calls it home, with Southern hospitality and welcoming charm. Whether you're craving something conventional or adventurous, the barbecue, bourbon, sweet treats, and Southern delights will satisfy your appetite. Get a taste of the area's thriving American cuisine by visiting one of the numerous restaurants, cafés, or bakeries in the area.

The inhabitants of Somerset are proud of their city because they know they have a special connection that they do not want to lose. For instance, recently, more than 1300 Somerset Community College students and communitypeople gatheredat The Center for Rural Development for the International Festival, where booths from 23 different counties offered food samples from their respective countries of origin. Booths giving food samples were available from nations like Ethiopia, the Philippines, Brazil, China, and Japan.

The city's history dates back to 1798, when it was formally founded by a small group of settlers from Virginia who traveled to the area through the Cumberland Gap. In 1802, the city held its first circuit court, and in 1817, it was officially established as the Pulaski County seat. The arrival of the Louisville & Nashville Railroad in 1885 contributed significantly to the city's expansion during the late 19th century, and a water system, electricity, and other services soon followed.