$2 million Cumberland Falls renovation nearing completion

A series of five renovations projects at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, totaling over $2 million, will be totally completed by mid-summer, officials say.
Resort Park Manager Lisa Davis said the renovations – which includes a massive overhaul to the DuPont Lodge, the park’s 25 cottages, and scenic overlooks near the majestic falls – are necessary and overdue. The park is the most visited in the state’s 52-park system.
“It’s needed big time,” Davis said. “Last year we received over 750,000 vehicles alone in the park. When you take that and average at least two people per vehicle, not counting families and tour buses that come in, it easily exceeds 1 million people.”
Work is currently in progress on areas overlooking the falls that have been closed for several years due to structural issues. New handrails and decking will be added to improve the area. Davis said a large slope at a drop-off point near the falls would be evened out in order to make it more handicap accessible. Work near the falls should be done by July.
A complete upgrade of the DuPont Lodge is also nearing completion. All 52 guest rooms are being modernized including bedding, windows, light fixtures, tiling, sinks, curtain rods, etc. Work on the lodge is the largest portion of work being done at the park. The project is expected to be complete by April 1.
Davis said renovation of the cottages is nearly complete and that updates to the park manager’s home are almost done as well.
Davis said the DuPont restaurant is also undergoing some changes.
“We are totally changing the menu,” Davis said. “We are going to keep what people like, but also we need to recognize the fact that there are a number of people trying to eat healthier and we want to offer more health conscious choices on the menu.”
Davis said she will rely on “market research” to determine what items will be offered.
Currently, the restaurant is essentially nameless, though it is often called “The Restaurant at Cumberland Falls” or the “Riverview Restaurant.” Davis said she intends to select a name for the restaurant and may even hold a contest in which people could submit potential names for consideration.
The renovations are being funded by a $35 million bond issue approved by the Kentucky General Assembly in 2005.
Davis said officials are also trying to reconnect local community members with the park by offering more activities, particularly this month. On January 23, the park will host its first open Jam Session from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. in the restaurant.
A country-style buffet will be served from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Musicians are encouraged to contact park officials if they would like to participate in the jam session. There is no charge to play.
“This area has many talented musicians,” Davis said. “We are happy to offer a place for them to gather and fellowship. We invite everyone to come and play or just to listen.”
The park will host a “Great Escape to Cumberland Falls” weekend Jan. 27-29. Rooms will be buy-one-night-get-one-night-free for the event.
As far as future improvements, Davis said she supports the idea of a golf course at the park.
“I know there are a number of people that are for it,” Davis said. “My personal feeling on it is if it’s good for Cumberland Falls, then I’m for it. What’s good for Cumberland Falls is good for this area and what’s good for the area is good for Cumberland Falls. It works together that way.”