Lake Cumberland Poker Run and Boating Events

Poker Run Weekend at Lake Cumberland KY

Lake Cumberland Poker Run

Not ready to end the party after Labor Day weekend? Then head over to Lake Cumberland, KY, and enjoy one of the mostly highly attended and entertaining boat races around, the Lake Cumberland Poker Run. State Dock’s web site for the Poker Run describes the boating event as “combining the raw fury of over 150 of the country’s meanest and fastest powerboats with the fun and energy of Mardi Gras.”

Each year, during the weekend following Labor Day, tens of thousands of spectators gather at Lake Cumberland to view what Extreme Boats Magazine has deemed “one of the top ten ranked poker runs in the country.” As a spectator, you will experience thrills and chills watching boats hit record speeds along the racing course. As a participant, you have the opportunity to score a monetary prize that ranges from a couple hundred to a couple thousand dollars. If you do not own a boat, the State Dock has you covered. They offer a variety of Lake Cumberland boat rental options, including houseboats for rent.

Poker Run Info

State Dock is where the event begins and the festivities take place. Here, you will find two docks. Both are typically used to moor over 80 houseboats, but during the Poker Run, one is designated solely as the parking spot for competing powerboats. The second dock, known as Houseboat Row, is where participants and spectators that are not “coved out” stay overnight, and enjoy an array of activities. Annual entertainment at State Dock during the Lake Cumberland Poker Run weekend typically includes at least one live band, lots of food, dancing galore, and enough fun to last you until the following year’s race. You can visit State Dock’s Facebook page for more information.

More About Lake Cumberland

The 100+ miles of water and 1,200 miles of shoreline of Lake Cumberland are also home to year round events including a Kentucky Derby party, Memorial Day and Labor Day celebrations, the Blues, Boats, & BBQ Fest, and a number of different car shows and fundraisers. The area  is also a prime fishing, camping, hiking, and boating locale for any nature lover or person looking for a relaxing getaway.

After you’ve enjoyed all State Dock and nearby Jamestown Marina have to offer, you can stay a while longer and visit Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery. There are restaurants, shopping centers, and entertainment venues in nearby Somerset and Russell Springs. For example, did you know the Somerset-Pulaski County is home to one of the last original drive-in theaters in the US? Thrill seekers can get their excitement fix with a visit to Lake Cumberland Speedway or the Somerset Skateboard Park. History buffs can load up on knowledge with a trip to the Mill Springs Battlefield Museum, and the kiddos can enjoy 20 acres of aqueous adventures while at SomerSplash Water Park.

After all that fun, everyone deserves a good meal. Some of the more popular dining locations include Guthrie’s River House, voted Best Restaurant in the 2012 Reader’s Choice Awards, and Bread of Life Cafe, known for their home cooked fare and mission to support the less fortunate. Save room for dessert, though! You won’t want to miss out on a little piece of heaven from Simply Cupcakes of Somerset.

Plan A Lake Vacation

Whether you are in the area during the Lake Cumberland Poker Run, as a weekend getaway for two, or for any other reason, let Rent It Today help you find all your boat rentals and vacation rental planning needs so you can focus on enjoying endless opportunities to create fun lasting memories.