Russell Springs is a rural city along the shores of Lake Cumberland
Russell Springs is a rural city that balances easy living with lakeside amenities. “It’s a smaller town with a lot of hometown, family values,” says lifelong resident and Realtor Darren Gossage with Weichert Realtors – Ford Brothers. “Properties are large enough that you can get away from life in the cities and have a little peace and quiet.” Lake Cumberland, also known as the Houseboat Capital of the World because of the number of houseboat manufacturers and rental houseboats in the area, brings in crowds of tourists and seasonal residents. “We have a lot of people who don’t want to go all the way to Florida but are leaving Michigan for something warmer,” Gossage says. Even with these visitors, Russell Springs maintains its tranquil atmosphere.
Locals and visitors flock to Lake Cumberland for boating and fishing
Lake Cumberland has a total surface area of over 65,000 acres. Houseboats share the water with pontoons, kayaks, paddleboards and speedboats. “Our locals, they use it a lot,” Gossage says. “Probably more so on the weekdays than the weekends because we have an invasion of people coming in.” Lake Cumberland Marina is just one of the marinas that dot the shores and participates in the annual Poker Run, which is every September. Fishing is another popular pastime, with catches like crappie and striped bass. Besides having access to the water, Lake Cumberland State Resort Park has hiking trails, campgrounds, miniature golf and an outdoor pool that is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. At Russell Springs City Park, amenities include playgrounds, tennis courts, a pool, a dog park and a skate park.
Ranch-style homes and large lots are common
The country roads of Russell Springs go through rolling hills and farmland. Lots can get as big as 5 acres, but those close to the city center are half an acre or less. These often have cottages from the early 1900s. Ranch-style houses built anywhere from the mid-1900s to the 2020s are also common. There are also New Traditional homes, which often have Craftsman influences. Prices typically range from $100,000 to $290,000, although larger homes can cost $300,000 to $530,000. Manufactured homes cost $50,000 to $150,000.
Restaurants include Eli Country Store and Rowena Landing
Russell Springs has a handful of chain and local dining options. One of Gossage’s recommendations is Eli Country Store. “It’s sort of a hometown place,” he says. “The locals all go, and you have a lot of tourists in there.” Rowena Landing Restaurant serves lakeside meals at the state park from Thursdays through Saturdays. While Reel Java in Jamestown is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, it is best known for its coffee and in-house cakes and pastries. Russell County Farmers Market sells fresh produce on Friday and Saturday mornings from June through October and participates in Kentucky’s Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program, which allocates funds for people who are 60 and older to get locally grown fruits and veggies. Grocery options include Kroger and Save A Lot. Walmart is about 20 miles away.
Students attend well-rated Russell County Schools
The city is served by Russell County Schools, which has school choice through inter- and intra-district enrollment. Russell Springs Elementary earns a B-plus from Niche, while Russell County Middle School receives a B. At the B-minus-rated Russell County High, students can enroll in career clusters like agriculture and computerized manufacturing and machining.
Events include Blades, Brews and Foods and the county fair
Like many cities surrounding the lake, Russell Springs hosts several events throughout the year. On the third weekend of August, local and national bands perform at the Lake Cumberland Bluegrass Festival. People bring lawn chairs and blankets to the KOA Campgrounds, and there are food vendors. The Lake Cumberland Tourism Commission puts on an annual winter celebration, Blades, Brews and Food. Attendees go ice skating on the lake and shop at food and craft vendors. Every summer, the Russell County Jaycees Fair includes pageants, carnival rides and 4-H and Future Farmers of America competitions like livestock shows.
Residents rely on cars to reach major cities like Louisville
Russell Springs is a car-dependent community, with highways like U.S. Route 127 and the Cumberland Parkway going through the city. The latter offers a direct route to Somerset, about 30 miles away. Blue Grass Airport is about 85 miles away in Lexington, but Gossage says that locals will also make the 105-mile trip to Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport. “We’re not close to any major cities, but Lexington is an hour and a half [away], Louisville ’s an hour and forty-five, and Nashville ’s two hours,” Gossage says. “You’ve got your choice of any of those airports there...depending on where you want to go.” Russell County Hospital is in the city.
