A Civil War battle was fought in January 1862 at Mill Springs (now "Nancy") about 8 miles (13 km) west of Somerset, and a museum is at the site.

[5][6] The completion of Lake Cumberland in 1950 transformed Somerset from a sleepy rural community into a recreation center.

It is a 501c(3) nonprofit organization that describes its mission as follows: "to provide leadership that stimulates innovative and sustainable economic development solutions and a better way of life for the citizens we serve.

"[7][8] The center's programs and services focus on public safety, arts & culture, leadership, and technology.

Somerset is also near Cumberland Falls and the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area; its tourism industries are, in part, due to its scenic and varied landscape.

[9] According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 11.3 square miles (29 km2), of which 0.09% is covered by water.

The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters.

Snowfall typically occurs between the months of December and February, though on record as early as October and as late as May.

The major demographic differences between the city and the micropolitan area relate to income, housing composition, and age.

[citation needed] In 2006, a new 58-acre (230,000 m2) medical park, called MedPark West, was finished near the Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital (LCRH).

[19] In 2014, a municipal-run filling station, the Somerset Fuel Center, was opened in response to persistently high local gas prices.

"[20] In addition to serving local residents, it was hoped the station would encourage visits to nearby Lake Cumberland for fishing and boating.

[20] Nearby Somerset, located off Highway 461, is the Valley Oak Technology Complex, an industrial center.

Students living within the city limits typically fall under the Somerset Independent School District.

Somerset Community College offers one of the few aviation maintenance technology programs (airframe and powerplant) in Kentucky.