Sunset Parallels Lake History
Sunset Marina’s story began in 1946 when Garnett Arnold and Wood Reese built a small dock in the Obey River area of Dale Hollow Lake. Known as Arnold’s Dock, it was located near the area where Sunset Marina’s floating marina and restaurant stand today. In 1949, Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Harrison purchased Arnold’s Dock and began the next chapter in its history.
The Harrisons, originally from Tennessee, were living in Detroit, Michigan, where Lloyd Harrison worked as an executive in the automotive industry. During a trip through the Northwoods of Canada, he visited a resort called Sunset. He enjoyed the experience so much that he chose the name Sunset Dock for the marina on Dale Hollow Lake.
After Mr. Harrison’s death in 1987, Mildred Harrison continued to operate Sunset Dock until November 1993, when she sold the property to Tony Sloan of Albany, Kentucky. Tom Allen joined the operation as general manager, and Sunset Dock became Sunset Marina and Resort. Under the new ownership, the property continued to grow and develop into one of the best-known vacation destinations on Dale Hollow Lake.
The marina and floating restaurant were completed in June 1994 and had been in operation for a little more than two years when they were destroyed by fire on Nov. 13, 1996.
Construction on the present-day marina and floating restaurant began immediately, and the new facilities were fully operational by July 1997. During that same period, the new Obey River Bridge was completed and opened for use in September 1996. The old Obey River Bridge was removed in February 1997. For a short time, both bridges could be seen spanning the area near Sunset Marina.
Today, Sunset Marina continues to build on that history by offering lodging, dining, marina services and lake access in one of the most desirable areas of Dale Hollow Lake. Its location, amenities and long-standing reputation have made it a favorite destination for family vacations, romantic getaways, reunions and group gatherings.
Tony Sloan passed away April 1, 2025, at the age of 88. Tom Allen became sole owner of the marina and operates it along with his wife, Angela, and daugther Mackenzie.
On Aug. 10, 2023, Sunset Marina suffered a major fire after a rental houseboat struck a gasoline fuel pump while docking at the fuel area. Investigators later determined that gasoline vapors from the damaged line were ignited by an undetermined electrical source on the dock. The fire destroyed the marina store and damaged nearby boats, while the restaurant was saved. Two staff members were injured, including general manager Brad Richardson, and owner Tom Allen was treated for smoke inhalation.
The facility reopened in Spring 2024.
Old and new Obey River Bridges exited at the same time for a period in 1997.
Early years of Sunset Dock
The rustic cabins are still one of Sunset’s greatest attractions.
Sunset Marina Fire
We reopened in 2024!
Sunset’s owner, Tom Allen, had this to say:
Thank you so much to everyone who came out for our Byrdstown – Pickett Co. Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. Also, thank the many people who have supported us and helped us the past eight months to recover from the August 10, 2023, fire.
Brad Richardson, who was injured during the fire, was able to cut the ribbon for the reopening of the marina.
We pray that this happy event will put the tragedy of the fire behind us.