The Rutabaga Capital of Wisconsin Is One of the Most Charming Small Towns You’ll Ever Visit

If you really love enjoying a big serving of rutabaga, you’ll want to head straight to the rutabaga capital of Wisconsin. But if you just happen to be one of those few people who don’t keep this root vegetable top of mind, you’ll still want to visit the charming city of Cumberland, a charming small town in Wisconsin. This lakefront town is a wonderful getaway spot that serves up a full helping of nature and beauty, along with a side of rutabaga. Here’s what you need to know about Cumberland, Wisconsin, the rutabaga capital of our state.

Cumberland is a small city located in Barron County, Wisconsin. Located in the nature-rich northwestern part of the state, Cumberland boasts a picturesque setting, ample recreational opportunities, and a close-knit community vibe. Surrounded by water, the town is also known as "The Island City."

Cumberland is located right on the shores of Beaver Dam Lake. The lake covers approximately 1,200 acres and offers a range of activities such as fishing, boating, water skiing, and swimming. Anglers will find plenty of muskie, walleye, bass, and panfish.

The city's recreational opportunities span four seasons and extend beyond the lake. Cumberland is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes, including forests, trails, and parks. The nearby Sand Creek segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail provides endless opportunities for hiking adventures—in fact, it stretches across the whole state, including Barron County Forest, outside of Cumberland. Other recreational opportunities can be found in nearby Straight Lake State Park and McKenzie Creek State Wildlife Area, both just minutes from town.

Cumberland boasts a charming downtown area, the streets of which are lined with local businesses, shops, and restaurants. Visitors can explore boutique stores, antique shops, and art galleries. Interestingly, it's not the vibrant community that the town is best known for, but rather, it's what's in the area's rutabaga fields that brings the most attention.

The area has a long history of rutabaga farming, and Cumberland rutabagas are known all across the state. In fact, one of the town's notable annual events is the annual Cumberland Rutabaga Festival, which has been held every year since 1932. This festival celebrates the humble rutabaga, a root vegetable that has become an iconic symbol of the city. The festival takes place on the weekend before Labor Day and features activities and events such as parades, live music, arts and crafts, food vendors, and of course, rutabaga.

Learn more about things to do in the Island City of Cumberland, the rutabaga capital of Wisconsin, and find details on this year’s Rutabaga Festival on the Cumberland Chamber of Commerce website. If you can’t make this year’s Rutabaga Festival, fret not—we've got a line on plenty of other extraordinary Wisconsin events that you’ll want to put on the calendar. Do you have a favorite small town—or small town festival—in Wisconsin?