Cumberland's history is in many ways like that of the other towns in Northern Wisconsin, but has many interesting side stories all its own. Most of Cumberland is actually located on an island surrounded by Beaver Dam Lake. Before European immigration, the island was inhabited by the Ojibwa (wood people) Native American tribe. In 1874, a Stevens Point man named Funder O'Dahlby selected an 80-acre tract of land on the island for his homestead. He and his family built a small cabin and soon others began migrating to the island.

By 1880, Cumberland was an established town with several logging mills and even a post office all made possible by the railroad, which was brought to Cumberland in 1878. Other than logging, small farms were the second most prominent industry and allowed Cumberland to be self-sufficient. Before long the population had grown to 1,500 residents.Along with the population rose a growing disorder in Cumberland. As time passed saloon brawls and other acts of unruliness became commonplace. A saloon owner named Paulson, known as the "King of Cumberland", was the self-appointed ringleader of the troublemakers. In an act to "clean up" the town Cumberland residents enlisted the services of a St. Paul Marshall. The Marshall challenged Paulson to a fight in which the loser would leave town for good. In a bloody slugfest the "King" went down. This was the first step in restoring law and order to Cumberland, which today is one of the cleanest and safest towns in Wisconsin.

Although for very different reasons than the past Cumberland is still an exciting and activity filled town. Every fall they host the Rutabaga Festival. This festival has something for everyone. There are races on foot and on bicycle, which draw over 1,000 competitors each year. There is also an air show, a parade and many other competitions and contests. Cumberland even has its own 18-hole golf course complete with a new clubhouse and cocktail lounge.

With over 50 lakes within a 15-mile radius including Beaver Dam Lake, which surrounds the town, Cumberland is more than accommodating to the avid angler. Public grounds and waterways also offer excellent hunting opportunities for everything from ducks to deer. Also being only 90 minutes from the Twin Cities, Cumberland offers the small town atmosphere you're looking for without being a day's drive from the city.