Explore Alma, Wisconsin
Alma, Wisconsin is home to Buena Vista, the largest natural balcony overlooking the Mississippi River, the Great Alma Fishing Float, and Lock & Dam #4. Most of this historic river town is a designated National Historic District. Alma is a thriving art community with many artisan galleries on Main Street. Shop to your heart’s content … there are numerous small shops along Main Street offering unique one-of-a-kind items. Make sure to visit Danzinger Winery & Tasting Room at the top of the Alma Bluff for estate bottled wine & free tastings! Great Mississippi River Valley views!
Wings Over Alma Nature & Art Center offers a viewing deck on the Mississippi River below Lock & Dam #4 and is the only Visitor Center in Buffalo County. Alma is a birding “hot spot”, known for Bald Eagles. During May the community celebrates Great River Birding Month as it “Goes To The Birds”, welcoming travelers along the Mississippi Flyway.
Nature abounds for those who like to hike; Buena Vista Trail climbs 550’ feet from Main Street Alma to the top of the Bluff and Buena Vista Park. Famous for weddings! Mossy Hollow Trails offer great hikes & birding. Rieck’s Lake hosts many migrating birds and waterfowl throughout the year and is part of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge and the mouth of the Buffalo River. #OnlyinAlma
Annual Events & Festivals
January
Eagles on Ice
Wings Over Alma Nature & Arts Center hosts this themed event every January to celebrate the migration of bald eagles from Canada and their importance to the community.
May
Great River Birding Festival
Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day with Alma, Wisconsin and enjoy many family-friendly events and amazing wildlife.
June
Fire in the Shire
The town is transformed by all things medieval for Fire in the Shire! Experience everything from live music and sword demonstrations to fire breathers and belly dancers for this exciting annaul Renaissance Festival.
July
Swiss Heritage Days
Alma honors it’s Swiss legacy with an annual city-wide celebration of the culture! Experience polka music, yodeling, Swiss art, and more!
September
Alma Music & Art Festival
The Alma Music & Arts Festival is hosted annually and has been entertaining crowds at the Alma beach and marina since 2002.
November – December
Christmas in Alma
Enjoy a series of festive events throughout November and December like shopping weekends, tree lightings, and more!
Art & Artisans
A Legacy of Art
The beauty of Buffalo County, Wisconsin has attracted artisans since the 19th Century when photographer Gerhard Geselll opened the first “art” store & photo studio in the City of Alma. The many pictures he took of the town, the river and townspeople of Alma are still treasured.
In 1974 artist John Runions relocated his family from Chicago, Illinois to Alma, Wisconsin because Buffalo County’s bluffs “spoke to him” and were integral to his art. An example of his work is the cover of this Visitor Guide.
Today Alma, Wisconsin is known as a mecca for artists. You’ll find original paintings, folk art, weaving, pottery, leather, jewelry, photography and wood working. Some shops offer a collection of local and regional artists’ works, others are operated by the working artists themselves.
Birding
Mississippi Flyway
More than 325 species of birds and 40% of the world’s waterfowl make a round trip along the Mississippi River & Mississippi Flyway during spring and fall migration.
When birds migrate between nesting and wintering sites, they don’t just stop anywhere; they rely on a handful of resource-rich and strategically located sites. Among these stopovers, Buffalo County is a well known stop along the Mississippi Flyway. Spectacular forests, grasslands and wetlands along this route provide good sources of food & water, with no mountainous areas to navigate.
Fishing & Boating
Mississippi River
Bordering on the Mississippi River, Buffalo County has been greatly impacted by this mighty river. The River brought explorers & settlers. The River supported the local economy through fishing, trapping & logging. The River produced the Mississippi bottom land, the marshes & bluffs.
Today the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge protects 240,000 acres of this river-based environment and it’s wildlife, partnering with the Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge. It’s been named by RAMSAR as a Wetland Of International Importance. Participating in this preservation work, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has designated 10 sites in Buffalo County as State Natural Areas and created Merrick State Park in Fountain City.