NATIONAL HISTORIC DISTRICT BETWEEN RIVER BLUFFS & THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER

Historic ALMA is perched on a narrow strip of land between the Mississippi River and 500-foot limestone bluffs.  Our historic river town of less than 1,000 is only two streets wide and has 12 stairstep streets.  In 1982 over 200 buildings were included in the designation of the City of Alma as a National Historic District because of our preservation of waterfront 19th century buildings built into the river bluffs in the style of a European village.

Downtown ALMA has several stores, galleries, gift shops and the Wings Over Alma Visitor Center.  There are restaurants and a restored bakery as well as many lodging options housed in a variety of fascinating 19th-century waterfront buildings.

Riverfront ALMA provides an incredible view of the historic town and bluffs.  Alma, the only local river town to offer lock & dam viewing from our city streets, has 2 marinas, 2 boat ramps and a 300-foot sand swimming beach on the Mississippi River.  Alma's mid-town courtesy dock offers visitors the opportunity to pull up and enjoy the city's many attractions.

Railroad ALMA offers 30 trains a day for train buffs, the old Burlington Railroad Hotel and a walking bridge to Lock & Dam #4 where you can stand and watch the trains pass underneath.

Birding ALMA is well known for bald eagles, tundra swans, herons and pelicans.  Rieck's Lake offers opportunities to view migrating tundra swans.  From December through February, wintering bald eagles congregate around Lock & Dam #4 to feed and are seen sitting on the ice.

Seasonal ALMA offers many surprises throughout the year.  Wildflowers, morning valley fog, spring & fall bird migrations, autumn color and the frozen river keep our city vibrant all year long.  The view from Buena Vista Park and the hikes along Mossy Holly Trail and Buena Vista Trail are fabulous!

 

 

Enjoy The Early River Town Atmosphere Of The 19th Century In Alma, Wisconsin!

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

August               Exhibition of 19th Century Photography

Aug 22              Draft Horse Pull, Alma Rod & Gun Club

Sept 5               Music & Arts Festival

Sept 25             Backroads Tour, City of Alma

Sept 26             Birding By Mini-Train

Sept 26             Nature Talk:  Wild Rice Harvesting

Oct 9-10           25th Annual Quilt Show

Oct 31              Fishing Float Closes For Season

Oct 31              Nature Talk:  Live Raptor Demonstration

 

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POINTS OF INTEREST

   •  Alma Area Museum

   •  Buena Vista Park & Overlook

   •  Castlerock Museum (Grand Opening Fall 2010)

   •  Danzinger Vineyards & Winery

   •  Great Alma Fishing Float

   •  Hiking Trails to Buena Vista & Mossy Hollow

   •  Lock & Dam #4

   •  Mississippi River

   •  National Historic District

   •  Rieck's Lake Park

   •  Stairstep Streets

   •  Wings Over Alma Nature & Art Center