Local Attractions
If you feel like stretching your legs, try the hiking trail that runs from Second Street to Buena Vista. Look for the sign on the north end of Second Street. |
 Buena Vista park offers a great view of Minnesota bluffs and farmland up to 30 miles away on a clear day. |
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More Attractions |
Along the river are boating docks for the convenience
of pleasure craft and fishermen. The Alma Fishing
Float is a big attraction for those who love to fish in the deep water.
A ferry will take you to a float located in the middle of the river, just below
the lock and dam. A
courtesy dock has been set up to allow boaters to stop at Alma for a bite
to eat or to visit some of the shops located downtown. Barges and many
boaters travel the river. If you are lucky, you may see the Mississippi
Queen, American Queen, or the Delta Queen pass by.
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The fall season is special in Alma.
View the fall colors by traveling the Great River Road or drive the hills
and valleys of the countryside to see the farmland and wildlife. Bald eagles
can be seen year round and are easy to spot in the winter months while
they fish the river for food. Plenty of migrating waterfowl can be observed
by bird watchers. The tundra swans are among the spectacular waterfowl who rest in the
Alma area. Join the Swan Watch in late October and November months
to experience the tundra swans as they migrate to the east coast for the
winter months. The swans usually stay until the water freezes. Check out
the swan watch website.
www.mwt.net/~swanalma |
| Viewing platform at Reick's Lake Park |
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Lock and Dam No. 4 |
| Authorized by Congress in 1930, Lock and Dam No. 4 was completed in 1935. A major rehabilitation of the 50 year-old lock and dam was completed in the spring of 1994. The work included construction of new central control station, installation of new operating machinery, concrete repair, permanent wiring, new utilities, and lighting. A platform has been built overlooking the lock for better handicap access. This modernization is expected to greatly increase the reliability of this heavily used lock and add at least another 50 years to its serviceability. |
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| Rehabilitation project completed in 1994 |
The pool formed by this dam is the longest in river miles
(44.1) with the largest water area of all the pools in the St. Paul District
of the Corps of Engineers. It encompasses Lake Pepin, which was formed
in geologic time by sediment deposited in the Mississippi at the mouth
of Wisconsin's Chippewa River. Lake Pepin is 22 miles long and up to 2.5
miles wide. It is the only natural lake in the main channel of the Mississippi
River.
Lock and Dam No. 4 Summary |
| Lock and Dam Construction: started in 1932, completed
in 1935
Main Lock Chamber: 600 feet x 110 feet Auxiliary Lock Chamber: if completed would be 300 feet x 110 feet Water Depth: when lock chamber is full, 22 feet Filling Valves: Two Emptying Valves: Two Volume of Water: to raise lock water stage from lower to upper pool elevation (with a 7 foot head) is 3.5 million gallons, which takes 7 minutes Valve Tunnels: 12.5 feet square and 14 feet diameter (round) Intake Valves: there are 6 ports on I WALL and 6 ports on LAND WALL Miter Gate Motors: 25/6.25 HP (2 speed) Tainted Valve Motors: 10/3.3 HP (2 speed) |
To obtain more information, contact the St. Paul District U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
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Wings Over Alma |
Many volunteers of our fine town have established a location
for view of the eagles & other wildlife along the Mississippi River, just south
of Lock & Dam #4. "Wings Over Alma" opened January 5th, 2007 and at
this time is open daily from 10am to 5pm. It provides a deck for viewing,
a nature and art center featuring local/regional art displays, museum displays
and visitor information.
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Open Daily from 10am to 5PM Alma Area Chamber of Commerce Office with local/regional and State Visitor Information. Also on the viewing deck scopes-binoculars also it is a community non-profit funded by memberships, donations, grants. Organization operated with volunteers. For more information can be found at www.wingsoveralma.org Coordinator: Donna Krebsbach for more information 608-685-3303 or email at info@WingsOverAlma.org |
| 118 North Main Street Alma Wisconsin |
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Historic District |
 Downtown Alma, Wisconsin (1910)  |
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| Downtown Alma, Wisconsin (2002) |
The Alma Area Museum houses a wide array of local treasures including Rose Poland's trousseau, Dr. E.A. Meili's office, a detailed logging exhibit, and an original Alma baseball team uniform complete with cleated shoes and its 1927 first place silver cup trophy. Visit the museum during the summer months between 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays.
History doesn't end at the museum. Pick up a self guided
tour brochure to use on your next stroll through Alma. The brochure describes
structures of historic and architectural significance within a multiple
resource historic district which was the first applied for in Wisconsin
to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
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The Ibach Mansion, the Tritsch House, the Gallery House, and the Laue House are just four breathtaking examples of buildings born of a romantic era. They have survived in all their glory to reflect the richness of a lazy little river town. All buildings except the Ibach House are a bed & breakfast. Please refer to lodging. |
| Ibach Mansion |
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Nature Trail |
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You may hike up the Alma Bluff to Buena Vista Park. Take your time walking the path through the wooded area, enjoying the view of the Mississippi River as you journey up the trail. The scenery is spectacular any time of year and particularly in autumn. |
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Reick's Lake Park |
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The fall season is special in Alma. View the fall colors by traveling the Great River Road or drive the hills and valleys of the countryside to see the farmland and wildlife. Bald eagles can be seen year round and are easy to spot in the winter months while they fish the river for food. Plenty of migrating waterfowl can be observed by bird watchers. The tundra swans are one of the most spectacular waterfowl to rest in the area. Join the Swan Watch in late October and November months to experience the tundra swans migrating to the east coast for the winter months. The swans usually stay until the water freezes. Check out the swan watch website www.mwt.net/~swanalma |
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Unique Staircases |
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Alma has 10 steep staircases that connect Main Street with Second Street. Each is identified by a street sign and provides an excellent source of exercise while enjoying the scenery. |
| Old Alma Cemetery |
The Old Alma Cemetery is located at the south end of Main Street near Riverland Energy Cooperative. You will find a terraced, well groomed cemetery including a pioneer section, tombstones of founders of Alma, and unusual headstone designs.