Step into Living History
Alma is a quaint, historic Mississippi River town with a beautiful panoramic view of the mighty river from Main Street. The Ibach Mansion, the Tritsch House, the Gallery House, and the Laue House are just four breathtaking examples of historic buildings born of a romantic era. They have survived in all their glory to reflect the richness of a lazy little river town, and all except the Ibach House are now a bed & breakfast. There are well maintained beach and recreational areas and a city courtesy dock, the only place on the Mississippi River where you can view the Lock & Dam from the middle of town, and many secret and public gardens. Unique stairway streets make downtown different than any other on the Mississippi.
Alma is noted for having Wisconsin's Great River Road on one side, beautiful bluffs on the other side, and a unique town in between. Ten steep staircases with street names connect Main Street with Second Street. Nearly every house in Alma has a view of the river. The old Alma cemetery is beautiful in itself and is located on the south end of the town. You will find a terraced and well groomed cemetery including a pioneer section, which contains tombstones of some of the founders of Alma, and unusual headstone designs. 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 ascend the trail. The scenery is spectacular any time of year and particularly in autumn.
Join the Swan Watch in late October and November at the viewing platform at Rieck's Lake Park, just north of Alma on Highway 35, to experience the tundra swans migrating to the east coast for the winter. Experience a fall phenomenon among the Mississippi River bluffs as the swans descend on the park. These majestic birds pass through the area on their annual migration from northern Canada and Alaska to the Chesapeake Bay area. Each year, bird lovers visit Alma to see the swans from the Riecks Lake Park Wildlife Observation Platform.
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 paddle boats also travel the river. If you are lucky, you may see the Mississippi Queen, American Queen, or the Delta Queen pass by.
|
