Buffalo County is located within the unglaciated, Driftless Area of Western Wisconsin. Pepin and Eau Claire Counties form the northern border of the county, while Trempealeau County forms the eastern border. Three rivers also border the county; the Chippewa on the west, the Mississippi on the south and east and the Trempealeau on the lower eastern border. All of Buffalo County drains into the Mississippi River.

The county contains historic Mississippi River towns with beautiful panoramic views of the mighty river. The Ibach Mansion, the Tritsch House, the Gallery House, and many others 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, in Alma, a city courtesy dock; the only place on the Mississippi River where you can view the Lock & Dam from the middle of town. Unique stairway streets make its downtown unique.