Relaxing Getaway Where You Can Enjoy Nature

The Buena Vista Park in Alma is the place to go for the best view when visiting the town of Alma. The park offers scenic vistas from 500 feet above the town, and visitors can look down on the Mississippi. You may see barges sail by or moving along the Dam #4. There are views of islands and backwater areas, and it is a great place to explore and photograph. The park features a large parking lot, big enough for several cars and RVs or buses. Nearby are bathrooms, grills, a picnic shelter, and tables. Camping is not permitted at the park, but it is a great place to spend an afternoon when visiting Alma.

Alma is a quintessential MidWest town. Its development began in 1848 when two Swiss men arrived to cut the wood they would later use to fuel the steamboats traveling up and down the Mississippi River. After building their small shack, they settled there permanently, and others soon followed suit. Most of the early inhabitants were Swiss immigrant, and some believe they chose the area because it reminded them of Switzerland.

These early settlers built the first streets in downtown Alma, Main Street, which is also known as First Street, and Second Street, sometimes called Upper Street. A number of small connecting street surround them, many of which do not permit vehicles. When the river froze during the winter, the settlers had to find another industry to support their lives, so they build a brewery in the center of town. There were also nearby cigar factories. Fishing and hunting have always played a major role in the economy of the area, and there is a fishing float located near the dam, as well as a fishing dock. Area lodging caters to visitors in town to fish and hunt, and there are a variety of small shops and restaurants located close by.

Buena Vista Park is still one of the gems of the town of Alma. The views are amazing, and since there is no charge to enter the park, it is a great place to head if you are just looking to pass a couple of hours outdoors. There are other nearby parks that do allow camping, so if you prefer to stay in the wilderness when in Alma, it is an option. The city is part of the National Register of Historic Places, and there are a number of homes and businesses in the town whose buildings have been standing since the turn of the 20th century. The Alma Museum features stories and exhibits about life in Alma over the years and is open on the weekends during the summer.

For two months every fall, people flock to the area for the annual swan watch. There is a viewing platform for the event at Rieck's Lake Park. It is a thrill to see swans gather before they begin migrating to the east coast for the winter. Regardless of your reasons for heading to Alma, be sure to visit lovely Buena Vista Park for great views and pleasant surroundings.