As the northernmost section of the 4-state Driftless Region, the non-glaciated lands of Buffalo County offer 500-foot bluffs along the Upper Mississippi River Valley, high ridges, winding valleys, prairies, oak savannas, river bottoms and an abundance of Wisconsin’s protected natural areas.
The Upper Mississippi National Wildlife and Fish Refuge and the Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge protect the Mississippi wetlands. Views from Buena Vista in Alma and Elmers Auto and Toy Museum in Fountain City are the highest points overlooking the Mississippi River Valley and both are a must-see.
Century farms from the 1850’s when agriculture first came to Buffalo County dot the countryside; while both Organic and CSA farming can be found in the county as well as the newest rage pizza farms which Buffalo County boasts 4 of, Suncrest Garden is the original. Two wineries, Seven Hawks and Danziger in Alma, are part of the local wine renaissance in Buffalo County… growing their own grapes and making their own wines. They are an important part of the viticulture, producing award-winning wines and offering beautiful tasting rooms.
Fountain City and Alma were the earliest settlements in Buffalo County. Today most of the city of Alma is a National Historic District and both communities are full of history about the beautiful historic river towns.
The first art studio in Buffalo County was opened in 1860, and it has been an attraction for artists ever since. Today there is a thriving art community where you’ll find unique one-of-a-kind items inspired by Buffalo County’s natural surroundings.
Make sure you take in Buffalo County’s 470 miles of paved county and state roads for a beautiful backroad country driving adventure. Just get lost in the beauty of the landscape, or try the route from Mondovi to Waumandeee Valley and on to Fountain City and the Mississippi River for a cross-county drive. You’ll wind your way through breathtaking scenery and rural farms to discover a place that remains mostly untouched by modern development. Need proof? There’s only 1 stoplight in the county to let folks from Minnesota into Wisconsin for a getaway.
The entire Western coast of Buffalo County borders the Mississippi and the Mississippi River Flyway. More than 350 bird species migrate in the spring and fall along the Flyway. If you’re a birder, you’ll want to make a stop at Alma where numerous Bald Eagle nests can be seen on the river. Alma is known as a birding hot spot and is being named Wisconsin’s bird city.
Art, antiques, shopping, locally grown food, live music, nature, festivals, and fun await you in Buffalo County.
