I visited Alma on Sunday June 3, 2018. It was my first stop on a day trip in which I visited three counties: Buffalo, Pepin and Trempealeau counties.Prior to this trip I had never been to Alma and as far as I can remember I had never been to Buffalo County at all. So it was kind of fun to go someplace new.

I drove into Alma along the Mississippi River, passing the big power plant as I came into the city. The city has grown along the river without expanding too much to the east because of the bluffs. The main downtown area is along the river, but the courthouse is located one level up.

The courthouse was built in 1962 and the large addition for the sheriff’s offices was completed in 1988. After I took pictures of the courthouse, and the veteran’s memorial, I drove up to Buena Vista Park, which is on top of the bluff. The view is incredible: you can see the river and the power plant and the dam, and of course that other state on the western side of the Mississippi. Interestingly enough, I was able to look down and see the courthouse from the park.

If you visit Alma, be sure to stop at Buena Vista Park!