Cruising the Great River Road is an experience all on its own, winding along the Mississippi with one postcard view after another. But when you roll into Buffalo County, it’s well worth hitting the brakes. Every season has its own special way of making you want to stick around!
Fall
Autumn has officially arrived, setting Buffalo County’s bluffs aglow with brilliant reds, golds, and oranges! This stretch of the Great River Road becomes a showcase of fall beauty, perfect for scenic drives, breathtaking overlooks, cozy, nostalgic stops, and all the flavors you’ve been waiting for.
Scenic Overlooks
Buckle up for a ride along the Great River Road, with must‑stop views at Buena Vista Park—one of the most breathtaking vantage points in the Midwest. Park the car, take a short stroll, and you’ll be rewarded with miles of blazing autumn forest, cut through by the curve of the mighty Mississippi River!
Nostalgic Nooks
For the perfect blend of history and storytelling, visit Alma’s Castlerock Arms and Armor Museum. Inside, you’ll discover fascinating collections of arms, armor, and artifacts that bring centuries of history to life.
Fall Flavors
After a day of exploring scenic overlooks and nostalgic museums, slow the pace and treat yourself to the flavors of the season. Head up to Danzinger Vineyards or Seven Hawks Vineyards, each offering sweeping blufftop panoramas that pair perfectly with award‑winning wines.
Whether you pop in for a quick tasting flight or sink into an Adirondack chair to watch the sun slip behind the rolling hills, you’ll savor more than just a glass of wine—you’ll be soaking in the Driftless landscape at its autumn best.
Winter
In Buffalo County, winter reveals a quieter side of the Great River Road. Snowy landscapes, glowing small towns, and the frozen waters create a peaceful kind of magic, inviting you to bundle up and unlock moments that make you feel right at home!
Snowy Adventures
Craving staple winter fun? Merrick State Park transforms into a snow‑covered escape perfect for snowshoeing, cross‑country skiing, or a peaceful nature walk where the only sound is the crunch of fresh snow beneath your boots.
Must-Visit Main Streets
Alma, Cochrane, and Fountain City shine during the holidays, dressed in twinkling lights with cafés serving something warm and strong. Browse festive shop windows, soak in that small‑town charm, and check out seasonal highlights like the December Holiday Show & Craft Fair.
Ice Fishing Fun
Come winter, the frozen backwaters of the Mississippi call ice anglers for a cold‑weather tradition! Join in the fun at community favorites like the January Winter Fest Ice Fishing Contest—keeping the river spirit alive all season long.
Spring
When winter finally loosens its grip, Buffalo County starts buzzing. The bluffs soften into green, the river sparkles in the sunlight, and the air calls you to get outside and explore! So shake off the chill and welcome a new season in this Great River Road escape.
Wildlife Watching
Calling all animal lovers! Did you know Buffalo County becomes front-row seating for one of the best migrations on the Mississippi? That’s right, and we know just the spot: Wings Over Alma Nature & Art Center!
Put it in park, and head up to the viewing deck, where you may just catch bald eagles gliding just above the water or pelicans flying in tight formation. The Mississippi Flyway is alive with activity, and from here you can take it all in.
Unique Gardens
Looking for those iconic springtime blooms? Take a detour to the Prairie Moon Sculpture Garden & Museum. As tulips, daffodils, and early wildflowers bloom, the folk art scattered throughout the unique space takes on new color and character!
Can’t get enough? Head to Kinstone, a stunning 30-acre megalithic-inspired site with stone circles, sculptures, and quiet walking paths. This local favorite is a peaceful blend of art, nature, and spirituality you won’t want to miss.
Panoramic Views
Before you call it a day, hike or drive up to Buena Vista Park above Alma! This time of year, the Mississippi winds through bluffs just starting to leaf out, with soft shades of green rolling out as far as the eye can see. When you come down, check out Alma’s historic main street for a cozy drink, a bite to eat, and a browse through its small but charming shops.
Summer
Long, sunny days and that golden Mississippi River glow make summer in Buffalo County hard to resist! This is the season to savor every moment, from foodie spots to outdoor adventures. So grab your sunglasses, find your favorite spot along the Great River Road, and make the most of summertime.
Foodie Spots
Start your food adventure at Buffalo County’s charming pizza farms—Suncrest Gardens, The Stone Barn, Farm to Fork Retreat, and Barn Again Lodge & Pizza—where creative pies and hearty fare come with beautiful rural views.
If you’re planning a picnic by the river, be sure to swing by Nelson Cheese Factory to stock your cooler with fresh Wisconsin cheese curds and other local delights. Then, you’re ready to head to Foelsch River Side Park in Buffalo City, a peaceful riverside spot with shady picnic tables and a short nature trail, perfect for enjoying your tasty haul.
Water Fun
For a true on-the-river experience, head to The Great Alma Fishing Float. Part fishing dock, part floating hangout, it offers a relaxed setting that’s tough to beat. Some visitors come for the catch, but many stop in just to enjoy the views, fresh air, and local camaraderie.
On-Land Activities
Prefer solid ground under your feet (or wheels)? Buffalo County has numerous ways to explore beyond the river. Tee off at Valley Golf Course or The Grove Golf Course, where scenic fairways and rolling bluffland views make every round a true joy.
If biking is more your speed, Buffalo County offers an array of options! Hit the Buffalo River State Trail (36 miles) or the Great River State Trail (24 miles), or simply cruise the county’s quiet, paved backroads. With little traffic, dark green valleys, and stunning bluff-top views around every corner, it’s the perfect place to soak up the county’s natural beauty on two wheels!
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Buffalo County is more than just a scenic pull-off along the Great River Road. It’s a place where you can let the day wander in whatever direction feels right—up to the bluffs, down by the water, or into a small-town café. No matter the season, you’ll find something here worth slowing down for!
*This article is brought to you by Friends of the Wisconsin Great River Road and Wisconsin DOT.
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Hailey Marien: Writer for Discover Mediaworks. A born & bred Wisconsinite with a love for fishing, hunting, and enjoying the great outdoors.
