2024-2025 Visitor Guide

24 I Alma, WI A Guide to Historic Bluff Country
Arms, Armor and Art
come and see
a world class museum
on the great river road
Authentic arms and armor used by Grecians,
Romans, Dark Age Warriors, Vikings, Crusaders
and Renaissance “Knights in Shining Armor.”
Open Fridays and Saturdays, 1 to 4 pm
(Sundays – June through August)
Group days by appointment
www.castlerockmuseum.com
402 South 2nd Street, Alma, WI 54610
Enjoy the early river town atmosphere of the 19th
Century in Alma! Perched on a narrow strip of land
between the Mississippi River and 500-foot limestone
bluffs, this small town is only two streets wide, with 12
unique stairstep streets and a “dugway” to the top of the
bluff. Alma is designated as a National Historic District
because of the preservation of over 200 waterfront 19th century
buildings. Some of these are now great lodging options.
Alma offers 30 trains a day for train buffs, the old Burlington
Railroad Hotel, and a walking bridge over the tracks
to Lock & Dam #4, where you can stand and watch the
trains pass.
Alma is well known for bald eagles, tundra swans, herons
and pelicans. Rieck’s Lake offers opportunities to view
migrating tundra swans. View bald eagles all year in Alma,
but from December through February, wintering bald eagles
congregate around Lock and Dam #4 to feed.
Alma is the only local river town to offer lock and dam
viewing from city streets, with two area marinas, four boat
ramps and a sand swimming beach. The mid-town courtesy
dock offers visitors the opportunity to dock and enjoy the
city’s many attractions.
Whether you want to explore the quaint shops and galleries,
dine in some great restaurants, see a world-class collection
of authentic arms and armor at Castlerock Museum,
or enjoy nature by paddling trails of the Mississippi backwaters,
fishing, hiking the trails, or birding, you’ll fill your
visit with great memories! Stop at our Wings Over Alma
Visitor Center or visit almawisconsin.com for more.
Galesville, WI
Galesville, Wisconsin, is 20 minutes north of La
Crosse, Wisconsin, located in the unglaciated
region of the Mississippi River Valley. Founded
by Judge George Gale in 1854, this picturesque community
is nestled among rolling hills, towering cliffs,
beautiful forests, and spring fed streams.
Galesville is home to Lake Marinuka, Decorah Peak,
East Side Farm, Old Main Historical & Community Arts
Center and High Cliff Park. Our Nationally Acclaimed
10-foot apple pie is the centerpiece of Apple Affair always
held on the first Saturday of October. This fun-filled
family event features live music, great food and an abundance
of artisans and vendors celebrating everything
apple all day long. While you are here: tour our apple
orchards and vineyards; explore our walking, hiking and
biking trails; experience fine dining; enjoy golfing, fishing,
hunting, kayaking or snowmobiling; and visit boutique
and specialty shops in our downtown district. Be
sure to take a picture at our Historic Downtown Square,
which earned the prestigious Scenic Beauty Award from
Citizens for a Scenic Wisconsin.
WE ARE LIKE A
CRAFT SHOW
ALL YEAR LONG!
• Easy parking for buses & campers
• Open 7 days a week, year round
608.582.3447
W17878 Silver Creek Rd, Galesville, WI
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Directions: Hwy 53 through Galesville, WI;
turn at the grocery store onto Silver Creek Rd,
Craft Barn down 1 ½ miles on the left
www.craftbarngalesville.com