Wings Over Alma Nature & Art Center

Located in the heart of Alma, Wisconsin, Wings Over Alma Nature & Art Center offers a unique blend of accessibility and natural beauty. Nestled within the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge, the center provides a memorable experience where nature and art come together.

Visitors can explore rotating exhibits featuring local and regional artists, each inspired by the area's stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife. Alma is home to hundreds of bald eagles, with many active nests visible from the center’s viewing deck. Herons are frequently spotted, and Rieck’s Lake offers breathtaking views of migrating tundra swans in March and November.

As a vital part of the Mississippi Flyway, the refuge sees half of the world’s canvasback ducks stopping here during migration, along with dozens of songbird species passing through from mid-March to mid-May and mid-October to mid-November.

Each season highlights the region’s beauty in its own way. In summer, morning fog drifts from the Buffalo River and Beef Slough over the Mississippi, creating a mystical atmosphere. Autumn transforms the bluffs and valleys into a brilliant display of red, orange, and gold as maple, walnut, birch, oak, and hickory trees reach peak color in October. Winter brings striking ice formations and hoarfrost, while bald eagles gather near the open waters below Lock & Dam #4, offering an unforgettable sight.

Whether drawn to the abundant wildlife, engaging art displays, or breathtaking seasonal scenery, visitors will find Wings Over Alma to be a gateway to the natural wonders of Buffalo County.