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Cities and Towns in Buffalo County, Wisconsin

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Founded in 1853, Buffalo County is one of 72 counties in the state of Wisconsin. Historically, Buffalo County was formed from Trempealeau County. The city of Alma is the county seat. With FIPS code of 11, Buffalo County has a population of 13,302 and area of 671.64 square miles (1,740 km²).

 

List of all cities in Buffalo County, WI alphabetically

  • Alma, WI
  • Cochrane, WI
  • Fountain City, WI
  • Mondovi, WI
  • Nelson, WI

Major Cities and Towns in Buffalo County, Wisconsin

City of Alma

Overview

  • Area: 7.97 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 780
  • ZIP Codes: 54610
  • Latitude: 44.3189° N
  • Longitude: 91.9160° W

Alma, the county seat of Buffalo County, is located along the Mississippi River in western Wisconsin. Founded in 1848, Alma was named after the Battle of Alma, a key conflict during the Crimean War. The city’s location on the river made it an important hub for steamboat traffic and trade during the 19th century. Lumber and milling industries thrived in Alma due to the easy access to timber from the surrounding bluffs. Over the years, Alma has retained much of its historic charm, with its entire downtown district listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The city’s unique geography, nestled between the Mississippi River and steep bluffs, adds to its scenic beauty.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Alma is served by the Alma School District, which includes Alma High School and Alma Elementary School. Key landmarks in the city include the Alma Historical Society Museum, which showcases the area’s rich history, and Buena Vista Park, offering breathtaking views of the Mississippi River from the top of the bluffs. The city is also home to Lock and Dam No. 4, an important structure on the Mississippi River that plays a crucial role in river navigation. Alma’s annual festivals, such as the Alma Music and Arts Festival, attract visitors and celebrate the city’s cultural heritage.

City of Mondovi

Overview

  • Area: 4.41 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 2,700
  • ZIP Codes: 54755
  • Latitude: 44.5670° N
  • Longitude: 91.6715° W

Mondovi, the largest city in Buffalo County, is located in the southeastern part of the county. The city was founded in 1855 and was named after the town of Mondovì in Italy, reflecting the Italian heritage of some of its early settlers. Mondovi grew as an agricultural community, with dairy farming playing a central role in its economy. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century further boosted the city’s development, making it a key transportation hub in the region. Today, Mondovi is known for its strong agricultural roots, friendly community, and beautiful natural surroundings, including several lakes and rivers.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Mondovi is served by the Mondovi School District, which includes Mondovi High School, Middle School, and Elementary School. Significant landmarks in Mondovi include Mirror Lake Park, a popular spot for fishing, picnicking, and community events, and the Mondovi Historical Museum, which preserves the history of the city and the surrounding area. The city is also home to the Buffalo County Fairgrounds, where the annual Buffalo County Fair is held, showcasing the region’s agricultural heritage and offering entertainment for all ages.

Village of Cochrane

Overview

  • Area: 1.13 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 450
  • ZIP Codes: 54622
  • Latitude: 44.2278° N
  • Longitude: 91.8287° W

Cochrane is a small village located in the western part of Buffalo County, near the Mississippi River. Established in 1886, Cochrane was named after a local farmer, Byron Cochrane, who played a key role in the village’s early development. The village grew as a rural farming community, with agriculture remaining a vital part of its economy. Cochrane’s location near the river also made it an important site for trade and transportation in its early years. Today, Cochrane is known for its quiet, small-town atmosphere and its close-knit community.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Cochrane is served by the Cochrane-Fountain City School District, with students attending Cochrane-Fountain City High School, Middle School, and Elementary School. Notable landmarks in Cochrane include the Cochrane Community Park, which provides recreational facilities for residents and visitors, and the nearby Great River State Trail, offering scenic views of the Mississippi River and opportunities for biking and hiking. The village also hosts several community events throughout the year, including the Cochrane-Fountain City School’s annual homecoming celebration, which brings together students, alumni, and residents.

Village of Fountain City

Overview

  • Area: 2.05 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 860
  • ZIP Codes: 54629
  • Latitude: 44.1333° N
  • Longitude: 91.7099° W

Fountain City is a historic village located along the eastern bank of the Mississippi River in Buffalo County. Founded in the mid-19th century, the village was named for the numerous natural springs found in the area. Fountain City became a key river port and trading center, with its economy heavily influenced by steamboat traffic and the lumber industry. The village is known for its steep, narrow streets that wind up the bluffs, offering stunning views of the river. Fountain City has preserved much of its historic architecture, with several buildings dating back to the 19th century still standing today.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Fountain City is also part of the Cochrane-Fountain City School District. Key landmarks in the village include Rock in the House, a unique tourist attraction where a boulder crashed into a home and remains there today, and Merrick State Park, a popular destination for camping, fishing, and boating along the Mississippi River. The Prairie Moon Sculpture Garden, located just outside the village, features whimsical concrete sculptures created by local artist Herman Rusch, making it a must-visit for art enthusiasts and tourists alike.

Village of Nelson

Overview

  • Area: 1.0 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 370
  • ZIP Codes: 54756
  • Latitude: 44.4233° N
  • Longitude: 91.9565° W

Nelson is a small village located in the northwestern part of Buffalo County, near the confluence of the Chippewa River and the Mississippi River. The village was founded in the late 19th century and was named after an early settler, Theodore Nelson, who was instrumental in its establishment. Nelson grew as a farming community, with its fertile river valleys providing ideal conditions for agriculture. The village’s location near the rivers also made it a key site for trade and transportation in its early years. Today, Nelson is known for its scenic beauty, with its riverfront location offering stunning views and outdoor recreation opportunities.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Nelson is served by the Alma Area School District, with students attending schools in nearby Alma. Notable landmarks in Nelson include the Nelson-Trevino Bottoms State Natural Area, which offers opportunities for birdwatching, fishing, and exploring the unique floodplain forest ecosystem. The village is also home to the Nelson Cheese Factory, a popular destination for visitors and locals alike, known for its cheese, wine, and gourmet food offerings. The village’s close proximity to the Mississippi River and the Great River Road makes it a favorite stop for tourists exploring the region.

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