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Buena Vista County

City of Alta

Named after a railroad engineer’s daughter, Alta was incorporated in 1878 at the highest point on the Chicago-Illinois railroad. Proximity to rail transportation helped Alta develop into a solid farming community. Agribusiness is still the mainstay of the community, but new industries – like the production of electricity by sleek wind turbines dotting our countryside – have drawn a rich mix of new residents from diverse backgrounds to Alta. More than 1,800 people call Alta home today, and many others who live in the surrounding rural areas enjoy our shops, parks, and schools. Alta offers pleny of shops and services so you can find what you need right here. A grocery store, furniture and appliance store, Laundromat, beauty salon, florist, jeweler, assisted living community, and several eating and drinking establishments are some of the businesses ready to serve you. Within a few miles, you’ll find a regional medical center, courthourse, and regional airport. On Sunday, worship with one of our five in-town congregations, or one of the many in the surrounding rural areas. Alta residents of all ages have plenty of cultural and recreational opportunities. The city park boasts a new wooden “castle” playground built entirely with volunteer labor. A new baseball/softball complex is one of the finest in the area. In addition, there's a pool, a community center, one public and two private golf courses, and an active community theatere. Alta is home of the Buena Vista County Fair, held every July, and the popular Buena Vista Racetrack packs in autoracing fans an average of 20 days a year. Close by, Storm Lake is a favorite destination for boaters, fishers, and picnickers, while historic Hanover Village brings history to life with its resoted 1930’s store, machine shed, and house. Alta’s a great place to raise kids. The school district is considered one of the premier districts in Northwest Iowa where young people can participate in a wide range of activities – sports, drama, music, and student government to name a few – as they receive a top-notch education. Alta’s public library has Internet services and allows inter-library loan service for patrons. Alta is justifiably proud of it’s own customer-owned Municipal Utilities Company – since 1895 it’s been providing the area with water and electricity. Alta-tec, the local telephone and cable company, has recently begun offering high-speed internet access. You will feel safe in this hometown with a highly-rated Volunteer Fire Department and three-member police force, and an expanded 911 service.