Nestled along the majestic Mississippi River, Buffalo County, Wisconsin is a place where small-town charm meets big opportunities. In recent years, it’s been quietly transforming into a regional attraction thanks to strategic community partnerships, rural innovation, and the natural beauty that defines the area. From the roar of race cars at the Mississippi Thunder Speedway to serene drives through rolling farmland, Buffalo County is making waves for both locals and visitors alike.
One of the region’s most unexpected and powerful draws is the Mississippi Thunder Speedway. What started as a local dirt track has grown into an international attraction, drawing racing enthusiasts from across North America.
“We have people from almost all 50 states and several provinces in Canada coming to that racetrack,” says Lee Engfer, Administrative Coordinator. “It’s a dirt track, which is unique coupled with an amazing scenic view—there are only about a dozen like it in the country. It is a third of a mile long, offering a quality fast track for multiple racing groups while maintaining a family-friendly environment. The track’s design and view are also one-of-a-kind, which really draws people in.”
The track’s owner, Bob Timm, has played a pivotal role in its evolution. Timm’s forward-thinking approach has led to major events, including the USMTS Nationals and XR Super Series races, which have expanded the reach and visibility of both the Speedway and the county itself.
While the high-speed action takes place at night, the economic ripple effect is felt throughout the day. Tourists camp near the track, explore the region during daylight hours, and patronize local wineries, restaurants, and attractions. What started as one or two marquee races has grown to four major events per year, in addition to weekly Friday night races throughout the season.
“The racetrack has become a hub of collaboration,” says Engfer. “They’ve created partnerships with local bars and restaurants to run specials, and they rotate local vendors and service providers, so more businesses get a chance to benefit.” The track also gives back to the community through 50/50 raffles and cleanup projects that benefit youth and civic organizations.
“People come for the race in May and end up coming back for a vacation,” Engfer adds. “Then they discover even more and come back a second, third, or fourth time. It’s incredible exposure for the region.”
Of course, there’s more to Buffalo County than fast cars. For those seeking peace and connection with nature, the area’s scenic byways, rolling hills, and fertile farmlands offer a rich tapestry of rural life.
District 14 Supervisor Mary-Anne McMillan Urell shared a memorable experience with out-of-town guests: “When friends came to visit, they were captivated by the landscape, rolling farmland, wild turkeys, deer, and vibrant crops,” she tells us. “It was such a contrast from what they were used to in the city.”
John Hadley, District 8 Supervisor, echoes the sentiment, noting that the area’s bluffs offer stunning views of the Mississippi River and year-round opportunities for outdoor recreation. “We’ve got a lot of eagles here,” he says. “In March, when the ice melts, you can see hundreds of eagles fishing where the water starts to open up. It’s beautiful to watch.”
Bird migrations bring even more wildlife watchers to the area, as pelicans, swans, hummingbirds, and butterflies follow the river corridor north and south. These migratory events, particularly in the spring and fall seasons, draw nature lovers, photographers, and tourists eager to experience one of the best birdwatching destinations in the Upper Midwest. Buffalo County is known nationwide for its large white-tailed deer bucks, and has numerous outfitters and public land opportunities for a person to harvest that deer of a lifetime!
For those who prefer two wheels for their scenic road trips, Buffalo County is also gaining recognition as a haven for cyclists and motorcyclists. The county’s hilly terrain and curving roads offer stunning rides with minimal traffic. “There are these winding, elevated roadways that people drive several hours just to experience,” Engfer says. “It’s not heavily advertised; it spreads through word of mouth.”
The Flyway Trail is a new connector bike trail that will be completed in early July connecting Minnesota’s Mississippi River Trail from Winona, Minnesota to Wisconsin’s Great River State Trail, the La Crosse River State Trail, the Elroy-Sparta State Trail, and the 400 Trail, which travels into Reedsburg, Wisconsin, providing 108 miles of scenic biking pleasure! For those looking for something during the winter months, Buffalo County offers numerous ice fishing contests, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing opportunities, to list just a few things to do.
Truly, Buffalo County’s success lies in offering something that feels both grounded and novel. Where else can you find a farm-to-table pizza experience surrounded by goats and cornfields? “We have these ‘pizza farms’ that draw people from hours away,” says McMillan Urell. “You’ll order a wood-fired pizza, sit next to a cornfield, and enjoy live music with a few farm animals roaming around. It’s incredibly charming.”
In addition to pizza farms, Buffalo County also features farm-to-fork restaurants that raise and prepare everything onsite, along with art festivals, small-town farmers markets, and music series like Rhythms by the River. Wineries, distilleries, and boutique shops offer some great, unique opportunities. Visitors enjoy experiences that are immersive, authentic, and deeply rooted in community traditions.
“There’s a location called Kinstone that’s kind of like a spiritual site,” McMillan Urell adds. “They’ve arranged large stones like Stonehenge and hold seasonal events aligned with the sun and moon. It’s both spiritual and fascinating,” she shares.
This blend of rustic charm and cultural curiosity is what keeps people coming back. “COVID actually turned out to be a good thing for Buffalo County,” says Hadley. “People from metro areas were desperate to get outside, and they discovered our rural places. Now they keep coming back.”
During the pandemic, local residents also became more engaged in exploring their own backyards, leading to renewed appreciation for the natural assets and small businesses that define the area. In Alma, the oldest continuous business since 1862 still operates as a hotel and restaurant. Alma also offers a Fishing Float where over 35,000 fish are caught, including sturgeon, walleye, and bass.
To support this growth in tourism and community engagement, Buffalo County launched a new website in late 2024, Explore Buffalo County. “The goal was to create a platform for partnerships and to promote the unique things happening here,” Engfer explains. “When people are thinking about visiting the Midwest or exploring the Mississippi River, they’ll find our site and see all the different things to do in our area.”
Rather than focusing solely on river towns, the website invites visitors to explore the entire county, from the lush valleys and farmland to the cultural hubs and small-town streets. “For residents, it’s like a one-stop shop,” says Engfer. “You can see what events are happening, search for festivals, or check out new businesses. It’s both a visitor guide and a community calendar.”
The site also helps market area businesses through profiles and interactive maps. “We’re making it easier for people to find hidden gems, whether it’s a bed and breakfast, a hiking trail, or a seasonal festival,” Engfer explains. “It’s all part of building a stronger, more connected rural economy.”
Of course, the Mississippi River remains a cornerstone of the Buffalo County experience. It provides recreation opportunities year-round: fishing, hunting, kayaking, tubing, birdwatching, and even ice fishing in winter. The county is home to two locks and dams—numbers 4 and 5—which help facilitate not only transportation and fishing but also tourist attractions like the Alma Fishing Float. “The river really shapes our identity,” says Engfer. “It attracts outdoor enthusiasts, supports wildlife, and helps sustain the local economy.”
Outdoor recreation also provides critical support for local businesses. “Lodging, dining, gas stations, art galleries—they all benefit from people coming here for outdoor activities,” he adds. “Without that, a lot of small businesses wouldn’t survive.”
And Buffalo County’s leaders aren’t slowing down. The Mississippi Thunder Speedway continues to expand, with new food service upgrades completed and more improvements planned for 2025. The county is also focused on sustaining momentum through community engagement, tourism development, and economic diversification. Plans are underway to grow the Explore Buffalo County website, expand rural broadband access, and improve signage for scenic routes and historic sites.
“We’re seeing the long-term benefits of collaboration,” Engfer says. “Whether it’s local businesses teaming up with the Speedway or people sharing their favorite hiking trails and pizza spots, it’s all helping to create a sense of place—and it’s working.”
At first glance, Buffalo County might seem like a quiet corner of Wisconsin, but take a closer look and you’ll find a vibrant, evolving region filled with character, opportunity, and a deep respect for the land and its people. Whether you come for the dirt track or the scenic roads, the pizza farms or the eagle sightings, one thing is clear: Buffalo County has something special to offer. As McMillan Urell puts it, “Sometimes all it takes is getting off the main road to find something truly memorable. We won’t stop you from visiting; with only one set of stop lights in the county, you won’t be held up!”
