Welcome to AlTA
Founded because of the expansion of the Chicago-Illinois Railroad, Alta is the highest point on the railroad in Iowa. Railroad engineer, John I. Blair, named the railroad depot "Alta" in 1870 in honor of his daughter, Altai Blair. The incorporation papers were filed for "Incorporated Town of Alta, Buena Vista County, Iowa" on November 11, 1878 at the State Land Office at the Capitol in Des Moines. Proximity to rail transportation helped Alta develop into a solid farming community.
Settlers began to take residence in Alta in 1869. One of the first commercial structures in the town was the railroad depot, followed by a post office. In 1872, a land company laid out the town of Alta. The original plat consisted of four blocks. Hearing of this new settlement, P.G. Peterson of Chicago moved to Alta to start a hotel and help establish a good town. Soon after, a group of tradesmen and businessmen followed from the Chicago area bringing several businesses to the rapidly growing community. These new businesses included an elevator, a blacksmith shop, a hardware store, a general mercantile, a medical practice, and a law firm.
Agribusiness is still the mainstay of our 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 2000 people call Alta home today, and many others who live in the surrounding rural areas enjoy our shops, parks, and schools. We welcome you to come and explore Alta. Catch our energy!
Upcoming Events
Latest News & Announcements
Due to the Memorial Day Holiday, garbage will be picked up on Tuesday, May 30, instead of Monday, May 29. The City of Alta and Alta Municipal Utility offices will also be closed. Have a safe and healthy holiday weekend!
City wide clean up will be June 6 for house hold items, and June 13 for branches. 2023 Flyer
The Alta Community Chamber set the dates for the City-wide garage sale for June 2-3, 2023.
The City of Alta, Ia. will be accepting sealed bids on property located at 110 E. 2nd Street. The City of Alta’s expectations will be that the winning bid shall begin work by Aug. 15, 2023 to bring property back to standards required by our city code. Substantial completion by Dec. 31, 2023 is required.…
Public Hearing Notice
City Max Levy Resolution – FY24 City Max Levy Resolution – FY23 City Max Levy Resolution – FY22 City Max Levy Resolution – FY21